Which of the following best describes standard management of Henoch-Schönlein purpura?

• A. Supportive care with analgesics and adequate hydration; steroids for GI inflammation
• B. Antibiotics and hydration
• C. Immunosuppressants
• D. Anticoagulation

Answer: (A)

HSP is usually a self-limited IgA vasculitis in children, so the main goal is supportive care that relieves symptoms and maintains hydration. Controlling pain with appropriate analgesics and ensuring adequate fluids address the most common issues, like arthralgia and abdominal discomfort. Steroids aren’t needed for every patient, but they can help when GI inflammation is significant—severe, persistent abdominal pain or gastrointestinal symptoms may improve with short courses of corticosteroids. Antibiotics aren’t useful unless there’s another infection, and immunosuppressants or anticoagulants aren’t part of standard management for typical HSP. The condition often resolves in a few weeks, with careful monitoring for kidney involvement and other complications.