Question

A male child presented with arthralgia and abdominal pain. On examination, there was palpable purpura over the lower limbs. There is a past history of upper respiratory tract infection prior to the onset of presenting symptoms. Which of the following is the treatment for this condition?

• A. Azathioprine
• B. Methotrexate
• C. Cyclosporine
• D. Glucocorticoids

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

This clinical scenario describes a child with arthralgia, abdominal pain, and palpable purpura, with a history of an upper respiratory tract infection, which is highly suggestive of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP). HSP is a small-vessel vasculitis commonly occurring in children, characterized by the classical tetrad of symptoms: palpable purpura, arthralgia, abdominal pain, and renal involvement.

Management of HSP generally involves supportive care, as it is usually a self-limiting condition. However, in cases where there are severe symptoms, such as significant abdominal pain or renal involvement, pharmacological intervention may be necessary.

In this case, the correct treatment for severe symptoms of HSP, such as significant arthralgia or abdominal pain, is glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms in more severe cases of HSP.

The other options (Azathioprine, Methotrexate, Cyclosporine) are not typically used in the treatment of HSP and are usually reserved for other autoimmune conditions or more severe, chronic vasculitis.

Therefore, the treatment for this condition, given the presentation and symptoms, is glucocorticoids.