Indications and efficiency of dapsone in IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schonlein purpura): case series and a review of the literature

Conclusion: We suggest that dapsone can have a positive effect in chronic IgA vasculitis when cutaneous manifestations last more than 6  weeks at the dosage of 1–2 mg/kg once per day during 1 week.What is Known:• IgA vasculitis or Henoch-Schonlein purpura is the most common vasculitis in children and affects mostly small vessels of the skin, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. It resolves spontaneously in most of the cases. Exceptionally, cutaneous lesions can last several weeks.• Dapsone is a bacteriostatic antibacterial sulfonamide drug found to be effective in the treatment of some inflammatory dermatological diseases like IgA vasculitis.What is New:• Dapsone is effective against chronic purpuric lesion (>  6 weeks) at the minimal dose of 1 mg/kg/day.• Relapse occurs frequently after discontinuation but responds after a second course of treatment. A longer duration of treatment or a delay in treatment by dapsone does not seem to influence the relapse rate.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research