PULMONARY HEMORRHAGE - AN OFTEN FATAL COMPLICATION OF HENOCH-SCHOENLEIN PURPURA

Two patients with Henoch-Schoenlein purpura developed pulmonary hemorr hage. One patient survived after treatment with intravenous methylpred nisolone and cyclophosphamide; the other patient died from cardiopulmo nary arrest before therapy could be initiated. Although rare, pulmonar y complications of Henoch-Schoenlein purpura can lead to rapid demise unless immediate supportive treatment is initiated.