Early prednisone treatment and nephropathy in anaphylactoid purpura

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of prednisone in early Henoch Schönlein Purpura [ISRCTN85109383]

“…Some of these studies suggested that corticosteroids were beneficial in preventing renal involvement [11,13], while others showed no benefit [8,15-18]. Unfortunately, interpretation of these studies is hampered by their retrospective design.…”

“…There have been eight publications addressing this issue [8,11,13-18], including two by the same author with overlapping patients. Unfortunately, these studies are fraught with methodological flaws, and the only prospective study failed to use appropriate randomization or a placebo [14].…”

Management of the Connective Tissue Diseases of Childhood

“…136,144,145 Similarly, prednisone has also been advocated in the management of orchitis, potentially preventing surgical intervention. 141,142,146,148,149 Two prospective, randomized, controlled studies examining the use of steroids early in the course of HSP have been performed. Several small, retrospective studies provide conflicting evidence regarding the reduction of renal progression with early use of prednisone.…”