Welcome to The HSP and NGAL Study Web Site
The purpose of The Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) and Neutrophil Gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (NGAL) Study is to evaluate a test that measures levels of urinary NGAL. We want to see if this test can predict the risk of disease progression among children with HSP and show if HSP is affecting their kidneys. We also want to measure and understand the changes of NGAL over a 60 day period in children with a new diagnosis of HSP. This study will be the first to examine NGAL levels in children with HSP.
Previous studies of similar diseases have shown that NGAL levels are associated with kidney problems. One of the most serious side effects of HSP is kidney disease. We hope to find out if we can look at NGAL levels in a patient's first-morning urine samples to see how likely it is that he or she will develop kidney disease. Our results may be used in the future to identify children who could benefit from targeted therapy as soon as they are diagnosed with HSP.