Ranitidine administration in Henoch-Schönlein vasculitis

In this study, we discuss 12 patients with gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding who were diagnosed as having Henoch Schoenlein vasculitis (HSV) in Dr Behçet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, between January 1991 and January 1992. Seven male and five female patients were included in the study. Their ages ranged between 6–14 years. The patients were separated into two identical groups and were given ranitidine or a placebo. Both groups were followed up for abdominal pain and GI bleeding. In the group administered ranitidine the duration and severity of abdominal pain and gastrointestinal bleeding decreased significantly as compared to the group taking placebo (P <0.05). No side effects of ranitidine were observed. As a result, it was concluded that ranitidine could be used to treat HSV with GI symptoms.