Recent developments in relation to Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) include: a) a proposed new classification of childhood vasculitides including new classification criteria for HSP; b) the identification of various, potentially important, genetic polymorphisms in HSP that may be relevant in terms of predisposition to or protection from complications; c) evidence that prophylactic steroid at the onset of disease does not protect against renal or gastrointestinal complications but does seem to have beneficial effects in treating them.