The authors report retrospectively 38 cases of Schönlein-Henoch purpura (20 males, 18 females; median age, 26 years). Skin (37/38) and joint (21/38) manifestations are similar to those seen in children. Gastro intestinal (22/38) manifestations are less complicated. Long term outcome of the disease depends on kidney's involvement (32/38) and is severe: chronic renal failure in 31%.