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Henoch-Schönlein syndrome and IgA nephropathy: A case report suggesting a common pathogenesis

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Abstract

An 8-year-old Caucasian male presented with two episodes of gross hematuria but was otherwise asymptomatic. Serum IgA levels were markedly elevated and a renal biopsy showed mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with immunofluorescent and electron microscopy findings consistent with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Two years later he developed abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, gross hematuria and a classic purpuric rash of Henoch-Schönlein syndrome (HSS). Serum IgA levels continued to be elevated and 3 years later in follow-up he is clinically well. These observations support the concept that HSS and IgAN are variants of the same process. The reverse situation has been reported in a 15-year-old female who developed HSS at 4 years of age and IgAN at age 15 years.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nephrology Service, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, 401 Smyth Road, K1H 8L1, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

    Frances J. Hughes, Norman M. Wolfish & Peter N. McLaine

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  1. Frances J. Hughes
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  2. Norman M. Wolfish
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  3. Peter N. McLaine
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Hughes, F.J., Wolfish, N.M. & McLaine, P.N. Henoch-Schönlein syndrome and IgA nephropathy: A case report suggesting a common pathogenesis. Pediatr Nephrol 2, 389–392 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00853426

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00853426

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