A 17-year-old man presented Henoch-Schönlein purpura with renal impairment, nephrotic syndrome needing transitory hemodialysis and hematuria. By light microscopy, the renal biopsy revealed membranoproliferative-like lesion associated with massive subendothelial deposits, some subepithelial deposits, hyalin thrombi and intracapillary neutrophils. By immunofluorescence, intense nodular and segmental deposits of IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, fíbrinogen and C1 q were found to be present in the intracapillary area and the mesangium. By electron microscopy, large subendothelial and rare subepithelial deposits were observed. A skin biopsy demonstrated leukocytoclastic skin vasculitis with IgA deposits in the arterial walls. Treatment with corticosteroids resulted in return renal to normal renal function but persistent proteinuria and hematuria. A second renal biopsy, performed after 2 months, showed a marked decrease in lesions and deposits. Fifteen months later, the patient presented normal serum creatinine level but proteinuria and hematuria persisted. At this time, a third renal biopsy was performed and showed segmental mesangial sclerosis and the decrease or disappearance of deposits. Two years after the first hospitalization, no abnormal serum creatinine or urinalysis were present. This report describes a detailed study of a case presented with Henoch-Schönlein purpura and morphologic features consistent with membranoproliferative-like lesion, who recovered normal renal function and urinalysis; repeat biopsies performed at intervals of 2 months and 1 year confirmed the disappearance of mesangial proliferation, double contours and deposits.

Keywords:
Henoch-Schönlein purpura, Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1996 S. Karger AG, Basel
1996
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.