An Aged Patient with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

A 63-year-old patient with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) nephritis showed progressive proteinuria. Purpura was observed in the extremities as well as in the trunk without any preceding upper respiratory tract infections or drugs, and it disappeared after corticosteroid therapy although mild proteinuria continued throughout the therapy. Renal biopsy specimens showed mesangial IgA deposits in the glomeruli, but no IgA deposits were observed in the dermal vessels or in the intrarenal extraglomerular capillaries. Progressive proteinuria was improved with 37.5 mg/day of captopril. Severity of HSP nephritis in middle-aged to aged patients in the literature was reviewed. It was suggested that careful observation is required in aged patients with HSP nephritis. © 1992, The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine. All rights reserved.