title: Henoch-Schönlein syndrome and IgA nephropathy: a case report suggesting a common pathogenesis.
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.
authors.affiliation: University of Ottawa, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.forename: N M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Wolfish
authors.forename: P N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: McLaine
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology*; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D007070:Immunoglobulin A