Schönlein-Henoch purpura during pregnancy with successful outcome for mother and newborn.
BACKGROUND
Schönlein-Henoch purpura is a systemic vasculitis that affects vessels of a small caliber and rarely reported in the literature.


METHODS
We report on a 35-year-old woman who developed palpable purpura with necrotizing cutaneous lesions on the lower limbs at 27 weeks of gestation. She also complained of epigastric pain and arthralgias. Histologic examination of a skin biopsy showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis with intravascular fibrin thrombi. The direct immunofluorescence analysis evidenced vascular deposits of IgA and C3 in the upper and mid-dermis. These findings were consistent with Schönlein-Henoch purpura. There was no evidence of renal involvement or placental dysfunction. The patient was treated with low-dose oral corticosteroids and a healthy infant was delivered by cesarean section. Examination of the placenta and the navel string disclosed no signs of vasculitis or infarction.


CONCLUSIONS
Schönlein-Henoch purpura is rarely reported in pregnancy. Treatment with orally administered corticosteroids may lead to a beneficial outcome for mother and newborn.
Feldmann
Robert
R
Department of Dermatology, Lainz Municipal Hospital, Vienna, Austria. fer@der.khl.magwien.gv.at
Rieger
Walter
W
Sator
Paul G
PG
Gschnait
Friedrich
F
Breier
Friedrich
F
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011695:IgA Vasculitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones