Henoch-Schönlein nephritis associated with streptococcal infection and persistent hypocomplementemia: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a systemic disease with frequent renal involvement, characterized by IgA mesangial deposits. Streptococcal infection can induce an abnormal IgA immune response like Henoch-Schönlein purpura, quite similar to typical acute post-infectious glomerulonephritis. Indeed, hypocomplementemia that is typical of acute glomerulonephritis has also been described in Henoch-Schönlein purpura.


METHODS
We describe a 14-year-old Caucasian Spanish girl who developed urinary abnormalities and cutaneous purpura after streptococcal infection. Renal biopsy showed typical findings from Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis. In addition, she had low serum levels of complement (C4 fraction) that persisted during follow-up, in spite of her clinical evolution. She responded to treatment with enalapril and steroids.


CONCLUSIONS
The case described has, at least, three points of interest in Henoch-Schönlein purpura: 1) Initial presentation was preceded by streptococcal infection; 2) There was a persistence of low serum levels of complement; and 3) There was response to steroids and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in the presence of nephrotic syndrome. There are not many cases described in the literature with these characteristics. We conclude that Henoch-Schönlein purpura could appear after streptococcal infection in patients with abnormal complement levels, and that steroids and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor could be successful treatment for the disease.
Rivera
Francisco
F
Sección de Nefrología, Hospital General de Ciudad Real, c/Tomelloso s/n, 13005 Ciudad Real, Spain. friverahdez@telefonica.net.
Anaya
Sara
S
Pérez-Alvarez
Javier
J
de la Nieta
Maria D Sánchez
MD
Vozmediano
María C
MC
Blanco
Julia
J