A case of Henoch-Schoenlein purpura nephritis recurring after 3 years remission

Henoch-Schoenlein purpura (HSP) is a systemic disorder characterized by leukocytoclastic vasculitis involving the capillaries with IgA immune complexes deposition, and about 7% of patients with HSP experience recurrence. Most patients with recurring of HSP nephritis show a recurrence of clinical symptoms over a period ranging from 2 to 5 months, even after the disappearance of initial symptoms. Here we report a 9-year-old girl diagnosed with recurrent HSP and severe crescentic glomerulonephritis 3 years after complete resolution of the initial symptoms of HSP. Our case is unique in respect of the recurrence at more than 3 years after the complete resolution of initial symptoms, suggesting that careful followup is required in spite of improved renal symptoms in cases of HSP.