[Renal manifestation of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in adults]

For a few months a 19-year-old man had red maculae on both feet which spread once a month. He also had macroscopic haematuria. A 45-year-old man was admitted with a deep venous thrombosis of his left leg and acute renal insufficiency. He had a history of purpura on his legs, a skin biopsy of which had shown leukoclastic vasculitis. A 37-year-old woman had persistent hypertension and nephrotic syndrome following childbirth. She had suffered from skin problems and oedema since the age of 6. All 3 patients proved to have Henoch-Schönlein purpura with renal symptoms. In principle Henoch-Schönlein purpura is treated with supportive measures, but if there is renal involvement it is advised to start symptomatic treatment of proteinuria and blood pressure. Depending on the degree of renal involvement, immunosuppresives may also be prescribed.