Recurrent Henoch-Schönlein purpura following renal transplantation

A 20-year-old patient with Henoch-Schönlein purpura leading to end-stage renal failure received a living-related renal transplant. She was treated with conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Following a quiescent period of 18 months pretransplant, at 3 months after engraftment there was recurrence of purpuric lesions with subsequent abdominal pain and glomerulonephritis. Renal and skin biopsies confirmed the immunopathologic changes of Henoch-Schönlein purpura. This case represents the second report of an adult with multiorgan recurrence of Henoch-Schönlein purpura following transplantation.