Dermatitis herpetiformis and nephrotic syndrome

A 6 year old girl is reported who suffered from dermatitis herpetiformis, nephrotic syndrome and celiac disease. HLA typing in our patient disclosed the HLA antigens B8 and DW3, which are known to be frequently associated with nephrotic syndrome, celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. In the literature six cases have been reported of the association of glomerulonephritis and dermatitis herpetiformis. An explanation for the development of different immunological diseases in one patient is offered by the HLA type.