IgA nephropathy and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura with splenectomy: a case report

A 14-year-old boy who had had a splenectomy at the age of 2 years for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, suffered from IgA nephropathy. Serum IgA and IgE levels were elevated and low levels of circulating immune complexes were detected. Splenectomy may play a role in the pathogenesis or susceptibility to IgA nephropathy by means of decreased clearance of circulating immune complexes or impaired immune regulation, such as increased IgA synthesis.