Schönlein-Henoch purpura during pregnancy: Case report and review of the literature

• Published in: The journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research Vol. 30; no. 1; pp. 37 - 41
• Main Authors: Koizumi, Minako, Hagino, Daisuke, Fukuyama, Chiyoko, Abe, Kanako, Inoue, Kumiko, Arai, Yuko, Takechi, Kimihiro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Science Pty 01.02.2004
• Subjects: Adult; Female; Humans; Kidney Diseases - complications; nephropathy; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic - drug therapy; Pregnancy Outcome; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch - complications; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch - drug therapy; Schönlein-Henoch purpura; steroid therapy; systemic vasculitis
• ISSN: 1341-8076; 1447-0756
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1341-8076.2004.00153.x

The clinical features of Schönlein–Henoch Purpura (SHP) consist of non‐thrombocytopenic purpura in association with joint, gastrointestinal and renal involvements. Because it is uncommon in adults, there is little information on the effects of SHP on pregnancy in the literature. This report documents the clinical findings and outcome of an uncommon case of SHP affecting a woman who was 25 weeks pregnant. Prompt steroid‐therapy induced a rapidly favorable course and successful vaginal delivery at 40 weeks gestation. If SHP develops during pregnancy, it is not always easy to distinguish from obstetrical complications such as pre‐eclampsia. An early diagnosis is important especially if renal involvement exists, because the prognosis for this disease can include nephropathy and it therefore needs close monitoring.