A case of Henoch-Schönlein purpura in the elderly: not just a 'second childhood'

Aging Clin Exp Res. 2012 Oct;24(5):559-60. doi: 10.3275/8476. Epub 2012 Jun 25.

Abstract

Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) is a small vessel-vasculitis that usually affects children and adolescents; its onset in adults is uncommon.We describe a case of HSP complicated with nephritis and extensive deep vein thrombosis in an 81-year-old Caucasian woman, successfully treated with oral corticosteroids. Even at the extremes of age, HSP should be considered in the differential diagnosis of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, with a particular attention to renal involvement, because of its potential morbidity and mortality in the elderly; in addition, ruling out an occult thrombotic event in course of HSP is mandatory, especially in the presence of additional thrombotic risk factors.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / administration & dosage
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anticoagulants / pharmacology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • IgA Vasculitis / complications*
  • IgA Vasculitis / diagnosis*
  • IgA Vasculitis / drug therapy
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin / pathology
  • Thrombosis
  • Venous Thrombosis / complications
  • Venous Thrombosis / diagnosis
  • Venous Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Warfarin / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Anticoagulants
  • Warfarin