CASE REPORT
Henoch-Schönlein purpura in an adult patient: a clinical case with dramatic presentation
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Online publication date: 2013-06-26
Reumatologia 2013;51(3):229-232
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ABSTRACT
Henoch-Schönlein purpura is a small-vessel vasculitis mostly affecting children and usually has a good prognosis. Adults, though affected rarely, may experience a more severe course of the disease. We present a case of a 65-year-old woman with Schönlein-Henoch purpura with dramatic course due to kidney and gastrointestinal involvement, with typical purpura and arthritis. Treatment with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide was administered. Dialysis and surgical intervention were also required. Despite the treatment the patient's condition continued to deteriorate and finally she died of the disease. This case report shows that Schönlein-Henoch purpura may occur and have a severe clinical course in adults.
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