A Case of Refractory Henoch-Sch nlein Purpura Treated with Thalidomide.
- Author:
Soo Jeong CHOI
1
;
Sung Kyu PARK
;
Wan Sik UHM
;
Dae Sik HONG
;
Hee Sook PARK
;
Young Lip PARK
;
Kye Won KWON
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Medical College, Seoul, Korea. skpark@schbc.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Henoch-Sch nlein purpura;
Thalidomide
- MeSH:
Adult;
Dermatologic Agents/*therapeutic use;
Female;
Human;
Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch/*drug therapy;
Thalidomide/*therapeutic use
- From:The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine
2002;17(4):270-273
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Henoch-Sch nlein purpura is an acute, self-limited vasculitis syndrome which shows characteristic skin, joint, renal and gastrointestinal manifestations. It is common in childhood and may also occur in adults with fatal complications such as nephritis and gastrointestinal bleeding. We experienced a case of a 20-year-old woman who presented with palpable purpura and severe arthritis. The histopathologic examination of the skin revealed leukocytoclastic vasculitis with perivascular deposition of IgA and she was diagnosed with Henoch-Sch nlein purpura. Despite treatment with prednisolone for one month, she had more aggravated purpura and fatal gastrointestinal bleeding. The symptoms were improved shortly by cyclophosphamide pulse therapy with plasmapheresis but symptoms were aggravated and symmetric mononeuropathy of the ulnar nerve developed. She was treated with 400 mg/day of thalidomide and symptoms were improved. We herein report a case of Henoch-Sch nlein purpura successfully treated with thalidomide which was refractory to prednisolone, immunosuppressive drugs and plasmapheresis.
