Pregnancy associated RPGN (rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis) with repeated attacks of purpura and arthralgia

Nihon Jinzo Gakkai Shi. 1989 Jun;31(6):693-7.

Abstract

A 35-year-old woman at 28 weeks' gestation presented with purpura, arthralgia and proteinuria. After a skin biopsy had suggested necrotizing vasculitis, prednisolone was administered. Renal biopsy following delivery disclosed crescents in about 60% of glomeruli. After stopping prednisolone, purpuric lesions and arthralgia reappeared. A second renal biopsy demonstrated cellular crescents in about 80% of glomeruli. The symptoms disappeared on restarting prednisolone. However, the patient progressed to renal failure in 8 months. Histological examinations of the kidney and skin suggested microscopic PN.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Female
  • Glomerulonephritis / complications
  • Glomerulonephritis / pathology*
  • Glomerulonephritis / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Joints / physiopathology*
  • Kidney Glomerulus / pathology
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Purpura / etiology*
  • Skin / pathology