Methylprednisolone pulse therapy and intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy combined with cocktail therapy in severe pediatric Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis patient.

Abstract

Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) is a common self-limited vasculitis in children. The long-term prognosis depends on renal involvement. In severe Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) patients, >50 % have crescent formation and nephrotic syndrome that are important predicted outcomes. Therefore, for such patients, an aggressive immunosuppressive therapy is needed to prevent the progression. However, there is no consensus for an appropriate therapeutic regimen for severe pediatric HSPN patients. In this paper, we have reported on a 6-year-old boy who presented with HSPN with nephrotic syndrome and severe histopathological abnormalities; he was diagnosed with International Study of Kidney Disease in Children (ISKDC) grade IVb. Despite treatment with methylprednisolone pulse therapy, followed by oral prednisolone and dipyridamole; the nephrotic syndrome persisted. Subsequently, intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy (IVCY) (500–1,000 mg m−2 once a month for 7 months; total 6,000 mg m−2) was administered, followed by azathioprine and enarapril. Within 7 months of disease onset, complete remission was achieved. After 22 months of the initial renal biopsy, the second biopsy was performed to confirm treatment efficacy. Histopathological findings improved, and ISKDC grade IIIa was diagnosed. Even after 5 years of HSPN onset, complete remission and normal renal function is maintained. Although our evidence is restricted to single patient, we have shown that MPT and IVCY combined with cocktail therapy may be an effective treatment for severe pediatric HSPN.