Real-time-directed M-mode echocardiography: A new technique for accurate and rapid quantitation of the fetal preejection period and ventricular ejection time of the right and left ventricles

Abstract

Although persons of all ages may be affected, 80% of 59 hospitalized patients in one series were younger than 10 years, and 95% were under 15 years of age. Males predominated 3 to 1 (3 : 1). With adult onset, distribution is equal between males and females. Prognosis is excellent if the kidneys are spared. Death in the acute phase is rare (less than 2%) but may occur from gastrointestinal complications or acute renal failure. If nephritis develops, mortality of about 10% results. Late death may occur from chronic renal disease. The effect of pregnancy on the disease, or vice versa, is unknown. Treatment is symptomatic only. Steroids have not been shown to affect renal involvement in the acute phase nor to prevent chronic hisease, and may potentiate hypertension, However, steroids do help when (rarely) the central nervous system is involved. The etiology is unclear although presumed to be from hypersensitivity (allergic) or autoimmune. In the rare case in which a specific allergen can be proved, contact with that agent should be avoided. The outcome of this pregnancy was good; kidney function was minimally compromised during part of the antepartum course, but was normal at term. Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a very rare complication of pregnancy, and only a single case is reported here.