Steroid-Dependent Recurrent IgA Vasculitis in a 19-Year-Old Woman

Authors

Hannah Berrett, Menorah Medical CenterFollow
Shivangi Gohil, Menorah Medical Center
Rebecca Kurian, Menorah Medical Center
Patricia Neyman, Menorah Medical CenterFollow

Keywords

immunoglobulin A; IgA; corticosteroids; prednisone; methylprednisolone; drug therapy; adults; case reports

Disciplines

Internal Medicine | Rheumatology

Abstract

Background

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis is common in children and typically resolves spontaneously. However, when presenting in adults, it is more likely to be severe and recurrent.

Case Presentation

We present the case of a 19-year-old female patient with recurrent steroid-dependent IgA vasculitis. She had a history of a prolonged episode of IgA vasculitis in childhood. She presented to our hospital with proteinuria and a painful, palpable purpuric rash on her bilateral lower extremities. She was treated with high-dose intravenous steroids. When steroids were tapered, the patient had a recurrence of her painful rash. Over several months, she developed steroid-induced hyperglycemia and worsening proteinuria.

Conclusion

Recent studies have shown that corticosteroids have limited effect on long-term outcomes in IgA vasculitis, but steroid-sparing agents have potential for the treatment of recurrent steroid-dependent IgA vasculitis.

Recommended Citation

Berrett, Hannah; Gohil, Shivangi; Kurian, Rebecca; and Neyman, Patricia (2024) "Steroid-Dependent Recurrent IgA Vasculitis in a 19-Year-Old Woman," HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 5: Iss. 4, Article 10.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1660
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol5/iss4/10