Clinical features and outcomes of diffuse endocapillary proliferation Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis in children

OBJECTIVE To investigate the outcomes of childhood diffuse endocapillary proliferation Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (DEP-HSPN) in response to early diagnosis and prompt treatment. METHODS Eleven cases of DEP-HSPN in children were investigated in comparison to HSPN without diffuse endocapillary proliferation (non-DEP-HSPN). RESULTS DEP-HSPN had a higher prevalence of nephrotic syndrome but a lower prevalence of hematuria compared to non-DEP-HSPN. IgA, IgG and IgM antibody deposition was found in DEP-HSPN by histopathological examination. Proteinuria cleared in all 11 cases through treatment with steroids and/or immunosuppressive drugs. However, half of the DEP-HSPN patients continuously had hematuria after treatment. CONCLUSION The early diagnosis and prompt initiation of immunosuppressive treatment based on renal biopsy are important for achieving favorable outcomes.