A recent article published in Physicians Weekly and also by the National Institute of Health stated that immunosuppressive medication and kidney biopsies may not be necessary if children with IgA vasculitis-associated nephritis (IgAVN) meet certain criteria.

Those criteria include blood albumin level and length of the child’s nephrotic status. Note that vasculitis can also affect adults in various parts of the body.

Clinical Manifestations

IgA vasculitis-associated nephritis, or Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis comes with a variety of symptoms, from microscopic blood in the child’s urine (hematuria) to nephrotic syndrome which is a kidney disorder. The kidney is most often affected by vasculitis.

The syndrome causes the body to excrete an overabundance of protein in the urine plus other changes that affect the kidney’s functional structures.

About the Studies

Researchers studied the clinical data received from pediatric IgAVN patients who were treated at their own institutions from 2010 through 2018. The patients who were tested showed nephrotic status with no kidney impairment. The question of whether or not to treat children who have IgAVN has been open for debate.

Out of a total of 216 patients, 17 patients with IgAVN satisfied the criteria and were included. The follow-up period from onset of disease to last observation was a total of 40.5 months.

The researchers concluded that half of the pediatric patients had spontaneous recovery and did not require medication. These patients recovered within three months.

To check out the original study, click here.