Severe IgA Vasculitis Nephritis in a 12-Year-Old Senegalese Child

Abstract

IgA vasculitis is the most common childhood vasculitis. Rare among African descendants, renal manifestations remain poorly documented in children in Senegal. We report the case of a 12-year-old Senegalese adolescent who presented with a 3-week history of persistent acute nephritic syndrome associated with symmetrical purpura of lower limbs, polyarthralgia and abdominal pain. Laboratory tests revealed glomerular proteinuria associated with acute renal failure KDIGO Stage 3. Renal biopsy revealed immune deposits of IgA and C3, as well as 95% crescentic fibrocellular glomerulonephritis. The patient was treated with intravenous pulses of methylprednisolone, oral prednisolone and Azathioprine. The outcome was favorable, and the glomerular filtration rate was fully restored after three months of treatment. IgA vasculitis nephritis can be severe and affect vital prognosis and renal function. In our case, early diagnosis and prompt appropriate treatment restored kidney function and that of other affected organs.