Renal impairment in HSP patients may also resurface during pregnancy. In a 24-year follow-up of patients who had severe HSP and glomerulonephritis at onset, 16 of 23 pregnancies (70%) were complicated by hypertension, proteinuria, or both, and 56% of the 9 women with complicated pregnancies had a poor renal outcome (Lancet 2002;360:666-70). For this reason, all women with HSP renal symptoms, however mild, should be carefully monitored during and after pregnancy.
Dr. Kahn said he had no relevant financial disclosures.