Hepatitis B virus infection and Schonlein-Henoch purpura

G. Maggiore, A. Martini, S. Grifeo, C. De Giacomo and M. S. Scotta

Sch onlein -Henoch purpura developed in two children in association with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The first child, an 8-year-old boy, first had a clinical picture of Sch onlein -Henoch purpura and then was found to have HBV-related chronic persistent hepatitis. In the second child, a 6-year-old girl, characteristic skin lesions, arthralgia, and proteinuria developed during acute hepatitis B. Immunofluorescence demonstrated IgA deposition in the renal glomeruli of the first patient. We suggest that evidence of HBV infection should be sought in patients with Sch onlein -Henoch purpura.