Steroid-Dependent Recurrent IgA Vasculitis in a 19-Year-Old Woman.

Background: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) vasculitis is common in children and typically resolves spontaneously. However, when presenting in adults, it is more likely to be severe and recurrent.

Case presentation: We present the case of a 19-year-old female patient with recurrent steroid-dependent IgA vasculitis. She had a history of a prolonged episode of IgA vasculitis in childhood. She presented to our hospital with proteinuria and a painful, palpable purpuric rash on her bilateral lower extremities. She was treated with high-dose intravenous steroids. When steroids were tapered, the patient had a recurrence of her painful rash. Over several months, she developed steroid-induced hyperglycemia and worsening proteinuria.

Conclusion: Recent studies have shown that corticosteroids have limited effect on long-term outcomes in IgA vasculitis, but steroid-sparing agents have potential for the treatment of recurrent steroid-dependent IgA vasculitis.