Histologic recurrence of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura nephropathy after renal transplantation on routine allograft biopsy.

Background: Henoch-Schonlein Purpura nephropathy (HSPN) recurrence in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) has been reported in 35% of patients, leading in 11% of these patients to graft loss at 5 years. However, its true incidence is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate this recurrence incidence using routine allograft biopsies (RBs).
Methods: All RTRs with biopsy-proven HSP initial nephropathy were included (13 RTRs and 18 renal transplantations). At transplantation, the median age was 34 years, and 85% of RTRs were men. Overall, we analyzed 66 RBs that were routinely performed at 3 and 12 months after RT and when clinically indicated. Histologic recurrence was defined as the presence of IgA deposits within the mesangium and along the glomerular capillary walls.
Results: After a median follow-up of 83 months (range, 13-232 months; interquartile range, 26-235 months), histologic recurrence was detected in 69% of patients and in 61% of grafts after a mean period of 24 months (range, 1-156 months). Clinical or biological signs were absent in all but one. Patient survival was 92.8%. Graft loss occurred in five cases, never were related to recurrence. At the last follow-up, the mean glomerular filtration rate was 48±14.2 mL/min/1.73 m(2); in patients with and without recurrence, the mean rates were 52.1±17.5 and 42.4±5.3 mL/min/1.73 m(2), respectively (P=0.27).
Conclusion: Histologic recurrence of HSPN after RT is frequently observed on routine RBs but is not associated with clinical consequences. The short-term prognosis of recurrence is good, but its long-term prognosis remains to be determined.