Abstract
Individuals with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) who are homozygous for the deletion (D) polymorphism of the gene for angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) are reported to be at increased risk of progressive renal damage. Since IgAN and Henoch-Schönlein purpura with associated nephritis (HSPN) share a common aetiology, we have investigated this influence in 31 children with HSPN. The distribution of genotypes was as follows: II: 4, ID: 17 and DD: 10 patients. Median length of follow-up was 4.5 years (range 0.5–15.75 years). Severe onset with nephrotic oedema and crescent formation on renal biopsy was seen in 10 of 17 patients with ID genotype and 5 of 10 patients with DD genotype. In the ID group, 2 patients have undergone renal transplantation and 4 have persistent proteinuria 4, 7, 9 and 10 years after presentation. One patient in the DD group has been transplanted and 1 patient has proteinuria and a reduced glomerular filtration rate 5 years after initial presentation. All other patients have either made a complete recovery or have microscopic haematuria alone. These results do not support an association between disease severity and DD genotype in children with HSPN; however larger studies are required to confirm this.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Received: 10 November 1998 / Revised: 24 June 1999 / Accepted: 25 June 1999
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Dudley, J., Afifi, E., Gardner, A. et al. Polymorphism of the ACE gene in Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis. Pediatr Nephrol 14, 218–220 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004670050045
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004670050045