Hypertension as a late sequela of Henoch-Schönlein purpura

The development of hypertension was examined several years after an episode of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) in children with or without urinary abnormalities or hypertension at diagnosis. Medical records of 155 children (mean age 6.8±2.3) with HSP from 1969 to 1997 were reviewed for a specific description of renal involvement, blood pressure, and urinary abnormalities. The study group consisted of 86 boys (55.47%) and 69 girls (44.53%); 30% had renal involvement, 5 among them presented with nephritic-nephrotic syndrome. Hypertension was found in 7 patients with HSP on long-term follow-up including the 5 who had nephritic-nephrotic syndrome at presentation, 1 who had macroscopic hematuria but normal blood pressure, and 1 with normal urine and normal blood pressure. These data emphasize the need for regular monitoring of children with HSP with or without renal findings.