Renal manifestations of Henoch–Schönlein purpura in a 6-month prospective study of 223 children

Objective To assess the risk factors for developing Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSN) and to determine the time period when renal involvement is unlikely after the initial disease onset. Design A prospective study of 223 paediatric patients to examine renal manifestations of Henoch–Schönlein purpura (HSP). The patient's condition was monitored with five outpatient visits to the research centre and urine dipstick testing at home. Results HSN occurred in 102/223 (46%) patients, consisting of isolated haematuria in 14%, isolated proteinuria in 9%, both haematuria and proteinuria in 56%, nephrotic-range proteinuria in 20% and nephrotic-nephritic syndrome in 1%. The patients who developed HSN were significantly older than those who did not (8.2±3.8 vs 6.2±3.0 years, p