Hypertension in Henoch-Schönlein purpura with minimal urinary findings

Though hypertension is a common feature of Henoch: Schönlein purpura (HSP) acute nephritis, it is seen only rarely and transiently if renal function is normal and abnormal urinary findings are minimal. We report a 3.4 year old girl who had the typical arthritis and rash of HSP, but also had significant hypertension with only minimal urinary findings. Imaging investigations revealed one normal kidney, and one that was almost destroyed from previous reflux nephropathy; her hypertension resolved after unilateral nephrectomy. Other causes of hypertension should be excluded in children with HSP and minimal urinary findings.