What is a common complication associated with Henoch-Schonlein purpura?

Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) is a small-vessel vasculitis that primarily affects children and is characterized by a tetrad of symptoms: palpable purpura, often on the buttocks and legs, abdominal pain, arthralgia, and renal involvement. Of these complications, renal failure is a significant concern.

Kidney involvement occurs in a substantial number of patients with HSP, leading to IgA nephropathy, which can progress to renal failure in some cases. The immunological aspect of HSP, particularly the deposition of IgA antibodies in the kidneys, plays a crucial role in causing inflammation and damage to renal tissues. In severe cases, this nephropathy can culminate in renal failure, which warrants careful monitoring and potential intervention.

Severe hypertension and sepsis, while serious conditions, are less directly linked to the pathophysiology of HSP compared to renal failure, which is a recognized potential long-term complication related to the disease's course. Thus, renal failure stands out as a common and important complication associated with Henoch-Schonlein purpura.