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IgA Vasculitis — SCE Dermatology MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardConnective Tissue & VasculitisIgA VasculitisSCE Dermatology

An adult with biopsy-supported IgA vasculitis has palpable purpura and arthralgia but normal creatinine and no gastrointestinal bleeding. Which surveillance remains essential after the rash improves?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: ARepeat blood pressure, urinalysis and renal function because nephritis may emerge later

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · E = shown as C · B = shown as D · A = shown as E

D is correct. Renal involvement in IgA vasculitis may emerge after the initial purpura and can be more severe in adults, so blood pressure, urinalysis for haematuria/proteinuria and renal function must be followed even when skin and joint symptoms settle. Serum IgA is neither sufficiently sensitive nor a validated longitudinal substitute for urine and blood-pressure assessment. The disease is an immune-complex small-vessel vasculitis, not PAN, and ANCA is not its activity marker. Proteinuria, hypertension or declining renal function prompts nephrology assessment and risk-directed management.

Reference: UK Kidney Association: IgA vasculitis guideline: https://www.ukkidney.org/about-us/news/iga-vasculitis-guideline-rcpch-endorsed