Counsel a family on a new diagnosis of IgA vasculitis and the renal monitoring — OSCE

Candidate brief

You have eight minutes to counsel the parents of a five-year-old boy who has just been diagnosed with IgA vasculitis (Henoch-Schonlein purpura), following the overnight appearance of a palpable purpuric rash on his lower legs and ankles, some knee pain, and a tummy ache. The platelet count and coagulation are normal, and the urinalysis shows microscopic haematuria with trace protein. The parents have read online that the disease causes kidney failure and that steroids are needed, and they are frightened. Use a structured, honest, empathic approach that names the diagnosis, explains the typical course, addresses the online fears, and builds a clear monitoring and safety-netting plan. ^[2][4]