hemolytisch-uremisch syndroom

Key facts

Other names

Haemolytic–uraemic syndrome

Specialty

Pediatrics , nephrology

Symptoms

Early: Bloody diarrhea , vomiting , fever Later: Low platelets , low red blood cells , kidney failure

Complications

Neurological problems , heart failure

Types

Shiga toxin–producing E. coli HUS (STEC HUS), S. pneumoniae -associated HUS (SP-HUS), Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), Cobalamin C HUS

Causes

Infection by E coli O157:H7 , shigella , salmonella

Risk factors

Younger age, female, immunocompromised, or existing renal, urinary, or lower GI disease (because these are the systems involved in the disease)

Differential diagnosis

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), certain problems with an artificial heart valve

Treatment

Supportive care , dialysis , steroids , blood transfusions , plasmapheresis

Prognosis

<25% long-term kidney problems, which for some of these, could include chronic kidney dysfunction or even failure (which could ultimately need dialysis or transplantation to treat); 5% risk of death during the illness in developed countries with treatment