Hemolytic uremic syndrome

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is an acute, fulminant disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and acute kidney injury. HUS usually occurs in children following an infection, typically with Shiga toxin–producing bacteria (eg, Infection by Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Other Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) The gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli O157:H7 and other enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) typically cause acute bloody diarrhea, which may lead to hemolytic-uremic syndrome... read more ), but may also occur in adults. Diagnosis requires demonstrating characteristic laboratory test abnormalities, including direct antiglobulin test–negative hemolytic anemia. Treatment is supportive care (sometimes including hemodialysis); eculizumab or ravulizumab is rarely indicated. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome, like Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP) Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is an acute, fulminant disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Other manifestations may include alterations... read more (TTP), involves nonimmunologic platelet destruction. Endothelial damage is common. Loose strands of platelets and fibrin are deposited in multiple small vessels and damage passing platelets and red blood cells (RBCs), causing significant thrombocytopenia and anemia (microangiopathic hemolytic anemia). Platelets are also consumed within multiple small thrombi, contributing to the thrombocytope...

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition that affects the blood vessels in your kidneys. When the vessels are damaged, they form clots that block the kidney's regular filtering system, leading to the failure of the organs. HUS can happen anytime in your life, even during childhood. This condition can be life-threatening if not treated at the right time. Fortunately, most children recover. What Are the Causes of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome? Mostly, HUS happens in people with severe bowel infections. These infections are caused by E. coli — a particularly toxic bacterial strain — found mainly in contaminated water, food, or person-to-person interaction. When these toxins enter the bloodstream, they cause damage that leads to HUS. Other HUS causes include: • Infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or influenza • Intake of certain medications, including organ transplant-related drugs used to suppress the immune system • Pregnancy complications • Autoimmune diseases • Cancer (rarely) What Are the Symptoms of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome? HUS symptoms usually vary from person to person, depending on the cause. HUS due to the E. coli bacteria affects your digestive system before damaging the blood vessels. The initial symptoms of HUS include: • Diarrhea with blood • Fever • Abdominal pain • Abdominal bloating • Vomiting When HUS damages your blood vessels, it leads to the breakdown of red blood cells — causing The symptoms of these changes include: • Pale complexi...

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is caused primarily by Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli O157:H7. The most common cause of acute renal failure in children, hemolytic uremic syndrome also can occur in adults. Characteristic features of the syndrome are microangiopathic anemia, thrombotic thrombocytopenia, and renal failure. Although the presentation of this syndrome is diverse, the classic prodromal illness is bloody diarrhea following ingestion of hamburger meat contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the most common mode of infection in the United States. Children with hemolytic uremic syndrome generally present with gastro-enteritis complaints (e.g., abdominal pain or tenderness, nausea or vomiting, fever, anemia); affected adults may be asymptomatic. Complications from hemolytic uremic syndrome can include intussusception, chronic renal failure, and seizures in severe cases. Because an incubation period of approximately one week occurs between the start of diarrhea and the onset of hemolytic uremic syndrome, physicians should maintain a high index of suspicion; early laboratory testing is important to diagnose and manage this syndrome. Obtaining a complete blood count and stool culture and performing Shiga toxin testing are the first of a series of tests that may help diagnose hemolytic uremic syndrome. Clinical recommendation Evidence rating References All stools should be cultured for STEC when the index of suspicion is high for Escherichia coli O157:H7. C , Do not treat wi...

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition that affects blood vessels in your kidneys. It damages your kidneys and may cause blood clots. E.coli is the most common cause of HUS. In most cases, symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, high blood pressure and low urine output. Treatment includes IV fluids, IV blood plasma and medications. Overview What is hemolytic uremic syndrome? Hemolytic uremic syndrome ( hee-mah-lit-ick yer-ee-mik sin-drohm) is a medical condition that blocks the small blood vessels in your What is atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome? Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare type of HUS. Its features include low levels of Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is typically a genetic condition, which means birth parents pass it down to their children. Mutations in some of your genes that encode proteins cause aHUS. Another illness, an infection or an environmental factor triggers the mutation to activate. Who does hemolytic uremic syndrome affect? Anyone can develop HUS. However, you’re more likely to develop it if you: • Are under five years old. • Have a weakened • Have a family history of HUS. • Get Escherichia coli ( E. coli) bacteria, usually from eating undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk. • Have direct contact with someone who has diarrhea due to E. coli. How common is hemolytic uremic syndrome? Hemolytic uremic syndrome has a prevalence of between 5% and 15% in people who have E. coli. Symptoms and Causes What are the symptoms of h...

What Is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome? Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a complex condition where an immune reaction, most commonly after a gastrointestinal tract infection, causes low red blood cell levels, low platelet levels, and kidney injury. Infections of the gastrointestinal tract (your stomach and intestines) are the most common cause of this syndrome. The body’s immune system reacts to toxins released during an intestinal bacterial infection. This causes damage and destruction to blood cells as they circulate through the blood vessels. These include red blood cells (RBC) and platelets, causing them to die prematurely. The kidney is affected in two ways.The immune reaction can cause direct damage to kidney cells resulting in kidney injury. Alternatively, a build-up of destroyed RBCs or platelets can clog up the kidney’s filtering system and cause kidney injury or a build-up of waste products in the body, since the kidney can no longer efficiently eliminate waste from the blood. Kidney injury can be quite serious if left untreated. Kidney failure, dangerous elevations in blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke are all concerns if HUS advances without prompt treatment. HUS is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in children. It is most common in children under the age of 5, although older children and adults can also suffer from the disorder. Fortunately, most people who receive prompt treatment can make a full recovery without permanent kidney damage. The ...