Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a condition that blocks the small blood vessels in the kidneys. The blockage destroys the red blood cells causing

hemolytic anemia

. and reduces the number of

platelets

. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) most commonly affects the kidneys but can also affect other organs. Anyone can get hemolytic uremic syndrome. But it's most common in young children. Most often, infection with certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria is the cause. Other infections, certain medicines or conditions such as pregnancy, cancer or autoimmune diseases can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Carefully observe your symptoms, seek urgent medical attention, and provide relevant details to healthcare providers.
Symptoms

Blood in urine

common

Headache

or Dizziness

or Unusual lightness of skin color

or Pale inner surface of eyelids

or Irregular heartbeat

or Rapid heart rate

or Difficulty breathing

  • Occurs or worsens with exertion

or Fatigue

or Anemia

common

Diarrhea

  • Bloody

common

Abdominal pain

  • Crampy

  • Severe

  • Nonspecific, non-focal

common

Yellow eyes or skin

common

Decreased urine

common

A sudden and temporary alteration of muscle tone, movements or behavior

  • Lasting 15 minutes or more, Lasting less than 15 minutes

  • More than a single episode in a 24 hours, Single episode in 24 hours

  • Generalized, Focal

Feel like vomiting

or Throwing up

Fever

  • Greater than or equal to 38°C (100.4°F), Less than 38°C (100.4°F)

High blood pressure

Risk factors

Attending day care centers

or Recent contact/exposure to animals

or Contact with sick person of gastroenteritis

or Raw dairy product consumption

or Consumption of raw or poorly cooked meat

or Consumption of contaminated food or water

Treatment
Hemolytic uremic syndrome needs treatment in the hospital. Treatment involves: 1-Replacing lost fluids and minerals to make up for the kidneys not removing fluids and waste as well as usual. It also might involve getting nutrition through a vein. 2-Transfusions: In the hospital, the patient might receive red blood cells or platelets through a vein, a process called a transfusion. Transfusion of red blood cells can help reverse symptoms of anemia. Transfusion of platelets can help blood clot better in people who are bleeding or bruising easily. 3-Medicines: Lasting kidney damage from hemolytic uremic syndrome might be treated with medicines to lower blood pressure. Medicines might prevent or slow more kidney damage. 4-Surgery and other procedures: Depending on the symptoms, the cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome and whether there are complications, treatment might include:

Kidney dialysis

,

Plasma exchange

, or Kidney transplant.
Recommended specialist

If you have Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, then a visit to a pediatric nephrologist as soon as possible.

Contact a

Pediatric nephrologist

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