Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Causes

There are many causes for this syndrome and E. coli bacteria is one of them. Others such as includes shigella bacteria, drugs, tumors, pregnancy, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

• Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome
• Pregnancy and the postpartum period
• Hemolytic anemia
• Hemolytic anemia
• Thrombocytopenia (decrease in platelet count)
• Acute renal failure ( kidney failure happening suddenly)

Symptoms

• Similar to TTP, although neurologic manifestations less common
• Abdominal pain (may be severe)
• Rectal bleeding
• Symptoms of circulatory fluid overload including fatigue and generalized weakness, shortness of breath, and swelling

Signs

• Pale, weak, ill appearing
• Petechiae or purpura
• Neurologic abnormalities (irritable, obtunded, or focal defects possible), somnolent, and varying respiratory difficulty as a result of congestive heart failure
• Abdominal tenderness, possibly as a result of hepatic and splenic enlargement or a surgical condition
• Hypertension

Treatment

A treatment regimen will be established by your physician based on your individual condition. This may include any of the following:

• Treatment of hypertension.
• In HUS associated with diarrhea, maintain adequate fluid balance and bowel rest.
• Maintaining specific levels of salts
• Blood transfusions
• Avoid fluid overload. Watch for and treat hyperkalemia.
• Kidney dialysis
• Medication