Disease: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

Overview

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition caused by the abnormal destruction of red blood cells. The damaged red blood cells clog the filtering system in the kidneys, which can lead to life-threatening kidney failure.

HUS usually develops in children after five to 10 days of diarrhea — often bloody — caused by infection with certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Adults also can develop HUS due to E. coli or other types of infection, certain medications, or pregnancy.

HUS is a serious condition. But timely and appropriate treatment leads to a full recovery for most people, especially young children.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of HUS can include:

  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Decreased urination or blood in the urine
  • Abdominal pain, vomiting and occasionally fever
  • Pallor
  • Small, unexplained bruises or bleeding from the nose and mouth
  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Confusion or seizures
  • High blood pressure
  • Swelling of the face, hands, feet or entire body

When to see a doctor

See your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences bloody diarrhea or several days of diarrhea followed by:

  • Decreased urine output
  • Unexplained bruises
  • Unusual bleeding
  • Extreme fatigue

Seek emergency care if you or your child doesn't urinate for 12 hours or more.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Causes

The most common cause of HUS — particularly in children under the age of 5 — is infection with E. coli bacteria that produce certain toxins (shiga toxin-producing E. coli or STEC). One such strain of E. coli is known as E. coli O157:H7. Other strains of E. coli have also been linked to HUS.

E. coli refers to a group of bacteria normally found in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. Most of the hundreds of types of E. coli are normal and harmless. But some strains of E. coli — including those that cause HUS — are responsible for serious foodborne infections.

E. coli can be found in:

  • Contaminated meat or produce
  • Swimming pools or lakes contaminated with feces

Sometimes, E. coli infection is spread through close contact with an infected person, such as within a family or at a day care center.

Most people who are infected with E. coli, even the more dangerous strains, don't develop HUS.

Other causes of HUS can include:

  • The use of certain medications, such as quinine sulfate (Qualaquin), some chemotherapy medications, medications containing the immunosuppressant cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune, Gengraf) and anti-platelet medications
  • Certain infections, such as HIV/AIDS or an infection with the pneumococcal bacteria
  • Rarely, pregnancy

Susceptibility to an uncommon type of HUS — known as atypical HUS, primary HUS or complement-mediated HUS — can be passed down genetically to children. People who have inherited the mutated gene that causes atypical HUS won't necessarily develop the condition. The mutated gene might be activated after an upper respiratory or abdominal infection.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Diagnosis

To confirm a diagnosis of HUS, your doctor is likely to recommend lab tests, including:

  • Blood tests. These tests can determine if your red blood cells are damaged. Blood tests can also reveal a low platelet count, low red blood cell count or a higher than normal level of creatinine, a waste product normally removed by your kidneys.
  • Urine test. This test can detect abnormal levels of protein, blood and signs of infection in your urine.
  • Stool sample. This test might detect toxin-producing E. coli and other bacteria that can cause HUS.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Complications

HUS can cause life-threatening complications, including:

  • Kidney failure, which can be sudden (acute) or develop over time (chronic)
  • High blood pressure
  • Stroke
  • Coma
  • Intestinal problems, such as inflammatory colitis
  • Heart problems

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Prevention

Meat or produce contaminated with E. coli won't necessarily look, feel or smell bad. To protect against E. coli infection and other foodborne illnesses:

  • Avoid unpasteurized milk, juice and cider.
  • Wash hands well before eating and after using the restroom and changing diapers.
  • Clean utensils and food surfaces often.
  • Cook meat to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Defrost meat in the microwave or refrigerator.
  • Keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods. Don't place cooked meat on plates previously contaminated by raw meat.
  • Store meat below produce in the refrigerator to reduce the risk of liquids such as blood dripping on produce.
  • Avoid unclean swimming areas. Don't swim if you have diarrhea.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors

The risk of developing HUS is highest for:

  • Children under 5 years of age
  • People over 75
  • People with certain genetic changes that make them more susceptible

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

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