hemolytic uremic syndrome

A condition that can occur when the small blood vessels in the kidneys become damaged and inflamed. This damage can cause clots to form in the vessels. The clots clog the filtering system in the kidneys and lead to kidney failure, which could be life-threatening.
(Causes)
• Infection of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (most common) with increased levels of Gr1high monocyte
• Certain medications to treat cancer and to suppress immune system of organ transplant recipients
• Complication of pregnancy, autoimmune disease, or cancer
• Genetic mutations
(Symptoms)
• Escherichia coli caused form first affects the digestive tract. The initial symptoms include:
- - diarrhea (often bloody)
- - abdominal pain
- - cramping or bloating
- - vomiting
- - fever
• All forms of this disease, no matter the cause, damage the blood vessels, that causes:
- - hemolytic anemia
- - thrombosis, thrombocytopenia
- - uremia
• Symptoms of damage of the blood vessels include:
- - paleness, extreme fatigue
- - shortness of breath
- - high blood pressure
- - easy bruising, unusual bleeding
- - edema especially in the legs
- - decreased urination, blood in the urine
- - confusion, seizures or stroke
(Complications)
• High blood pressure
• Stroke or seizures
• Kidney failure (acute and chronic)
(Risk factors)
• Age ＜ 5 years old (most common)
• Age ＞ 65 years old
• People with a weakened immune system
• People with genetic mutations that make them more susceptible to this disease
(Prevention)
• Maintain good hygiene. Wash hands well before eating and after using the restroom and changing diapers.
• Avoid unpasteurized milk, under-cooked food.
• Protect against Escherichia coli infection and other foodborne illnesses
(Treatment)
• Supportive care
• Steroids
• Blood transfusions
• Dialysis
• Plasmapheresis