What is Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome?

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a serious disease that demolishes red blood cells. A person with this disease may lose so many red blood cells that he or she may develop anemia caused by the syndrome. If this happens, the person may have haemolytic uraemic syndrome anemia. In most cases, the syndrome will be brought on after a gastrointestinal infection, most commonly caused by the escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Though anyone can get haemolytic uraemic syndrome, it most commonly affects children and is a cause of acute or sudden kidney failure.

An infection is usually the cause of this syndrome. In rare cases, it may be caused by a chest infection, such as pneumonia. Although, the most general cause of haemolytic uraemic syndrome is E. coli. A person may come into contact with E. coli by eating undercooked meats, drinking unpasteurized milk, swimming, drinking contaminated water, and eating fruits and vegetables that may have been exposed to the bacteria. When the bacteria gets into the gastrointestinal tract, toxins are produced that damage the blood vessels to the point that red blood cells are destroyed as they attempt to pass through.

Bloody diarrhea is a common symptom of haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Many people may also experience abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. This condition has the potential to bring on acute kidney failure. For this reason, additional symptoms, such as swelling, flank pain and a decrease in urination, may occur. Other serious symptoms of this condition may develop as the syndrome progresses, which can include extreme paleness, jaundice and seizures.

Doctors may use a variety of tests to diagnose haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Most physicians will also perform a thorough physical examination to check for swelling in the body. Blood tests will usually be done to analyze the condition of red blood cells. Specialized tests may also be conducted on the kidneys. A stool culture may be performed to examine stools for the presence of E. coli.

There are several types of medical interventions that may be used as treatment. A transfusion of red blood cells may be given. Additionally, if the person has become severely dehydrated due to the inability to hold down liquids, he or she will usually receive intravenous fluids containing electrolytes. In the event that the kidneys were severely damaged as a result of the syndrome, dialysis will typically be given immediately. Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a very serious medical condition, however, most people will completely recover with treatment geared toward the most problematic symptoms.