Hemolytic- Uremic Syndrome

What to know about Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome ?

Also known as HUS, is a condition that affects the blood and blood vessels with the result in:

  • Destruction of blood platelets

  • Low red blood cell count (anaemia)

  • Kidney failure (due to damage of the tiny blood vessels to the kidneys)

Other organs like the brain or the heart may also be affected due to the damage of the tiny blood vessels.

Causes of HUS:

STEC HUS

Also known as Typical HUS and D+ HUS

  • This is the most common type of HUS, and it usually appears after gastroenteritis caused by bacteria that produce a toxin called Shiga toxin—most often from E.coli. It’s also the leading cause of sudden kidney failure in children in Western Europe and North America.

aHUS

Also known as Atypical Haemolytic Syndrome

  • It’s a very rare and serious kidney condition that happens because of a fault in the complement system — part of our body’s natural defense that’s supposed to fight bacteria and viruses. But when it doesn’t work properly, it can actually damage the kidneys, and if left untreated, it can sadly lead to kidney failure.

References:

Kidney Research UK: https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/conditions-symptoms/haemolytic-uraemic-syndrome/

National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/hemolytic-uremic-syndrome-hus