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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Symptoms & Signs

Prevention

Diagnosis & Tests

Treatment

Expectations or Prognosis

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Alternate Names : HUS


Definition

HUS is a disorder marked by kidney failure, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia (platelet deficiency), coagulation defects, and variable nervous system signs.

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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

This disorder is most common in children. It frequently occurs after a gastrointestinal (enteric) infection, often one caused by a specific E. coli bacteria (Escherichia coli O157:H7). It has also been associated with other enteric infections including Shigella and Salmonella and some non-enteric infections.

HUS, once relatively rare, is increasing in children. It is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in children. Several large outbreaks in 1992 and 1993 were attributed to undercooked hamburger contaminated with E. coli. Because of this association, supermarket hamburger has new labeling, and there are new temperature guidelines for hamburger cooked at fast-food chains and restaurants.

HUS is less common in adults. Most adult cases have been reported in patients with cancer who have received the chemotherapy drug 5-FU.

Predisposing risk factors are not known. HUS occasionally occurs in association with a variety of other diseases and infections. About 1 in 10,000 people get it.

HUS often begins with vomiting and diarrhea (which may be bloody). Within a week, the patient develops weakness and irritability. Urine output decreases dramatically and may almost cease. Because red blood cells are being destroyed (a process called hemolysis), the patient rapidly becomes anemic and pale.



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Definition
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Symptoms & Signs
Prevention
Diagnosis & Tests
Treatment
Prognosis
Complications
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Acute Kidney Failure
Anemia
Chronic Renal Failure
Hemolytic Anemia
Prerenal Azotemia
Thrombocytopenia

Tests & Exams

BUN
CBC
CHEM-20
Creatinine - Serum
Dialysis
Fecal Culture
Hemoglobin
Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
Platelet Count
Protein - Urine
Prothrombin Time (PT)
Renal Biopsy
Urinalysis
WBC Count

Other Topics

Antibody
Bleeding Into the Skin
Bloody or Tarry Stools
Consciousness - Decreased
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Fever
Hemolysis
Jaundice - Yellow Skin
Nausea and Vomiting
Paleness
Seizures
Urine Output - Decreased
Weakness

Review Date : 6/1/2003
Reviewed By : Marcia S. Brose, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Hematology/Oncology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Main Page of Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (HUS)






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