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The Kidney Connection - Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
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[This is another in a series of articles briefly describing the connection between kidney disease and its underlying factors or related conditions.] Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the most common cause of sudden, short-term kidney failure in children, and is most common in kids aged six months to four years. While the condition is more prevalent in children, adults can also get it. Progression to acute kidney failure occurs in about 50% of HUS cases. What is HUS? The condition occurs when platelets in the kidney's tiny blood vessels clump together. This results in a reduced blood flow to the organ, leading to renal failure. The blocked blood vessels also lead to destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). Many cases of HUS develop following an infection of the digestive system caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterium (a specific strain known as 0157:H7). This is found in contaminated foods and drink. Some people have developed HUS after swimming in pools or other bodies of water contaminated with feces. Often, however, the cause of HUS is obscure or unknown, particularly in adults. What Are the Symptoms? HUS symptoms may develop about a week after problems are first noticed. The doctor should be called immediately if the child has: - Decreased consciousness;
- Unexplained bruises;
- Bleeding;
- Bloody stool;
- Swollen limbs or general body swelling;
- Unusually heavy fatigue; and
- No or decreased urine output.
Other symptoms include paleness, being tired, fever, irritability, abdominal pain, vomiting, and rare seizures. What About Treatments? If a doctor suspects HUS, he/she will probably order a series of lab tests. Blood tests could reveal blood in the urine and higher than normal levels of creatinine. Treatments focus on properly maintaining normal water and salt levels in the body. Some children may need an RBC transfusion, but dialysis is required in only the most severe cases. Studies have also indicated that limiting protein in the diet and treating high blood pressure (BP) with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may help delay or prevent permanent kidney failure. Other treatments may include platelet transfusions to help the blood to clot and an exchange to replace blood plasma with fresh or frozen donor plasma. Preventive Measures Preventive measures include: - Thoroughly washing hands, utensils, and food surfaces.
- Separating raw from ready-to-eat foods.
- Cooking ground beef to a temperature of at least 160 degrees F. HUS is also known as "the hamburger disease" due to several outbreaks in the early 1990s that was caused by undercooked ground beef contaminated with E. coli, resulting in new supermarket labeling and temperature guidelines for hamburger cooked at restaurants.
- Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables.
- Avoiding unpasteurized milk, juice, and cider.
- No swimming in contaminated water.
- Making sure that everyone washes his/her hands after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating.
More Information For more information, log onto: Last Updated April 2007 |