HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME

HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME

Hemolytic uremic syndrome happens when the kidney’s small blood vessels become inflamed and damaged. This damage may develop clots in the vessels, causing low platelet and red blood cell levels. Additionally, the clots block the kidney’s filtering system, leading to kidney failure, which is a severe life-threatening disease. 

Moreover, the hemolytic uremic syndrome is caused by other infections, including pneumococcal bacteria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza, certain medications, pregnancy complications, health conditions, and gene mutations.

SYMPTOMS

The primary cause of the hemolytic uremic syndrome is E. coli bacteria which affects the digestive tract. Furthermore, symptoms may include:

  • Bloody Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
  • Vomiting
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Paleness
  • Unexplainable bruising
  • Small urine output
  • Swelling 
  • High blood pressure
  • Confusion

See a doctor if you suffer from any of the symptoms above.

DIAGNOSIS

The doctor will conduct a physical exam and suggest lab tests such as:

  • Blood tests. These tests will reveal if the red blood cells are affected.
  • Urine test. This test traces the abnormal levels of protein and signs of infection in your urine. 
  • Stool sample. This test traces the toxin-producing E.coli and other bacteria.

If these tests don’t work, the doctor will recommend additional tests to identify the cause.

TREATMENT

Treatment for this syndrome will vary depending on what your doctor prescribes. It may include:

  • Fluid Replacement. This restores the electrolytes that the body requires to work and enhances the blood flow into the kidneys.
  • Blood Transfusion. A red blood transfusion is needed if you have a low amount of RBC count. It alleviates low RBC counts and symptoms of anemia such as rapid heart rate, severe fatigue, dark urine, yellow skin, and shortness of breath.
  • Medications. If you have long-term kidney damage from HUS, the doctor will prescribe a blood pressure medicine to prevent or postpone further kidney damage. Also, the doctor may prescribe eculizumab medicine to prevent further damage to the blood vessel.

Surgery and other procedures

The doctor will suggest the following treatments depending on the severity of your HUS condition.

  • Kidney dialysis. It is vital to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood to help the kidneys return to normal functioning.
  • Plasma exchange. It helps extract the plasma from the blood to substitute for fresh or frozen donor plasma.
  • Kidney transplant. It is needed for people who have severe kidney damage.

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]