Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a serious health condition that causes hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure after a bout of gastroenteritis. This syndrome is rare and most often occurs in children about a week after their infection.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome typically results from an infection that produces red blood cell destroying toxins, with E. coli being the most common bacterial offender. Other agents for cause are:
Taking mitomycin and ticlopidine drugs may induce hemolytic uremic syndrome as well.
Symptoms of your hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure caused by hemolytic uremic syndrome may involve:
- fever
- uremia
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- jaundice
- irritability
- paleness
- petechiae
- hematuria
- weakness
- small bruises
- bloody stools
- extreme fatigue
- mouth, nose bleeds
- oliguria ~ decreased urine output
Renal failure causes your urine output to decrease because damaged red blood cells clog your kidney’s tiny blood vessels. Red blood cell destruction causes symptoms of anemia. And blood platelet loss causes blood clotting issues. All three are health consequences of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome can cause death, yet with proper treatment most recover without any long term health repercussions. Treatment may include:
- dialysis
- corticosteroids
- blood transfusions
- plasma replacement or filtering
Some do sustain considerable kidney damage that over time can develop into permanent kidney failure. And hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults is similar to thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
If you are experiencing any hemolytic uremic syndrome symptoms shortly after a go around with the stomach flu, see you health care provider ASAP.
