Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

Life-Threatening If Not Treated

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition that can occur when the small blood vessels in your kidneys become inflamed and damaged.

Damage caused by clots forming in the vessels prevents the kidneys from filtering, which may lead to kidney failure, a life-threatening condition.

Children under 10

Anyone can develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome it more common to see in children under the age of 10.

Acute Kidney Injury

In many cases HUS is caused by infection with certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The first symptom of this form of HUS is several days of diarrhea.

HUS is a serious condition and one to not to take lightly.

For most people with proper treatment a full recovery is expected. especially young children. However, you must be mindful with children. Below are common symptoms to watch for along with warnings.

Common Symptoms

The initial signs and symptoms of this form of HUS may include:

Diarrhea, which is often bloody
Abdominal pain, cramping or bloating
Vomiting
Fever

All forms of HUS, no matter the reason the disease does damage the blood vessels. The damage is caused by red blood cells breaking down (called anemia), causing blood clots to form in the blood vessels leading to kidney damage.

Signs and symptoms of these changes include:

Shortness of breath
Extreme fatigue
Pale colouring, including loss of pink colour in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids
High blood pressure
Unexplained bruises
Unusual bleeding, such as bleeding from the nose and mouth
Decreased urination or blood in the urine
Swelling (edema) of the legs, feet or ankles, and less often in the face, hands, feet or entire body
Confusion, seizures or stroke

See your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences bloody diarrhea or several days of diarrhea followed by:

Decreased urine output
Swelling
Unexplained bruises
Unusual bleeding
Extreme fatigue

Seek emergency care if you or your child doesn't urinate for 12 hours or more.

Lower the Risk of HUS

The majority of HUS cases are caused by infection with certain strains of E. coli bacteria.

E.coli grown over night on an agar plate

Keep hot foods hot!

Exposure to E. coli can occur when you:

Hot & Cold

Foods not properly stored or prepared can become contaminated. Be cautious with meat and produce.

Water troubles

Swim in pools or lakes contaminated with feces. Never swim either if you are suffering with diarrhea.

Stay alert

Have close contact with an infected person, such as within a family or at a child care centre.

Weaker Immune

People who have a weakened immune system are at a higher risk.

Age matters

Children 5 years of age or younger and adults 65 years of age or older are at a higher risk in developing HUS.

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