Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by the triad non-immune micro-angiopathic hemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. The disease mainly affects children one to ten years of age. It begins after an incubation period of 4 to 7 days with abrupt onset of bloody diarrhoea and abdominal pain. Two to ten days later, microangiopathy, haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure develop. HUS microangiopathy can involve almost any organ, but damage to kidneys and central nervous system cause the most severe clinical problems. This book discusses the symptoms, the treatment options and prognosis of HUS.