This damage can cause clots to form in the vessels. The clots clog the filtering system in the kidneys and lead to kidney failure, which could be life-threatening.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is characterized by the simultaneous development of nonimmune hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure.
The hallmark histopathological lesion is thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), characterized by capillary endothelial damage and microvascular formation of platelet/fibrin plugs. Other than the gut and kidney, different organs like the brain, liver and pancreas may be affected.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is the most common cause of acute renal failure in infants and young children and follows a diarrheal prodrome in approximately 90% of cases.
Symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome may include fever, fatigue, irritability, blood in urine and decreased urination or no urination. Anemia, low platelet count and decreased kidney function may also occur.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome
