What Is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?

The hemolytic uremic syndrome is a disease that causes the destruction of red blood cells and it mainly affects infants and young children, causing acute renal failure. Acute renal failure occurs when a person’s kidney suddenly stops filtering toxins and waste materials from the blood.

Although most children recover completely without permanent damage, it can lead to many complications and can be a life-threatening illness. Most cases of HUS are usually diagnosed by a pediatrician or the best nephrologist by assessing the symptoms and confirming the diagnosis with a blood test that will show abnormally deformed red blood if the patient has the hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Causes of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

The hemolytic uremic syndrome is usually caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli or E. coli when it enters the digestive tract and gets lodged while creating toxins that invade the bloodstream and begin to destroy red blood cells. This E. coli is usually obtained through the consumption of contaminated food and drink, including meats, juices and dairy products and further causes "gastroenteritis" which is an infection of the digestive tract.

However, HUS can also occur by swimming in lakes or pools contaminated with feces. In children, this infection can cause symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and bloody stools; however, in most children, this infection will only last two to three days and will not develop HUS.

The best nephrologist can diagnose the potential cause of HUC and offers a treatment plan accordingly.

Signs of HUS & Kidney Failure in Children

When a child has developed HUS, symptoms may not appear for up to a week after the infection in the digestive tract occurs. These symptoms can include irritability, tiredness and pale skin as well as unexplained small bruising and bleeding from the nose or mouth due to toxins. More than fifty percent of children who develop HUS will experience acute kidney failure causing symptoms of decreased urine production as well as urine which may appear reddish in color. If this happens, it is advisable to get your child treated by one of the best nephrologists in Pakistan.

The decrease in urination will cause fluid and waste to build up in the body and the child may develop symptoms that include swelling on the hands, feet, face, or the whole body. When a child has any of these symptoms, it is essential that a pediatrician or the best nephrologist be called for immediate medical attention.

HUS Treatment & Prevention

The treatment for HUS symptoms usually involves maintaining water and salt levels in the body as well as preventing any other complications. In some cases, a child may receive an intravenous blood transfusion through an IV tube and in severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to filter out waste products and extra fluid from the blood (in case of complete kidney failure).

In order to prevent the development of HUS, it is essential that food is thoroughly washed and cooked - especially meat. Pools and lakes that may be unclean should also be avoided. If your child has any of the signs or symptoms of a bacterial infection in the digestive tract, it is essential that you seek immediate medical attention as this condition can lead to serious complications and can sometimes be fatal. Therefore, it is best to consult a kidney specialist.

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