Help for sleepless parents Encyclopedia Index H hemolytic-uremic syndrome Search hemolytic-uremic syndrome Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in young children. It is a systemic disease, involving a triad of symptoms: - hemolytic (blood destroying) anemia
low platelet count kidney failure It most frequently follows an episode of gastroenteritis caused by an toxin-producing strain of Escherichia coli (E.coli), type O157:H7. It has been less often associated with other infectious agents such as the bacteria Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as some viral infections. The syndrome is most common in children younger than 4 years old. It is usually preceded by gastroenteritis with the usual fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The diarrhea is often bloody, which in itself is always a worrisome sign. Less commonly the illness is preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection - a cold. About 5-10 days later the initial illness is followed by the sudden onset of paleness, irritability, weakness, lethargy, and decreased urination. Examination at that time may also show signs of dehydration, swelling (edema), petechiae, | |
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