Anatom3DHaemolytic uraemic syndrome
Syndroma haemolyticum uraemicum · Hemolyticko-uremický syndrom
What it is
Tiny clots in the small vessels of the kidney shatter red cells and use up platelets; most cases follow Shiga-toxin E. coli (O157) diarrhoea in young children, a few are genetic (complement, atypical HUS).
Symptoms & signs
- Bloody diarrhoea a few days before
- pallor, tiredness
- little or no urine
- bruising, small bleeds
- swelling, high blood pressure
- fits or confusion in some
🚩 Get help if…
- call 112 / 911 now Little or no urine for 12 hours after bloody diarrhoea
- call 112 / 911 now Drowsiness, confusion or a fit
- see a doctor soon Pale skin, bruises or tiny red spots after diarrhoea
- see a doctor soon Bloody diarrhoea in a young child
Where it strikes
Medical treatment
- Blood count, smear, kidney tests, stool test for Shiga toxin
- fluids and supportive care
- dialysis in about half of children — most recover kidney function
- Antibiotics and anti-diarrhoeals in STEC — may raise the risk not confirmed in trials
- Eculizumab or ravulizumab for atypical HUS — prevents kidney failure; meningococcal infection risk trials support
Natural & lifestyle
- Cook minced beef through
- wash hands after farm animals
- unpasteurised milk avoided
- keep ill children from pools and nurseries
Emerging & experimental
- Shiga toxin binders
- vaccines for cattle
Alternative, off-label & anecdotal
Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines and herbal stoppers in bloody diarrhoea — may raise HUS risk not confirmed in trials
- Oral rehydration at home — only until assessed; bloody diarrhoea in a child needs a doctor anecdotal / traditional
ICD codes
- ICD-10 D59.3
- ICD-11 3A21.2 Haemolytic uraemic syndrome