Sign in  |  Register

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Ency. home > Disease > H > Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

HUS

Treatment

This is a serious complicating illness in both children and adults, and death may occur. The treatment is supportive.

Transfusions of packed red cells and platelets are given as needed. Kidney dialysis may be indicated. Medications prescribed include corticosteroids and aspirin.

Plasmapheresis, also called plasma exchange (or passage of the plasma through a Protein A filter) may be performed, although its role is much less well documented than in TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura).

The blood plasma (the portion that does not contain cells, but does contain antibodies) is removed and replaced with fresh (donated) plasma or filtered to remove antibodies from the circulation.

Prognosis

About 60% of individuals receiving treatment will recover, and the outcome is better in children.

Complications

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of HUS develop. Decreased consciousness, blood in the stool, and absent urine output indicate an emergency situation.

Call your health care provider if you have experienced an episode of HUS, and urine output decreases or other new symptoms develop.

Ency. home > Disease > H > Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS)

[an error occurred while processing this directive]