Hemolytic–uremic syndrome (HUS) is a group of blood disorders characterized by:
- Low red blood cells
- Acute kidney injury
- Low platelets
Initial symptoms typically include bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, and weakness. Kidney problems and low platelets then occur as the diarrhea progresses. Children are more commonly affected, but most children recover without permanent damage to their health, although some children may have serious and sometimes life-threatening complications.[ Adults, especially the elderly, may present a more complicated presentation.
Most cases occur after infectious diarrhea:
- E. coli called O157:H7.
- S. pneumoniae
- Shigella
- Salmonella
The underlying mechanism typically involves the production of Shiga toxin by the bacteria.