What is hemolytic uremic syndrome?

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What is hemolytic uremic syndrome?

Some people, especially children age five and under, who become infected with a STEC infection (the O157:H7 strain) develop a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). In this condition, toxins in your intestines from STEC cause diarrhea, travel into your bloodstream, destroy red blood cells and damage your kidneys. This potentially life-threatening illness develops in about 5% to 10% of people who are infected with STEC.

Early symptoms of HUS include:

  • Diarrhea (usually bloody).
  • Fever.
  • Stomach pain.
  • Vomiting.

As disease progresses, symptoms include:

  • Decreased urination, blood in urine.
  • Feeling tired.
  • Pale-looking skin.
  • Easy bruising.
  • Fast heart rate.
  • Lightheadedness.
  • Sleepiness, confusion, seizures.
  • Kidney failure.

If you develop severe diarrhea (lasting longer than three days or you can’t stay hydrated) or if you have bloody diarrhea, go to the hospital for emergency care. HUS, if it develops, occurs an average of 7 days after your first symptoms occur. It is treated with IV fluids, blood transfusions and dialysis (for a short period of time).

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