Haemolytic Uraemic syndrome Flashcards
What is haemolytic uraemic syndrome?
A medical emergency that occurs when there is thrombosis in the small vessels throughout the body
What is haemolytic uraemic syndrome usually triggered by?
Shiga toxin
What is the triad of haemolytic uraemic syndrome?
Haemolytic anaemia
AKI
Thrombocytopenia
What is the presentation of haemolytic uraemic syndrome?
5 days after diarrhoea
Reduced urine output
Haematuria
Abdominal pain
Lethargy and irritability
Confusion
Oedema
Hypertension
Bruising
What investigations are performed in diagnosis of haemolytic uraemic syndrome?
FBC - thrombocytopenia
Peripheral blood smear
Renal function
Serum electrolytes
Prothrombin time
Stool culture - to detect shiga
PCR
What is the treatment of haemolytic uraemic syndrome?
Renal dialysis if required
Antihypertensives if required
Maintenance of fluid balance
Blood transfusion if required
What type of anaemia is haemolytic anaemia?
Normocytic anaemia
What bacteria can produce the toxin that causes HUS?
Shiga producing E. coli
(can also be produced by salmonella, shigella and campylobacter)
What would be seen on a blood smear in a child with HUS?
Reticulocytes and schistocytes
