Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS)

Question 1

HUS is usually a triad of what 3 things?

Answer 1

• Haemolytic anaemia
• Acute kidney injury
• Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)

Question 2

1) Most HUS cases are secondary - typical HUS. What is the commonest cause?
2) What causes primary/atypical HUS?

Answer 2

1) Shiga toxin producing E.Coli 0157
2) Complement dysregulation

Question 3

E. coli 0157 causes a brief gastroenteritis often with bloody diarrhoea. Around 5 days after the diarrhoea the person will start displaying symptoms of HUS. Name 2 of these

Answer 3

• Reduced urine output
• Haematuria or dark brown urine
• Abdominal pain
• Lethargy and irritability
• Confusion
• Hypertension
• Bruising

Question 4

What is the characteristic blood test finding in HUS?

Answer 4

Raised creatinine (over double baseline)