Common Causes Of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a condition where blood vessels located inside of an individual's kidneys become inflamed and incur damage from blood clots due to red blood cell and platelet breakdown. An individual affected by hemolytic uremic syndrome may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody stools, lethargy, fatigue, dehydration, uremia, easy bruising, vomiting, pale skin, abdominal pain, irritability, fever, hematuria, confusion, swollen face, swollen limbs, and seizures. Diagnosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome is made with a physical examination, blood testing, urine test, and stool sample test. Treatment for hemolytic uremic syndrome may include fluid replacement, blood transfusion, platelet transfusion, or plasma exchange.

There are several causes of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Learn about them now.

E. Coli Infection

Children younger than five years old who develop hemolytic uremic syndrome have it because of an infection by a bacteria called E. coli. E. coli refers to a family of bacteria that lives inside of the intestinal tract of healthy animals and humans that rarely ever causes a problem. However, some strains of the E. coli bacteria are known to cause loose, watery stools and produce a toxic substance called the Shiga toxin. The strains of E. coli that make this toxin are referred to as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). An individual who has contracted an infection due to STEC can experience the invasion of the bloodstream by the Shiga toxin, which can then move around the body and cause damage to the small blood vessels. This blood vessel damage is what can lead to the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome. An individual may contract a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection after they consume undercooked, spoiled, or poorly processed foods. An individual may also contract a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection after being exposed to contaminated water.

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Other Infections

Hemolytic uremic syndrome can develop following other infections besides those caused by the E. coli bacteria. The virus that causes influenza can induce hemolytic uremic syndrome as well as the human immunodeficiency virus that leads to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. An infection by herpesvirus 8, a virus commonly found in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, can also induce hemolytic uremic syndrome. Infections caused by the colonization of the pneumococcal bacteria in the body have also been implicated in the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome in some individuals. The pneumococcal bacteria is what causes a patient to develop pneumonia, and hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare complication of it. Approximately forty percent of all atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome cases are caused by the streptococcal pneumoniae bacteria. Around five percent of all cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome in children in the United States are the result of infections other than E. coli bacteria.

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