Common Causes Of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Certain Medications

In rare cases, an individual may develop hemolytic uremic syndrome as an adverse effect of certain medications. These medications are those used to treat certain types of cancer, like chemotherapy drugs. These drugs can damage the lining of small blood vessels and stop the synthesis of a molecule called prostacyclin, which is responsible for the inhibition of platelet activation. Because inappropriate platelet activation is typically mediated by prostacyclin in the body, drugs that stop the synthesis of prostacyclin can allow blood clots to develop in the bloodstream easier. Immunosuppressants are used to suppress the immune system in individuals who have an autoimmune disease or who have received an organ transplant. These types of medications are also known to cause rare cases of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome. Other medications used to stop platelets from activating or sticking together include ticlopidine and quinine are known to induce hemolytic uremic syndrome, as well as some birth control pills.

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Complication Of Cancer Or Autoimmune Conditions

An uncommon cause of some cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome is when it is a complication of cancer or certain autoimmune conditions. The most common form of cancer known to induce hemolytic uremic syndrome is called mucin-producing adenocarcinoma. A mucin-producing adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the epithelial cells that line internal organs and the skin. This type of cancer produces heavily glycosylated proteins known to induce hemolytic uremic syndrome. The most common autoimmune conditions known to cause hemolytic uremic syndrome are collagen vascular disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Autoimmune conditions cause the production of autoantibodies that inappropriately attack certain proteins in the body encoded by complement genes. Between six and ten percent of cases of autoantibody precipitated hemolytic uremic syndrome are the result of the production of autoantibodies against Factor H. Hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by autoantibodies against other complement proteins have also been reported at a less prevalent rate.

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