A condition in which haemolytic anaemia damages the kidneys.
A disease of children resulting in acute renal failure. An illness with bloody diarrhoea and fever, usually caused by verocytotoxin produced by the bacterium E coli, most commonly type 0157, although sometimes by other microorganisms. It is followed after about 2 weeks by intravascular coagulation of blood which results in haemolysis, anaemia, thrombocytopaenia and renal failure (resulting from fibrin deposition in renal arterioles and glomerular capillaries).
Haemolytic-uraemic syndrome is a rare condition characterized by the premature destruction of red blood cells and damage to the kidneys, leading to acute kidney failure. Thrombocytopenia, a reduction in platelets in the blood, can also occur. This syndrome most commonly affects young children.
The exact cause of haemolytic–uraemic syndrome remains uncertain, but it is believed to be triggered by a severe bacterial or viral infection. The disorder is thought to damage the lining of small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to the formation of small clots. These clots cause haemolysis, resulting in the breakdown of red blood cells as the blood flows past them.
The disease manifests suddenly, and its symptoms include weakness, lethargy, and decreased urine output. Severe hypertension (high blood pressure) is frequently present and can lead to seizures.
Blood and urine tests can assess the extent of kidney damage. In some cases, dialysis (artificial filtration of the blood) might be necessary until the kidneys have regained their functionality. Fortunately, most patients experience a complete recovery of normal renal function.