Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)?
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is a rare but serious condition that damages small blood vessels. It causes three main problems at once. Red blood cells break apart, platelets drop to dangerously low levels, and kidneys start to fail.
HUS usually happens when harmful bacteria produce toxins in your digestive system. The toxins enter your bloodstream and attack the lining of tiny blood vessels. Your body tries to form small clots to repair the damage. These clots use up platelets and shred red blood cells as they squeeze through narrowed vessels.
Most cases occur in children under age 5 after eating contaminated food. Adults can develop HUS too, though it is less common. Quick recognition and treatment are essential because kidney damage can become permanent without prompt care.
Symptoms
- Bloody diarrhea or severe stomach cramps
- Decreased urination or dark colored urine
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Pale skin or inside of eyelids
- Easy bruising or small red spots on skin
- Swelling in face, hands, feet, or entire body
- Confusion or unusual irritability
- Fever in some cases
Some people may not notice symptoms right away. The condition can progress quickly once kidney damage begins.
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Causes and risk factors
Most HUS cases start with an infection from E. coli bacteria that produce Shiga toxin. This bacteria lives in the intestines of cattle and can contaminate ground beef, unpasteurized milk, or fresh produce. Drinking contaminated water or swimming in polluted lakes can also spread the bacteria. Person-to-person transmission happens in daycare centers and nursing homes.
Some people develop atypical HUS without any bacterial infection. This form results from genetic changes that affect how the immune system controls inflammation. Certain medications, cancer, pregnancy, and autoimmune diseases can trigger atypical HUS. Children under 5, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face higher risk of developing severe complications.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose HUS by checking for three key problems together. Blood tests reveal broken red blood cells, low platelet counts, and rising creatinine levels that signal kidney damage. Your doctor will order a complete blood count to check platelets and look for fragments of destroyed red blood cells. Bilirubin tests confirm that red blood cells are breaking apart faster than normal.
Urine tests show protein and blood that should not be present. Creatinine measurements help assess how badly your kidneys are damaged. Stool samples can identify the specific bacteria causing infection. Rite Aid offers blood testing that measures bilirubin, platelet count, and creatinine levels. These biomarkers help detect HUS and monitor your recovery as treatment progresses.
Treatment options
- Hospitalization for close monitoring and supportive care
- Intravenous fluids to maintain hydration and blood pressure
- Blood transfusions if anemia becomes severe
- Platelet transfusions in specific situations only
- Dialysis to filter waste when kidneys cannot function
- Eculizumab medication for atypical HUS cases
- Careful electrolyte management to prevent complications
- Avoiding anti-diarrheal medications and antibiotics initially
Concerned about Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Most HUS cases result from E. coli bacteria that produce Shiga toxin. You can get this infection from undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized dairy products, or contaminated water. The toxin damages blood vessel walls and triggers the cascade of problems that define HUS.
Symptoms typically start 3 to 4 days after eating contaminated food. Bloody diarrhea usually comes first, followed by signs of kidney problems within a week. Some people notice decreased urination and swelling as early as 5 to 10 days after the initial infection.
Yes, adults can develop HUS though it occurs less often than in young children. Adults may get atypical HUS from genetic factors, medications, or pregnancy rather than bacterial infection. Adult cases often require different treatment approaches and may have more serious outcomes.
Doctors use several blood tests to diagnose HUS. Platelet count shows how low your platelets have dropped. Bilirubin tests confirm red blood cells are breaking apart. Creatinine measurements reveal kidney damage and help track recovery over time.
The bacteria that cause typical HUS can spread from person to person. Good handwashing after bathroom use prevents transmission in households and daycare settings. Atypical HUS is not contagious because it results from immune system problems rather than infection.
Most children recover kidney function within 2 to 3 weeks with proper treatment. Some people need dialysis for several weeks until kidneys heal. About 25% of patients develop chronic kidney problems that require ongoing monitoring and care.
You can reduce risk by cooking ground beef to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Wash all fresh produce thoroughly before eating. Avoid unpasteurized milk, juice, and soft cheeses. Practice careful handwashing, especially after touching raw meat or using the bathroom.
Atypical HUS occurs without bacterial infection and results from immune system problems. It can happen at any age and often runs in families. This form requires different treatment with medications that block immune system overactivity rather than just supportive care.
Yes, all children who had HUS need kidney function monitoring for years. Some develop high blood pressure or progressive kidney disease later in life. Regular blood tests and urine checks help catch problems early when treatment works best.
Seek immediate medical care if you or your child has bloody diarrhea with decreased urination. Go to the emergency room if you notice unexplained bruising, extreme fatigue, or swelling after stomach illness. Early treatment prevents permanent kidney damage and other serious complications.