Hemolytic uremic syndrome Hemolytic uremic syndrome, HUS, is a
condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells
and kidney failure that is associated with microangiopathic
hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. HUS is a serious illness
and potentially fatal. There is clumping of platelets (the blood
cells responsible for clotting) within the kidney's small blood
vessels with resultant ischemia (reduced blood flow) leading to
the kidney failure. The partial blockage of the blood vessels
also leads to the destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis).
Platelets are also decreased which can cause bleeding problems.
Hemolytic" refers to the breakup of red blood cells. This leads
to anemia and a shortage of platelets (thrombocytopenia) which
causes abnormal bleeding. "Uremic" refers to the acute kidney
failure. Central nervous system problems with seizures and coma
can also occur. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is the most
common cause of acute renal failure in children and is
increasingly recognized in