The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children (HUS)

A severe Shiga toxin-mediated childhood illness with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department. Book Appointment →

What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children (HUS)?

HUS is part of the thrombotic microangiopathy spectrum. It is divided into typical (STEC-HUS, D+) and atypical (aHUS, D-) forms. Typical HUS most often follows infection with E. coli O157:H7 or other Shiga toxin-producing bacteria.

Clinically, after bloody diarrhea, sudden pallor, petechiae, oliguria, hypertension, and neurological signs appear within 5-10 days. Laboratory findings include schistocytes, thrombocytopenia, elevated LDH, low haptoglobin, and increased creatinine and urea.

Treatment is supportive: fluid-electrolyte management, dialysis when needed, transfusion, and blood pressure control. In atypical HUS, eculizumab (a complement inhibitor) is used. Antibiotic use in STEC-HUS is debated because it may increase toxin release.

Symptoms

Bloody diarrhea (preceding)
Sudden pallor
Petechiae and bruising
Oliguria or anuria
Hypertension
Lethargy and seizures
Edema

Risk Factors

STEC infection (O157:H7 and other strains)
Undercooked meat, unpasteurized milk
Pediatric age (especially <5 years)
Day-care outbreaks
Antibiotic and antimotility drug use in STEC infection
Family history (atypical HUS)

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Oliguria after bloody diarrhea in a child
  • Sudden pallor and bruising
  • Change in urine color
  • Detected hypertension
  • Neurological signs or lethargy

Treatment Methods

01
Supportive care with fluid and electrolyte balance
02
Red cell and platelet transfusion
03
Dialysis in severe renal failure
04
Blood pressure control
05
Eculizumab in atypical HUS
06
Neurological monitoring and rehabilitation

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Newborn Care

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The newborn period is a critical phase that requires attentive care of the umbilical stump, temperature regulation, feeding, monitoring of jaundice and screening tests.

Vaccination Schedule

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

The Turkish Ministry of Health national vaccination schedule arranges the immunization program from birth to adulthood. Timely and complete vaccination is critical in protecting community immunity.

Jaundice in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Neonatal jaundice (jaundice in newborns) presents as yellowing of the skin and eyes. The vast majority of cases are physiological and are easily treated with phototherapy.

Diarrhoea in Infants

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Acute diarrhoea is defined as 3 or more loose stools per day. In infants it is most often caused by viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus); dehydration may lead to serious complications.

Fever Management in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Fever in children (38°C and above) is the body's defense mechanism against viral or bacterial infection. Most fevers resolve spontaneously in 3-5 days; however, some conditions require urgent medical evaluation.

Cough in Children

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Cough is the most common symptom in children and is mostly due to viral upper respiratory infections. Cough lasting more than 3 weeks or with characteristic sounds requires detailed evaluation.

Bronchiolitis

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Supportive care with hydration, nasal suctioning, and oxygen if hypoxic is the mainstay; routine bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and antibiotics are not recommended per AAP/NICE guidelines.

Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)

Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları

Croup is a viral inflammation of the larynx and trachea presenting with a barking cough, hoarseness, and inspiratory stridor. It mostly affects children aged 6 months to 3 years.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.