Hemolytic-Uremic SyndromeSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome
Shiga-like toxin producing E coli hemolytic-uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS) is a disorder that most often occurs when an infection in the digestive system produces toxic substances. These substances destroy red blood cells and cause kidney injury.
HUS; STEC-HUS; Hemolytic-uremic syndrome
Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) often occurs after a gastrointestinal infection with E coli bacteria (Escherichia coli O157:H7). However, the condition has also been linked to other gastrointestinal infections, including shigella and salmonella. It has also been linked to non-gastrointestinal infections.
HUS is most common in children. It is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in children. Several large outbreaks have been linked to undercooked hamburger meat contaminated with E coli.
E coli can be transmitted through:
- Contact from one person to another
- Consuming uncooked food, such as milk products or beef
STEC-HUS is not to be confused with atypical HUS (aHUS) which is not infection-related. It is similar to another disease called thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
STEC-HUS often begins with vomiting and diarrhea, which may be bloody. Within a week, the person may become weak and irritable. People with this condition may urinate less than normal. Urine output may almost stop.
Red blood cell destruction leads to symptoms of anemia.
Early symptoms:
- Blood in the stools
- Irritability
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Weakness
Later symptoms:
- Bruising
- Decreased consciousness
- Low urine output
- No urine output
- Pallor
- Seizures -- rare
- Skin rash that looks like fine red spots (petechiae)
Treatment may involve:
- Dialysis
- Medicines, such as corticosteroids
- Management of fluids and electrolytes
- Transfusions of packed red blood cells and platelets
Christophe Legendre practices practicing medicine in Paris, France. Mr. Legendre is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), D-Plus Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome, Kidney Transplant, and Nephrectomy.
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Robert Brodsky is a Hematologist and an Oncologist practicing medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Brodsky is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 26 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), Paroxysmal Cold Hemoglobinuria, Anemia, Bone Marrow Transplant, and Splenectomy. Dr. Brodsky is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine. Dr. Brodsky is currently accepting new patients.
Gianluigi Ardissino practices practicing medicine in Milan, Italy. Mr. Ardissino is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome. He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome, D-Minus Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, D-Plus Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), and Kidney Transplant.
This is a serious illness in both children and adults, and it can cause death. With proper treatment, more than half of people will recover. The outcome is better in children than adults.
Complications may include:
- Blood clotting problems
- Hemolytic anemia
- Kidney failure
- Hypertension leading to seizures, irritability, and other nervous system problems
- Too few platelets (thrombocytopenia)
- Uremia
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of HUS. Emergency symptoms include:
- Blood in the stool
- No urination
- Reduced alertness (consciousness)
Contact your provider if you have had an episode of HUS and your urine output decreases, or you develop other new symptoms.
You can prevent the known cause, E coli, by cooking hamburger and other meats well. You should also avoid contact with unclean water and follow proper hand washing methods.
Summary: This multicenter, observational cohort study uses retrospective collection of past medical history and prospective follow-up to capture longitudinal data on the management and clinical outcomes of patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) treated with ravulizumab as part of routine clinical practice under Poland's National Drug Program (NDP).
Summary: This is a multicenter, single arm, open-label, extension study to evaluate the long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of iptacopan in participants with aHUS.
Published Date: January 29, 2026
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Abrams PS. Thrombocytopenia. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 158.
Alexander T, Licht C, Smoyer WE, Rosenblum ND. Diseases of the kidney and upper urinary tract in children. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap: 72.
Devarajan P. Multisystem disease associated with hematuria. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 560.
George G, Friedman KD. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and the hemolytic uremic syndromes. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 132.