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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffIn children, most cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome develop after infection with a specific strain of E. coli known as O157:H7.
E. coli refers to a group of bacteria normally found in the intestines of healthy humans and animals. Of the hundreds of types of E. coli, most are harmless. But a few strains of E. coli are responsible for serious food-borne infections, including those that can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome. E. coli is found in:
- Unwashed produce or undercooked meat (most often)
- Swimming pools or lakes contaminated with feces
Not all strains of disease-causing E. coli bacteria are created equal. For example, the strain of E. coli responsible for most cases of traveler's diarrhea often runs its course in just a few days. Even most people affected by the more virulent E. coli O157:H7 recover completely within five to 10 days. Progression to hemolytic uremic syndrome is uncommon.
It's also possible for hemolytic uremic syndrome in children to follow infection with other types of bacteria, including shigella, salmonella, yersinia and campylobacter.
In adults, hemolytic uremic syndrome is more likely to be caused by an autoimmune disease, a blood infection or the use of certain medications. More often, however, the cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults is obscure or even unknown.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome. National Institutes of Health: National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/childkidneydiseases/hemolytic_uremic_syndrome/. Accessed Sept. 10, 2008.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/kidney/905.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2008.
- Razzaq S. Hemolytic uremic syndrome: An emerging health risk. American Family Physician. 2006;74(6):991-996.
- Rose BD, et al. Diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2008.
- Hemolytic-uremic syndrome. In: Betz CL. Mosby's Pediatric Nursing Reference. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby/Elsevier; 2008:232-238.
- Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 17, 2008.
- Focus on ground beef. United States Department of Agriculture. www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/Ground_Beef_and_Food_Safety/index.asp. Accessed Sept. 17, 2008.
