Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

Signs and symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome may include:

  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pale skin tone
  • Fatigue and irritability
  • Small, unexplained bruises or bleeding from the nose and mouth
  • Decreased urination
  • Swelling of the face, hands, feet or entire body

Sometimes neurological symptoms, such as seizures, develop as well.

When to see a doctor
Call your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences unexplained bruises, unusual bleeding, swollen limbs, extreme fatigue or decreased urine output after several days of diarrhea. Seek emergency care if you or your child goes 12 hours without urinating.

References
  1. 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.
  2. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/kidney/905.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2008.
  3. Razzaq S. Hemolytic uremic syndrome: An emerging health risk. American Family Physician. 2006;74(6):991-996.
  4. 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.
  5. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome. In: Betz CL. Mosby's Pediatric Nursing Reference. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby/Elsevier; 2008:232-238.
  6. Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 17, 2008.
  7. 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.

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Dec. 20, 2008

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