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What causes hemolytic-uremic syndrome?

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 19.10.2021

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Depending on the cause of development of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, two types can be distinguished:

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome as a consequence of the DIC syndrome on the background of infection (acute respiratory viral disease, intestinal infection caused by E. Coli, S. Dysenteriae).

This variant occurs in young children; he dominates the clinical picture and it is not always possible to identify the underlying disease, the course of which it complicates. With timely and adequate treatment, the outcome is usually favorable, the output of chronic renal failure is extremely rare. These features and the dominance of the clinic of hemolytic-uremic syndrome make it possible to separate it into a separate nosological form - hemolytic-uremic syndrome as a disease of infants of mainly infectious genesis.

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome as a condition complicating the course of the underlying disease: a systemic disease of connective tissue, glomerulonephritis, an unfavorable course of pregnancy and childbirth, is associated with taking hormonal contraceptives, extensive surgical interventions.

This variant of hemolytic-uremic syndrome is caused by primary damage to the endothelium by immune complexes. It occurs in children of preschool and school age and its symptoms are intertwined with the symptoms of the underlying disease. This variant of hemolytic-uremic syndrome should be considered as a syndrome, and not as a separate disease. The prognosis depends on the outcome of the underlying disease.

Seminal forms of hemolytic-uremic syndrome with autosomal recessive or dominant inheritance.

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