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What causes hemolytic uremic syndrome?
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Depending on the cause of development, hemolytic uremic syndrome can be divided into two types:
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome as a consequence of DIC syndrome against the background of infectious effects (acute respiratory viral disease, intestinal infection caused by E. Coli, S. Dysenteriae).
This variant is found in young children; it 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, and chronic renal failure is extremely rare. These features and the dominance of the clinical picture of hemolytic-uremic syndrome allow it to be identified as a separate nosological form - hemolytic-uremic syndrome as a disease of young children, mainly of infectious genesis.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome as a condition complicating the course of the underlying disease: systemic connective tissue disease, glomerulonephritis, unfavorable course of pregnancy and childbirth, associated with the use of 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 preschool and school-age children and its symptoms are intertwined with the symptoms of the underlying disease. This variant of hemolytic-uremic syndrome should be considered as a syndrome rather than 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.