Hemolytic uremic syndrome: pathogenesis and update of interventions

Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther. 2009 Aug;7(6):697-707. doi: 10.1586/eri.09.49.

Abstract

The typical form of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the major complication of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections. HUS is a critical health problem in Argentina since it is the main cause of acute renal failure in children and the second cause of chronic renal failure, accounting for 20% of renal transplants in children and adolescents in Argentina. Despite extensive research in the field, the mainstay of treatment for patients with HUS is supportive therapy, and there are no specific therapies preventing or ameliorating the disease course. In this review, we present the current knowledge about pathogenic mechanisms and discuss traditional and innovative therapeutic approaches, with special focus in Argentinean contribution. The hope that a better understanding of transmission dynamics and pathogenesis of this disease will produce better therapies to prevent the acute mortality and the long-term morbidity of HUS is the driving force for intensified research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Argentina / epidemiology
  • Child
  • Escherichia coli Infections / epidemiology
  • Escherichia coli Infections / microbiology
  • Escherichia coli Infections / physiopathology
  • Escherichia coli Infections / therapy
  • Escherichia coli O157 / pathogenicity*
  • Fluid Therapy
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / epidemiology
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / microbiology
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Renal Dialysis
  • Renal Insufficiency / etiology
  • Shiga Toxin / metabolism
  • Shiga Toxin / toxicity*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Shiga Toxin