Hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by Bordetella pertussis infection

Pediatr Nephrol. 2010 Jul;25(7):1361-4. doi: 10.1007/s00467-010-1449-6. Epub 2010 Feb 10.

Abstract

We report the case of a 4-week-old infant with severe Bordetella pertussis infection resulting in hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure leading to a diagnosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) associated with pertussis. In addition to antibiotic and supportive therapy, he was treated with plasma transfusions based on the possibility of underlying complement defect, and he improved. The association of B. pertussis infection and HUS has previously been described in a patient with a mutation in the gene encoding complement factor H (CFH). However, whereas a genetic workup for complement regulator mutations was performed, no mutation was found in our patient. This case demonstrates the possible association between pertussis infection and HUS and highlights the need for increased vigilance for renal complications in this diagnosis. Despite negative results in this case, in-depth workup of the complement system may be important to guide treatment efforts and strategies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / etiology
  • Acute Kidney Injury / pathology
  • Acute Kidney Injury / therapy
  • Ampicillin / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bordetella pertussis / genetics
  • Bordetella pertussis / isolation & purification*
  • Cefotaxime / therapeutic use
  • Clarithromycin / therapeutic use
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / microbiology*
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / pathology
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Oxygen Inhalation Therapy
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Whooping Cough / complications*
  • Whooping Cough / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Ampicillin
  • Clarithromycin
  • Cefotaxime