Serious Symptoms Of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

There are several types of hemolytic uremic syndrome, including typical hemolytic uremic syndrome, atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and streptococcal pneumonia associated hemolytic uremic syndrome. Individuals who are most at risk include anyone under five years old, who consumes unpasteurized milk or undercooked meat, and who comes in contact with another individual infected by certain strains of E. coli. Individuals who do not wash their hands after handling farm animals or swim in unclean water are also at an increased risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome. A diagnosis is made with urine testing, blood testing, stool testing, physical examination, and kidney biopsy. Treatment for this condition may include dialysis, blood or platelet transfusions, intravenous fluids, and plasma exchange.

There are several serious symptoms produced by hemolytic uremic syndrome. Learn about them now.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is most often seen in individuals affected by typical hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by an infection with a harmful strain of E. coli bacteria. The E. coli bacteria invade the intestinal tract and produce a byproduct called Shiga, which is toxic to the specialized tissues that make up the lining of the intestines. The Shiga toxin causes damage to the lining and blood vessels that supply the large intestine lining, crippling its ability to absorb fluid from the stool properly. Abdominal pain occurs because of the irritation, inflammation, and swelling in the intestinal tissues due to the tissue damage. The immune system responds to tissue damage in the intestine and causes further inflammation of not only the intestinal tissue but other structures around it. The nerves in the intestinal wall send pain signals to the brain in response to the damage, and the nerves in surrounding tissues become irritated from swelling and the influx of immune components to the site.

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Fever

An elevated body temperature or fever is an adaptive response produced by the brain when harmful pathogens are present in the body. This response is triggered to create an inhospitable or unfavorable environment for the harmful bacteria, virus, parasite, or fungus affecting the individual. A fever can manifest in a hemolytic uremic syndrome patient because many cases are caused by an infection with certain types of viruses and bacteria. Bacteria known to induce fever-producing hemolytic uremic syndrome include E. coli, S pneumoniae, salmonella typhi, campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Neisseria meningitides, legionella pneumophila, and mycoplasma species. Viruses known to induce fever-producing hemolytic uremic syndrome include human immunodeficiency virus, coxsackievirus, echovirus, influenza, Epstein-Barr, herpes simplex, and herpesvirus 8. When any of these viruses or bacteria enter the body, colonize, and induce hemolytic uremic syndrome, a healthy immune system will respond by raising the body temperature and producing a fever.

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