Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a rare systemic condition that affects renal functioning and can develop into a life threatening disease with lasting complications. HUS is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells due to damage of small blood vessels), thrombocytopenia (an abnormal drop in platelet count) and impaired renal function (Nayer, A. & Asif, A., 2013). HUS can often onset after an infection of Escherichia coli which is a Shiga toxin-producing bacteria. There are two types of Shiga toxins that can lead to HUS, Shiga Toxin 1 (Stx1) and Shiga Toxin 2 (Stx2). There have been structural differences found between the two types as well as evidence to show that type 2 Stx causes more harmful kidney
…show more content…
Pathophysiology
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome often starts with a hemorrhagic bout of diarrhea due to the Shiga-like toxins that are present in E. coli and generally takes between two and 14 days from exposure to develop. The name Shiga toxins is derived from Shigella dysenteriae which is “dysentery causing bacteria” and were first discovered by Kiyoshi Shiga in 1898 (Basu, D. & Tumer, N., 2015). Shiga toxins are ribosome inactivating proteins that cause injury to the microvascular endothelial cells contained within the kidneys, brain and other organs (Bauwens, A., Bielaszewska, M., Kemper, B., Langehanenberg, P., von Bally, G., et al., 2011). Shiga toxins are AB5 toxins which bind cellular ligand glycosphingolipid globtriaosylcermide (Gb3) (Bauwens, A., 2011). The Shiga toxins modify the large rRNA and inhibit protein synthesis (Basu, D., et al., …show more content…
coli. The signs and symptoms of following initial onset may include: vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, decreased urine output, edema in the hands, face and feet (Mayo, 2013). Neurological deficits including altered mental status and drowsiness can also occur. It is also possible for a patient with HUS to have seizures (Nayer, A. & Asif, A., 2013). The life threatening complications that may be caused by HUS are: acute kidney failure, hypertension, cardiac ischemia, stroke and coma (Nayer, A. & Asif, A., 2013). An E. coli infection is initially diagnosed by a stool sample which is sent to the lab. Low hemoglobin and low platelet counts are also indicators of HUS. E. coli infection confirmations are to be reported to the Center for Disease control (CDC, 2013). It is possible for patients to have lasting complications from HUS including hypertension, long term kidney dialysis, and/or kidney
Pathophysiology
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome often starts with a hemorrhagic bout of diarrhea due to the Shiga-like toxins that are present in E. coli and generally takes between two and 14 days from exposure to develop. The name Shiga toxins is derived from Shigella dysenteriae which is “dysentery causing bacteria” and were first discovered by Kiyoshi Shiga in 1898 (Basu, D. & Tumer, N., 2015). Shiga toxins are ribosome inactivating proteins that cause injury to the microvascular endothelial cells contained within the kidneys, brain and other organs (Bauwens, A., Bielaszewska, M., Kemper, B., Langehanenberg, P., von Bally, G., et al., 2011). Shiga toxins are AB5 toxins which bind cellular ligand glycosphingolipid globtriaosylcermide (Gb3) (Bauwens, A., 2011). The Shiga toxins modify the large rRNA and inhibit protein synthesis (Basu, D., et al., …show more content…
coli. The signs and symptoms of following initial onset may include: vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, fever, decreased urine output, edema in the hands, face and feet (Mayo, 2013). Neurological deficits including altered mental status and drowsiness can also occur. It is also possible for a patient with HUS to have seizures (Nayer, A. & Asif, A., 2013). The life threatening complications that may be caused by HUS are: acute kidney failure, hypertension, cardiac ischemia, stroke and coma (Nayer, A. & Asif, A., 2013). An E. coli infection is initially diagnosed by a stool sample which is sent to the lab. Low hemoglobin and low platelet counts are also indicators of HUS. E. coli infection confirmations are to be reported to the Center for Disease control (CDC, 2013). It is possible for patients to have lasting complications from HUS including hypertension, long term kidney dialysis, and/or kidney