Serious Complication of HUS: Kidney Failure

Related Information: HUS complication, Kidney failure, kidney failure symptoms, kidney disease

CDC has warned health professionals or doctors that treating patients affected by E. coli infection, food poisoning with antibiotics can even increase the risk and chances of the patient to develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which in turn can lead to very serious consequences like E. coli kidney failure. This is otherwise stated as renal failure caused by food poisoning by E. coli.

If left untreated or the wrong treatment given for Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, it can easily result in long lasting damage to kidneys of the patient or even kidney/ renal failure. Most of the Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome cases result only after an infection in digestive system by E. coli strain O157:H7. This bacterium is normally found in food items like undercooked or partially cooked meats or beef, non-pasteurized milk products or juices, etc.

The bacterium stays in digestive system of animals and human beings. It secretes toxins which are capable of entering the blood stream and begin the destruction of red blood cells in the blood. The destructed red blood cells can block the comparatively smaller blood vessels of the kidneys, thus impairing the function of the kidneys to remove off the unwanted substances and excess fluid from blood.

Hence the wastes and extra/ excess fluid remain in blood and in turn, they result in high blood pressure and swelling of hands, feet, face or the entire body. The prescribed antibiotics for the infection by E. coli place the patients in an increased risk to develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. Hence the physician or the doctor must be conscious of this not to prescribe such drugs.

The early symptoms of renal failure or kidney failure caused by E. coli are
• Fever

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Bloody stools/ bloody diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Irritability

• Weakness

The advanced or later symptoms of renal failure or kidney failure caused by E. coli are

• Paleness

• Abnormal bleeding

• Unexplained bruises

• Yellowish skin (jaundice)

• Swollen limbs/ generalized swelling

• Extreme fatigue

• Lower consciousness

• Reduced urine output

The most common treatment comprises of balanced levels of salt and water in the body by maintaining a proper diet. This approach simplifies or makes the patient at ease in showing up immediate symptoms and avoids any problems further. Hence it is recommended to avoid antibiotics as much as possible owing to the risk of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. And also avoid antidiarrheal agents since they prevent the elimination of toxins from the body.

Dialysis is essential only for the most severe Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome cases. Some children might have greater kidney damage than expected leading to permanent renal failure which will necessitate long-term dialysis or even a kidney transplant finally. The overall death rates due to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome have been lowered to 5% to 15% with great difficulty. However, many children attain complete recovery without any long term complications.