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Diseases & Topics

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a possible complication of infection with Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), such as E.coli 0157:H7. About 5 to10 percent of people diagnosed with STEC infection develop this potentially life-threatening complication which can cause kidney failure.

Clues that a person is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination and anemia, which may result in fatigue and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. Persons with HUS should be hospitalized because their kidneys may stop working and they may develop other serious problems.

People of any age can become infected. Very young children and the elderly are more likely to develop severe illness and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) than others, but even healthy older children and young adults can become seriously ill. Most people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent damage or die.

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