Haemolytic-uraemic syndrome. A report of an outbreak.

Abstract

Ten cases of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome in childhood are presented, the cases occurring in a small geographical area over a short period of time. The most common presenting feature was anemia following a diarrheal illness, and all cases were found to have proteinuria and azotemia, sometimes of severe degree. Thrombocytopenia was not present in our cases. Blood transfusion was given in 4; 8 were treated with corticosteroids, and these were thought to be of value in controlling hemolysis. The epidemic nature of the cases suggested a toxic or infective agent, though none was discovered. One child died with renal cortical necrosis. The 9 survivors have been followed for periods of up to 2 years. All are well, and show nothing abnormal. The syndrome, particularly in its milder form, is probably commoner than the number of published cases would suggest, and should be considered in all cases of hemolytic anemia or acute renal disease in childhood.