Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (cont.)Medical Author:
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEM
Benjamin Wedro, MD, FACEP, FAAEMDr. Ben Wedro practices emergency medicine at Gundersen Clinic, a regional trauma center in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His background includes undergraduate and medical studies at the University of Alberta, a Family Practice internship at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario and residency training in Emergency Medicine at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MDMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology. In this Article
What are the signs and symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome?
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In E. coli-related HUS, gastroenteritis occurs with abdominal cramping, vomiting and profuse bloody, watery diarrhea. This may cause significant dehydration, weakness and lethargy, as well as electrolyte imbalances because of the loss of sodium, potassium, and chloride in the vomit and diarrhea. These symptoms may resolve before the onset of anemia and the kidney failure symptoms of HUS. The anemia and uremia usually present with weakness, lethargy, and sleepiness. Purpura or small areas of bleeding in the skin may be seen because of low platelet counts. How is hemolytic uremic syndrome diagnosed?The healthcare provider will have a suspicion of the disease based on the history and physical examination. Abnormal laboratory tests help confirm the diagnosis. They abnormal findings include:
One of the distinguishing findings between HUS and TTP is a normal neurologic examination. The brain function is normal in HUS. Reviewed by Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD on 7/22/2011 Patient CommentsViewers share their comments |
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