Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

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By Mayo Clinic staff

Because most people with hemolytic uremic syndrome are admitted to the hospital after a trip to the emergency room or following a brief phone call or visit with their doctor, it's not likely that you or your child will have a routine office visit.

However, if you or your child is experiencing symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome after several days of diarrhea, call your doctor immediately and be prepared to answer these questions:

  • Have you noticed blood in you or your child's diarrhea?
  • What other symptoms — such as fever, swelling or decreased urine — have you or your child experienced?
  • How long have you or your child been experiencing these symptoms?
  • How long has it been since you or your child urinated?
References
  1. Hemolytic uremic syndrome. National Institutes of Health: National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/childkidneydiseases/hemolytic_uremic_syndrome/. Accessed Sept. 10, 2008.
  2. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/kidney/905.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2008.
  3. Razzaq S. Hemolytic uremic syndrome: An emerging health risk. American Family Physician. 2006;74(6):991-996.
  4. Rose BD, et al. Diagnosis of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2008.
  5. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome. In: Betz CL. Mosby's Pediatric Nursing Reference. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby/Elsevier; 2008:232-238.
  6. Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 17, 2008.
  7. Focus on ground beef. United States Department of Agriculture. www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/Ground_Beef_and_Food_Safety/index.asp. Accessed Sept. 17, 2008.

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Dec. 20, 2008

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