Postoperative atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome treated successfully with eculizumab

Abstract

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare type of HUS associated with dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway. We herein report the findings of a 43-year-old woman who developed aHUS two days after myomectomy. The serum C3 level was low and the sheep erythrocyte hemolytic assay showed a moderate hemolysis. The renal insufficiency progressed despite performing plasma exchange therapy, although a partial hematological response was observed. Thus, the patient was subsequently treated with the anti-C5 antibody eculizumab, which promptly improved and normalized the renal function. Although aHUS after surgery has rarely been reported, it needs to be promptly recognized and treated with eculizumab to prevent irreversible renal damage.