Infection-Related Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

Abstract

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) clinically defined by thrombocytopenia, nonimmune microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and acute kidney injury. HUS is categorized as infection-related HUS, typically caused by Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), rarely by Streptococcus pneumoniae, as atypical HUS (aHUS), or as secondary HUS with a coexisting systemic disease. Recent data indicated the involvement of the complement system in the pathogenesis of infectious agent-induced HUS as well. This chapter reviews current concepts of infection-related HUS in the point of view regarding the classification, epidemiological findings, pathophysiological and clinical aspects of STEC, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and other infectious agent-associated HUS, and their diagnosis and management.