Overview

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a condition that can occur when the small blood vessels in your kidneys become damaged and inflamed. This damage can cause clots to form in the vessels. The clots clog the filtering system in the kidneys and lead to kidney failure, which could be life-threatening.

Anyone can develop HUS, but it is most common in young children. In many cases, HUS is caused by infection with certain strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The first symptom of this form of HUS is several days of diarrhea, which is often but not always bloody.

HUS may also be caused by other infections, certain medications or conditions such as pregnancy, cancer or autoimmune disease. In some cases, HUS is the result of certain genetic mutations. These forms of HUS usually do not cause diarrhea. .

HUS is a serious condition. But timely and appropriate treatment usually leads to a full recovery for most people, especially young children.