Hemolytic-uremic syndrome - what is it?

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is an entire symptom complex, which manifests itself in the form of hemolytic anemia, arthritis and thrombocytopenia. For the first time this ailment was described in 1955. According to specialists, approximately in 70% of cases this diagnosis is observed in children of the very first year of life, and in adults only single incidents are recorded. In this article, we will talk about this disease, and also consider how the modern methods treat hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

Primary reasons

Experts currently associate this disease with several factors. First of all, this is a viral toxic damage directly to the endothelium of the capillaries of the so-called renal glomeruli. On the other hand, the cause can be covered in the DIC syndrome, and in mechanical damage to red blood cells. It is generally believed that the latter can be damaged by passing through the capillaries themselves of the renal glomeruli, which in turn are filled with clots of fibrin.

The main symptoms

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome predominantly occurs in children with a rapid decrease in diuresis, but in this case, in the absence of obvious signs of dehydration and against a background of relatively normal parameters of the HEO. If a baby has a fever or vomiting, most likely the disease is rapidly progressing - there was a brain swelling. Often the hemolytic-uremic syndrome is supplemented by the pale skin of the child, in rare cases with small rashes.

Diagnosis

To confirm such a diagnosis, as haemolytic-uremic syndrome, it is necessary to pass a number of tests, including a complete blood test. Only after a complete examination of the patient can we talk about further therapy.

Modern methods of treatment

More recently, the mortality rate for this diagnosis was very high (from 80 to 100%). However, scientists are constantly looking for a solution to this problem. So, there were created devices called "artificial kidney", thanks to which the situation radically changed. Today, lethal outcomes are practically not met (from two to ten percent). They are possible only with late detection of the disease, as well as with the development of irreversible processes in the brain due to its edema. Note that such a diagnosis, as an atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome, usually requires 2 to 9 sessions (daily) on the "artificial kidney" apparatus. Through this dialysis specialists can maintain normal metabolites, and also prevent cerebral edema.

Forecast

Modern methods allow children to cope with this problem. However, this is possible only if the ailment was discovered at the earliest stages. Otherwise, the probability of completely recovering is somewhat lower. According to specialists, in the situation when there is no positive reaction from the body after 2-3 sessions of hemodialysis, the forecasts are very unfavorable.