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Atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome presenting initially as suspected meningococcal disease: a case report

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children and is usually linked with Escherichia coli O157 infection. With a fatality rate of around 5%, some reports have associated antibiotic treatment with a worsening prognosis. We describe a female infant patie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of medical case reports 2007-10, Vol.1 (1), p.122-122, Article 122
Main Authors: Sivamurthy, Siddharthan, Mooney, John D, Kenny, Tom D
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children and is usually linked with Escherichia coli O157 infection. With a fatality rate of around 5%, some reports have associated antibiotic treatment with a worsening prognosis. We describe a female infant patient, initially treated for suspected meningococcal septicaemia, who went on to develop renal complications and thrombocytopenia characteristic of HUS. A subsequent positive stool sample for E. coli O157 confirmed HUS as an appropriate diagnosis, although there was no evidence of diarrhoea or vomiting throughout the course of her management. The urgency of early recognition and treatment for suspected meningococcal disease in very young children while entirely appropriate can initially divert attention from other serious conditions. Evidence of infection with E. coli O157 infection in this case also highlights what can be a blurred distinction between atypical (non-diarrhoeal) HUS from classical HUS of infective origin.
ISSN:1752-1947
1752-1947
DOI:10.1186/1752-1947-1-122