HUS is often preceded by which type of illness?

HUS is often preceded by which type of illness?

• A. Respiratory infection
• B. Diarrheal illness with abdominal cramps
• C. Urinary tract infection
• D. Mild skin rash

Answer: (B)

Hemolytic uremic syndrome most often follows a diarrheal illness caused by Shiga toxin–producing bacteria, typically from E. coli O157:H7. The toxin injures the lining of small blood vessels, especially in the kidneys, leading to the triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. The diarrheal episode with abdominal cramps (often bloody) is the hallmark preceding event, making a diarrheal illness the best answer. Other infections like respiratory, urinary tract, or a mild skin rash aren’t the usual precursors to HUS.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome most often follows a diarrheal illness caused by Shiga toxin–producing bacteria, typically from E. coli O157:H7. The toxin injures the lining of small blood vessels, especially in the kidneys, leading to the triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. The diarrheal episode with abdominal cramps (often bloody) is the hallmark preceding event, making a diarrheal illness the best answer. Other infections like respiratory, urinary tract, or a mild skin rash aren’t the usual precursors to HUS.