hemolytic-uremic syndrome

hemolytic-uremic syndrome A condition involving the breakup of red blood cells (hemolysis) and kidney failure. Abbreviated HUS. HUS is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in infants and young children, but the condition can also occur in adults. The disease results in damage to the lining of blood vessels in the kidney, leading to destruction of red blood cells as they pass through damaged vessels. The damaged cells facilitate clot formation in the blood vessels of the kidneys, which can lead to kidney failure. Platelet levels are also decreased, which can cause bleeding problems. HUS most often occurs after a gastrointestinal (enteric) infection, caused by a type of E. coli bacteria (Escherichia coli O157:H7). HUS may also occur following other types of gastrointenstinal infections including Shigella and Salmonella, or it may be related to other conditions and infections.