What is hemolytic uremic syndrome?
A child with hemolytic uremic syndrome has anemia, excessive bleeding, rashes, and kidney failure. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare illness that can occur in children after an intestinal infection. About 20 percent of children with hemolytic uremic syndrome experience permanent kidney damage. Hemolytic uremic syndrome can be life threatening.

What are the symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome?
Symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, bloody stool, pale skin, fatigue, decreased urination, arm swelling, leg swelling, headache, difficulty breathing, and a rash that looks like bruises or broken blood vessels in the skin.

How does the doctor treat hemolytic uremic syndrome?
Treatment for hemolytic uremic syndrome may include plasma exchange, intravenous fluids, blood transfusion, antihypertensive medications, and chemotherapy to suppress the immune system. Kidney dialysis may be necessary in some patients. Kidney transplant may be an option.