Haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

Abstract

The haemolytic uraemic syndrome is an acute illness characterised by the occurrence of renal injury, haemolytic anaemia with red cell fragmentation and thrombocytopenia. Haemorrhagic diathesis, arterial hypertension and neurological manifestations often complicate the acute phase of the disease. In this article, we shall discuss in more detail the aspects of this phase. Data obtained in 72 patients treated at the Wilhelmina Children's Hospital in Utrecht, from 1964 to 1977, are used to illustrate the characteristics of the disease.