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Personal Injury and Wrongful Death

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) Risks

E. coli BacteriaThe following information about hemolytic uremic syndrome is provided by Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, a nationally-recognized law firm in the area of food poisoning lawsuits. Our attorneys have appeared on CBS News and Fox News. They have also been interviewed by The New York Times, The Associated Press, Lawyers USA and other publications.

CONTACT AN ATTORNEY ABOUT COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF E. COLI-HUS >>

Hemolytic Uremic Sydrome (HUS) and the Kidneys, Central Nervous System, Pancreas and Heart

Children, the elderly, and immunosupressed people are at increased risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome with an E. coli infection. Recently, though, young, healthy adults have developed HUS.

Although most people who develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) do recover fully, many are burdened with permanent and debilitating health problems as a result of the illness. Complications of hemolytic uremic syndrome can include the following:

  • Hemolytic anemia and associated blood complications
  • Abnormal kidney function
  • Kidney failure (renal failure) that may require a kidney transplant (renal transplant) - illness accompanying kidney failure is called uremia (develops when urea and other waste products are retained in the blood)
  • Gall stones - probably caused by rapid hemolysis, breaking open of red blood cells and the release of hemoglobin
  • Elevated pancreatic enzyme levels that could lead to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and or pancreatitis
  • Central Nervous System (CNS) disturbances such as irritablilty, behavior changes, disorientation, delerium, hallucinations, dizziness and tremors
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Stroke
  • Encephalopathy
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (HUS-ARDS)
  • Convulsions
  • Heart problems, including myocardial infarction, cardio myopathy, cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure
  • Cortical blindness, caused by damage to the visual area in the brain's occipital cortex
  • Thrombocytopenia (platelet deficiency in the blood)
  • Paralysis
  • Death, usually from uremia (see above)

Acute Kidney Failure

kidneysHemolytic uremic syndrome can cause severe hemolytic anemia, which can lead to bruising, ineffective blood clotting, high blood pressure, damage to blood vessel walls and hemorrhaging. Another possible result of HUS is kidney damage, which can lead to chronic or permanent kidney failure.

HUS syndrome is the most common cause of acute kidney failure among North American children. This life-threatening condition is usually treated in intensive care, sometimes with blood transfusions and kidney dialysis.

Approximately one-third of those with hemolytic uremic syndrome experience abnormal kidney function years later, and some may require long-term dialysis. Serious neurological complications of HUS can include decreased consciousness and seizures. Eight percent of hemolytic uremic syndrome cases result in lifelong complications such as high blood pressure, seizures, blindness, and paralysis.

If you or someone you love has become seriously ill from an E. coli 0157:H7 infection or any other foodborne illness, contact us for a free consultation regarding your legal rights and remedies. To learn about our senior partner, Fred Pritzker, please see E. coli: Lawyer and Attorney. You can reach Fred Pritzker by calling toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, e-mailing info@pritzkerlaw.com or filling in our online consultation form.

 


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