Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Did your loved one develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after contracting an E. coli infection? Would you like information about compensation for medical expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering and other damages?

CONTACT AN ATTORNEY ABOUT E. COLI-RELATED HEMOLYTIC UREMIC SYNDROME (HUS) LAWSUITS >>

Pritzker | Ruohonen, one of the leading E. coli litigation law firms in the United States, is currently representing E. coli victims who developed HUS. Our law firm has a national reputation in this area, and we represent E. coli victims throughout the United States. To contact a lawyer at our law firm for a free consultation, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email our lawyers or submit our online consultation form.

What is Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome?
Hemolytic uremic syndrome—pronounced HEE-mo-LIT-ik yoo-REE-mik syndrome—is an illness that most commonly occurs in the aftermath of food poisoning, particularly infection from E. coli bacteria. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) usually affects children under the age of 10 but adolescents and adults can get HUS as well.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is characterized by damage and destruction of the red blood cells, which leads to a lower than normal number of red blood cells (a condition called anemia), blood clots, and damage to blood vessel walls. In the most severe cases, HUS can include damage to the kidneys, which can lead to failure of the kidneys (renal failure). Other complications that can accompany the illness are thrombocytopenia (platelet deficiency in the blood) and neurologic signs, including irritability and, very rarely, seizures.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, E. coli and Foodborne Illness
Most cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome are preceded by gastrointestinal illness, often from a foodborne germ that causes bloody diarrhea. These cases of HUS are referred to as Typical HUS. The most common microorganisms associated with Typical HUS are Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli) and Shigella, although it seems that nearly any infection that results in bloody diarrhea could lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. The majority of HUS cases result from E. coli contamination of food like meat, dairy products, and juice. According to some studies, as many as 15 percent of children who are infected with E. coli develope Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

Kidney Damage in Children from Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Caused by E. Coli
Most patients with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome experience complete recovery and nearly no risk of recurring symptoms. With careful and aggressive medical attention, the risk of fatality due to HUS is less than four percent. Up to 30 percent of the children who survive Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, however, will be left with permanent damage to their kidneys. Children who recover usually do so quickly, while afflicted adults may experience longer recovery times since kidney damage is usually more extensive in adult HUS cases.

Recent studies show that Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome caused by E. coli infection is now the most common cause of renal failure for children in the U.S. It is recommended that people who recover from HUS undergo long-term follow-up and observation to monitor for the potential onset of chronic kidney disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and chronic neurologic damage.

Approximately 7,500 cases of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome are diagnosed each year in the U.S. --similar to the rate of incidence for leukemia in the general population--but until all fifty states classify HUS as a reportable disease, an accurate rate of incidence will be impossible to determine.

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Although much more rare, Atypical HUS, characterized by many of the same symptoms and risks that are common to Typical HUS, will sometimes follow the use of certain drugs, pregnancy or cancer. Rather than being caused by an external agent--such as a foodborne pathogen--these cases of HUS seem to be caused by some internal factor. One theory suggests that some people have a genetic weakness—that means their bodies do not make a protein or enzyme which is crucial to resisting Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. An important distinction between Typical and Atypical HUS concerns the severity and likelihood of recurrence of the symptoms. Although Typical HUS often starts with more severe symptoms, Atypical HUS often has lingering effects.

Links to More Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and E. coli Information
For more HUS information, please read the following:

If you or someone you love has become seriously ill from food poisoning, contact us for a free consultation about an E. coli-HUS lawsuit. You can reach one of our lawyers 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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Foodborne Outbreaks

University of Colorado at Boulder (CU) E. coli: At least 8 people have been sickened, 7 of them students.
Michigan E. coli Lettuce: A Michigan E. coli outbreak has been associated with bagged iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid's Produce Company.
Aunt Mid's Lawsuit: People in Michigan, Illinois, New York, Ohio and Oregon have been sickened in an E. coli outbreak.
University of Michigan and MSU E. coli Lawsuit: 7 students at Michigan State University and 3 students at the University of Michigan have contracted E. coli infections.
Hendricks Farm Campylobacter outbreak associated with Hendricks Farm & Dairy in Telford, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania.
Oklahoma E. coli: An Oklahoma E. coli outbreak may be linked to a Locust Grove restaurant.
Nebraska Beef Lawsuit: Nebraska Beef, Ltd. has recalled millions of pounds of beef products and has been linked to 2 outbreaks.
Massachusettes E. coli: A Massachusettes E. coli outbreak has been linked to Nebraska Beef products and Coleman Meat products.
Whole Foods Market Lawsuit: The Whole Foods Market E. coli outbreak is part of the Massachusettes E. coli outbreak above.
Virginia E. coli - Goshen Scout Reservation: Dozens of scouts were sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to beef.
Georgia E. coli - Barbecue Pit Lawsuit
Ohio E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
Michigan E. coli Outbreak: Ground beef may have sickened people in both Michigan and Ohio.
Multi-State Salmonella Saintpaul Outbreak: Tomatoes have sickened hundreds of people throughout the United States.
Minnesota Preschool E. coli: Outbreak associated with Wonder World Preschool in Slayton, Minnesota.
Washington E. coli Lettuce: Outbreak associated with commercial romaine lettuce.
Texas Salmonella Saintpaul - Tomato: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
New Mexico Salmonella Saintpaul Linked to Tomatoes: Outbreak most likely caused by Roma, red plum and/or red round tomatoes.
Nebraska E. coli Outbreak Associated with Roast Beef
Hepatitis A - La Mesa California Chipotle - Lawyer and Lawsuit: San Diego County hepatitis A outbreak
Salmonella - Puffed Rice Recall and Puffed Wheat Recall: Malt-O-Meal cereal recall.
Minnesota Salmonella - Milford Valley Farms Lawsuit: Frozen chicken product.
Salmonella - Agropecuaria Montelibano Cantaloupe Recall: Cantaloupe from Honduras.
Salmonella Litchfield Cantaloupe Lawsuit: Recall of Dole, Chiquita and other brands.
Honolulu E. coli - Sekiya's Lawsuit and Lawyer: E. coli associated with Hawaii restaurant.
Alabama E. coli - Church Supper: Outbreak associated with Eastern Shore Baptis Church.
E. coli - Rochester Meat Company Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef recall.
E. coli - Jeno's and Totino's Pizza Recall and Lawsuit: Pepperoni on pizza.
E. coli - Topps Recall and Lawsuit: Hamburger patty recall.
E. coli - Cargill/Sam's Club Recall and Lawsuit: Ground beef patty recall.
Listeria - Whittier Farms Recall and Lawsuit: Miscarriage and death linked to milk.
Hawaii Salmonella - Tuna Recall and Lawsuit
Salmonella - Safeway Ground Beef Recall and Lawsuit