Surgical implications of the haemolytic-uraemic syndrome in children

ABSTRACT

The Haemolytic-Uraemic Syndrome [HUS] in children is a heterogeneous condition consisting of microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure. Complications requiring surgical intervention are rare but potentially lethal and usually involve the colon. The surgeon may face diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas. The decision to perform a laparotomy must be individualized. Furthermore, the problem of renal involvement, if not recognised, may lead to serious fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Two patients with HUS developed surgical complications. One had total colonic gangrene with perforation and the other had segmented ischaemic colitis