Clinical, Epidemiological, and Immunohematological Profile of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children Between 6 Months and 12 Years at a Tertiary Care Center in South India

Abstract

Background: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a common cause of community acquired acute kidney injury (AKI) in childhood.

Methodology: This descriptive study was conducted on 24 children from May 2019 to September 2020 at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Chennai.

Results: Among the study population, 62.5% of children had atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and 37.5% had typical HUS. The prevalence of HUS was equal between girls and boys in the study population. The mortality rate was higher in girls compared to boys. The progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) was also more in girls. Clinical findings that were statistically significant concerning the overall outcome of this study were hypertension, acidotic breathing, and encephalopathy. The mean hemoglobin level is 5.8 g/dL and the association of hemoglobin with outcome was not statistically significant. Mortality was high in extremes of ages.

Conclusion: High lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was associated with poor outcomes whereas normal C3 and early hematology resolution were associated with better outcomes.

Keywords: Children; hemolytic uremic syndrome; immunohematological.