Hemolytic uremic syndrome complicating postinfectious glomerulonephritis in the adult

Abstract

Hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is known to occur as a secondary complication of primary renal diseases, specifically of lupus nephritis, membranous glomerulonephritis, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. In a patient without a family history of hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura we observed biopsy-confirmed postinfectious glomerulonephritis with humps, with simultaneous subendothelial hyaline deposits and fibrinoid thrombi in arterioles. The patient had a history of febrile pharyngitis with diarrhea 10 days prior to renal biopsy. He presented with transient elevation of serum creatinine, a nephritic sediment, and hypertension not exceeding 160/100 mm Hg. The patient also had purpura, transient thrombocytopenia, and signs of intravascular hemolysis. Results of verocytotoxin serology were negative. With the exception of isolated microhematuria, all findings reverted to normal within 8 weeks without any specific treatment. This case illustrates that hemolytic uremic syndrome/thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura may complicate primary postinfectious glomerulonephritis in adults.