Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), mainly affecting the kidney. The disease is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. It is one of the most common causes of acute kidney injury in children. Under this umbrella, there are several different disorders: Shiga toxin-associated HUS, Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated HUS, and HUS associated with complement dysregulation. Several drugs and conditions may also cause HUS. There are many different classification systems, which have been developed during the history of the disease. In recent years, clinical and experimental studies have revealed abnormalities in different pathways beyond complement system. Besides, therapeutic options that are based on the pathophysiology have been available for HUS patients.