Haemolytic uraemic syndrome in childhood: an experience of 7 years at the Aga Khan University.

We reviewed the case records of all children admitted to the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) with a diagnosis of Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) over a 7 year period (July, 1988-June, 1995). A total of 33 patients were admitted to the Pediatric ward at (AKUH) with a median age of 16 months (range 4 months-9 years). 97% cases identified were of the classic variety and no familial case was identified. The mean duration of illness was 27 days, 39% had an illness > 28 days. Diarrhoea and prior antibiotic used was in 97% patients. Oliguria at admission was seen in 52.5% and seizures in 24% of cases. Thrombocytopenia, anemia and leucocytosis at admission was present in > 72% of children. Hyponatremia was present in 42% while acidosis, hypocalcemia and hyperkalemia was seen in 30% of children. Despite optimal management and peritoneal dialysis in 14 (42%) patients, 8 (24%) died. No specific relationship was found between mortality and any clinical or laboratory feature at presentation. Our data highlights the importance of HUS in the Pediatric age group and the need for further studies to delineate risk factors for adverse outcome.