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 impor- ' tance of HUS in the Pediatric age group and the need for further studies to delineate risk factors for ad verse outcome (JPMA 48:100,1998).