Haemolytic uraemic syndrome: 17 years' experience in a Scottish paediatric renal unit.

Seventy-nine children with the Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome were referred to our unit between 1972 and 1988. The typical summer peak incidence was seen. A diarrhoeal prodrome occurred in 71 (90%). Fifty-nine (75%) required dialysis and 74 (94%) blood transfusion. Extra-renal disease was documented: neurological 32 (40%); abdominal 11 (14%); diabetes mellitus one case. Fifty-one (61%) had acute hypertension. The acute mortality rate was 9%. Children with neurological features had greater biochemical disturbances and longer duration of dialysis. Fifty-nine children were followed for a mean 47.4 months. Forty-four (75%) are healthy. Nine (15%) have renal impairment, two have proteinuria, one hypertension and one has a residual hemiparesis. There were two late deaths. Presence of acute neurological features increased risk of early death or survival with sequelae. Prolonged dialysis was significantly associated with poorer outcome. However, there were no reliable early indicators of poor prognosis.