Red cell membrane phospholipid abnormalities in the hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Eight patients with the hemolytic uremic syndrome had depression of percentage of red cell phosphatidyl ethanolamine content. Five patients also had subnormal plasma tocopherol levels. In addition all patients had significant increases in total plasma lipids which could contribute to peroxidative damage. The association of depressed red cell phosphatidyl ethanolamine and plasma tocopherol levels is suggestive of peroxidative damage, and may contribute to the hemolysis in this syndrome.