Hemolytic uremic syndrome following hemorrhagic colitis caused by verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7: early signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Ten cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) following hemorrhagic colitis caused by verotoxin T2-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (VTEC) occurred in a Kindergarten. Slight changes in results of peripheral blood and blood chemistry studies an average of 4 days after onset suggested HUS, and within the following 12 hours platelet counts and levels of haptoglobin and lactic dehydrogenase decreased. Treatment was mainly directed toward the management of renal failure and included supportive therapy and anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment. Although neurological complications occurred in some cases, all patients eventually recovered completely.