hemolytic uremic syndrome

noun

: a rare disease that is marked by the formation of thrombi in the capillaries and arterioles especially of the kidney, that is characterized clinically by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and progressive kidney failure, that has several causes (such as infection with E. coli or the use of chemotherapeutic or immunosuppressant drugs), and that primarily affects infants and young children

—abbreviation HUS

Examples of hemolytic uremic syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But that’s not all: E. coli infections may also cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which, according to Gounder, is characterized by damage to blood vessels, blood clots, and kidney failure, accompanied by a drop in both red cells and platelets. —Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 19 June 2024

Five children were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication of an E.coli infection often treated with blood transfusions and dialysis. —Jenna Portnoy, Washington Post, 15 June 2024

Of those, five people developed a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, a rare condition that damages kidneys, said Katherine McCombs, deputy director of surveillance and investigation at the Virginia Department of Health Office of Epidemiology. —Ken Alltucker, USA TODAY, 14 June 2024

In severe cases, the infection can damage kidneys, and lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome. —CBS News, 13 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hemolytic uremic syndrome

noun

: a rare disease that is marked by the formation of thrombi in the capillaries and arterioles especially of the kidney, that is characterized clinically by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and progressive kidney failure, that is precipitated by a variety of etiologic factors (as infection with Escherichia coli or Shigella dysenteriae), and that primarily affects infants and young children

—abbreviation HUS see thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura