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

In 2011, three children were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, an infectious cause of kidney failure. —Judy Stone, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

At least four people developed a serious illness that can lead to kidney failure, called hemolytic uremic syndrome. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 3 Dec. 2024

Some people may develop serious kidney problems (hemolytic uremic syndrome, also called HUS) and would need to be hospitalized. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024

In some cases, people became severely ill with hemolytic uremic syndrome — or kidney failure. —Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 5 Dec. 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