Large and unusually large von Willebrand factor (vWf) multimers may be responsible for systemic platelet aggregation in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). This possibility is supported by studies that show deficient vWf-cleaving metalloproteinase and increased platelet-vWf binding during TTP episodes. In acute idiopathic TTP, decreased vWf metalloproteinase is the result of autoantibodi...

BACKGROUND Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with autoantibodies to complement factor H is an important cause of acute kidney injury; most patients require dialysis and are at risk of progressive renal failure. CASE CHARACTERISTICS 7 patients with gastrointestinal symptoms, acute kidney injury, thrombotic microangiopathy and elevated levels of anti-complement factor H antibodies. ...

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are important enteric pathogens worldwide, causing diarrhea with or without blood visibly present and hemolytic uremic syndrome. STEC are unique among diarrheogenic E coli in producing Shiga toxin type 1 and type 2, the virulence factors responsible for bloody diarrhea and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Cattle and other ruminants are the natural reservo...

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute renal failure, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia that often follows infection by Shiga toxinor verotoxin-producing strains of Escherichia coli. Because thrombocytopenia and platelet activation are hallmark features of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, we examined the ability of Shiga toxin to bind platelets b...

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by acute renal failure, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia that often follows infection by Shiga toxin- or verotoxin-producing strains of Escherichia coli. Because thrombocytopenia and platelet activation are hallmark features of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, we examined the ability of Shiga toxin to bind platelets...

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is the leading cause of acute kidney injury in childhood. Ninety percent of cases are secondary to gastrointestinal infection with shigatoxin-producing bacteria. In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of shigatoxin leading to hemolytic uremic syndrome and the emerging role of the complement system and vascular endothelial growth factor in its pathogenesis....

MR findings of a patient with hemolytic uremic syndrome involving the CNS are described. Abnormal high signal intensity on T2-weighted images combined with swelling in the lentiform nucleus, posterior limb of internal capsule, external capsule bilaterally, and left extreme capsule was shown on initial MR; a small low signal intensity in the left putamen on T1- and T2-weighted images and general...

F.E. von Eyben, PhD, MD, Klovervanget 22 a 11, DK-5000 Odense (Denmark) Dear Sir, Hemolytic-uremic syndrome comprises a triad of findings: acute microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal insufficiency [1]. In most cases of hemolytic-uremic syndrome in the adult the etiology is unknown, but a few cases have been reported as complications of typhoid fever [2], E. coli a...

F.E. von Eyben, PhD, MD, Klovervanget 22 a 11, DK-5000 Odense (Denmark) Dear Sir, Hemolytic-uremic syndrome comprises a triad of findings: acute microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal insufficiency [1]. In most cases of hemolytic-uremic syndrome in the adult the etiology is unknown, but a few cases have been reported as complications of typhoid fever [2], E. coli a...