Atypical Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome: Genetic Basis, Clinical Manifestations, and a Multidisciplinary Approach to Management

Keval Yerigeri, Saurav Kadatane, Kai Mongan, Olivia Boyer, Linda LG Burke, Sidharth Kumar Sethi, Christoph Licht, Rupesh Raina
Case Western Reserve University and The MetroHealth System. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Northeast Ohio Medical University. Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital. Kidney and Urology Institute. University of Toronto. Akron Children’s Hospital.
United States, France and Canada

Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare
J Multidiscip Healthc 2023; 16: 2233-2249
DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S245620

Abstract
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) defined by the triad of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. Microthrombi develop in the glomerular capillaries secondary to endothelial damage and exert shear stress on red blood cells, consume platelets, and contribute to renal dysfunction and failure. Per current understanding of pathophysiology, HUS is classified into infectious, secondary, and atypical disease. The most common etiology is infectious sequelae of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC); other causative organisms include shigella and salmonella. Secondary HUS arises from cancer, chemotherapy, solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant, pregnancy, or autoimmune disorders. Primary atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome (aHUS) is associated with genetic mutations in complement and complement regulatory proteins. Under physiologic conditions, complement regulators keep the alternative complement system continuously active at low levels. In times of inflammation, mutations in complement-related proteins lead to uncontrolled complement activity. The hyperactive inflammatory state leads to glomerular endothelial damage, activation of the coagulation cascade, and TMA findings. Atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome is a rare disorder with a prevalence of 2.21 to 9.4 per million people aged 20 years or younger; children between the ages of 0 and 4 are most affected. Multidisciplinary health care is necessary for timely management of its extra-renal manifestations. These include vascular disease of the heart, brain, and skin, pulmonary hypertension and hemorrhage, and pregnancy complications. Adequate screening is required to monitor for sequelae. First-line treatment is the monoclonal antibody eculizumab, but several organ systems may require specialized interventions and coordination of care with sub-specialists.

Category
Review Articles Concerning Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Class I. Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Infection
Class I. Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with Inflammation
Genetic Factors Associated with Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Age Focus: Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease or Adult Pulmonary Vascular Disease

Fresh or Filed Publication: Filed (PHiled). Greater than 1-2 years since publication

Article Access
Free PDF File or Full Text Article Available Through PubMed or DOI: Yes

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