Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is characterized by which of the following?

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is characterized by which of the following?

• A. Anemia.
• B. Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute nephropathy.
• C. Increased intracranial pressure.
• D. Pancreatitis.

Answer: (B)

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is defined by a triad produced by injury to the small vessels: microangiopathic hemolytic anemia from shearing of red cells as they traverse narrowed vessels, thrombocytopenia from platelet consumption in the same microthrombi, and acute nephropathy from thrombosis in the renal microcirculation. This combination—hemolysis with low platelets and kidney injury—is what distinguishes HUS from other causes of anemia or abdominal/pain syndromes. Increased intracranial pressure or pancreatitis aren’t characteristic features of HUS, and anemia alone doesn’t capture the full syndrome.

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome is defined by a triad produced by injury to the small vessels: microangiopathic hemolytic anemia from shearing of red cells as they traverse narrowed vessels, thrombocytopenia from platelet consumption in the same microthrombi, and acute nephropathy from thrombosis in the renal microcirculation. This combination—hemolysis with low platelets and kidney injury—is what distinguishes HUS from other causes of anemia or abdominal/pain syndromes. Increased intracranial pressure or pancreatitis aren’t characteristic features of HUS, and anemia alone doesn’t capture the full syndrome.