Consanguineous hemolytic uremic syndrome secondary to Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection treated with aggressive therapeutic plasma exchange.

Abstract

We describe the successful management of an elderly husband and wife with Escherichia coli O157:H7 associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) treated with aggressive therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with replacement with fresh frozen plasma. Following twelve TPEs (three 1.5 volume; nine 1 volume), the husband's platelet count increased from 45 x 10(9)/L to 183 x 10(9)/L. Following ten 1.5 volume TPEs, the wife's platelet count increased from 30 x 10(9)/L to 193 x 10(9)/L. This is the first known occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 associated HUS in an elderly husband and wife successfully treated with aggressive TPE. We conclude that early, aggressive TPE should be considered and may be life-saving for E coli O157:H7 associated HUS in the elderly.

• Authors: K A Downes, K Allen, R Sarode, R Yomtovian
• Journal: Journal of clinical apheresis (J Clin Apher) Vol. 16 Issue 3 Pg. 155-6 ( 2001) ISSN: 0733-2459 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11746544 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Topics

• Aged
• Escherichia coli Infections (blood, complications, therapy)
• Escherichia coli O157
• Female
• Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (etiology, microbiology, therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Plasma Exchange
• Platelet Count
• Treatment Outcome