Early diagnosis and management of postpartum hemolytic uremic syndrome with plasma exchange.

Abstract

The likelihood of survival in cases of postpartum hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is as high as 80-90% with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment using plasma exchange (PE). The patients, referred to our center, diagnosed as postpartum HUS presented with thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anaemia with or without fever and severe renal failure, were managed aggressively with PE in conjunction with hemodialysis. All patients showed clinical improvement, along with laboratory indicators like normal renal function tests, increased platelet counts and decreased lactic dehydrogenase levels. Awareness amongst treating physicians, early diagnosis and treatment with PE could be the key factors in reducing maternal mortality due to postpartum HUS in developing countries.

• Authors: Manisha Shrivastava, Gopesh Modi, Rakesh Kumar Singh, Seema Navaid
• Journal: Transfusion and apheresis science : official journal of the World Apheresis Association : official journal of the European Society for Haemapheresis (Transfus Apher Sci) Vol. 44 Issue 3 Pg. 257-62 (Jun 2011) ISSN: 1473-0502 [Print] England
• PMID: 21550309 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome (diagnosis, therapy)
• Humans
• Plasma Exchange
• Postpartum Period
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Complications, Hematologic (diagnosis, therapy)
• Puerperal Disorders (diagnosis, therapy)