The hemolytic uremic syndrome

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is the most common cause of acute renal failure in infants and young children and follows a diarrheal prodrome in approximately 90% of cases. The great majority of cases in the United States are caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7. The mortality rate is approximately 5%, and an equal number of survivors are left with end-stage renal disease or severe chronic neurologic damage. As many as 50% experience mild chronic renal sequelae.