Korean J Med.  2002 Jan;62(1):104-108.

A case of recurrent postpartum hemolytic uremic syndrome

• Lee SI
• Chung JH

Abstract

The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and azotemia. The major causes of this syndrome are infectious diseases, drugs, cancer, connective tissue diseases and pregnancy. The association of pregnancy with HUS is an unusual but well described event occurring typically in the postpartum period. Postpartum HUS is also a cause of acute renal failure in pregnancy. Some cases of recurrent HUS due to drugs or infection were reported. We experienced a 33-year-old woman with recurrent postpartum HUS. She had postpartum HUS 5 years ago and was recovered completely with one month treatment including hemodialysis. On this admission, she presented with hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute renal failure after delivery. We carried out hemodialysis, plasmapheresis and other conservative management for 2 months. However, the patient's renal function was not recovered, and maintenance hemodialysis was required.

Keyword

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome; Puerperium; Recurrence

MeSH Terms

Acute Kidney Injury
Adult
Anemia, Hemolytic
Azotemia
Communicable Diseases
Connective Tissue Diseases
Female
Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome*
Humans
Plasmapheresis
Postpartum Period*
Pregnancy
Recurrence
Renal Dialysis
Thrombocytopenia