Nationwide study of haemolytic uraemic syndrome: Clinical, microbiological, and epidemiological features

Abstract

Aims - To establish the incidence and aetiology of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) in Australia and compare clinical and microbial characteristics of sporadic and outbreak cases. Methods - National active surveillance through the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit with monthly case notification from paediatricians, July 1994 to June 1998. Children under 15 years presenting with microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal impairment were identified. Results - Ninety eight cases were identified (incidence 0.64 per 105 children <15 years/annum and 1.35 per 105 children <5 years/annum). Eighty four were associated with diarrhoea (64 sporadic, 20 constituting an ..