Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome in an Adult Following Escherichia coli Sepsis: A Case Report

This case report describes a previously healthy 43-year-old woman who developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) following <i>Escherichia coli</i> sepsis. She presented with vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, right upper quadrant pain, and altered mental status after returning from travel to Bali and Australia. Initial investigations revealed stage 3 acute kidney injury, deranged liver function, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and raised inflammatory markers. Blood and urine cultures confirmed <i>E. coli</i>, and she was treated with intravenous antibiotics and supportive care. A peripheral blood film showed features of microangiopathic haemolysis, consistent with HUS, although Shiga toxin testing was not reported in this case. Her condition gradually improved with conservative management. This case highlights the need to consider HUS in adults with <i>E. coli</i> sepsis, even without confirmed Shiga toxin, and the importance of prompt supportive treatment.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-09-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.91417
Primary Topic
Complement system in diseases
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome in an Adult Following Escherichia coli Sepsis: A Case Report

Christopher McManus, Ummulkhayr Yussuf
Cureus
Complement system in diseases
article

Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome in an Adult Following Escherichia coli Sepsis: A Case Report

Christopher McManus, Ummulkhayr Yussuf
article en

Abstract

This case report describes a previously healthy 43-year-old woman who developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) following <i>Escherichia coli</i> sepsis. She presented with vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, right upper quadrant pain, and altered mental status after returning from travel to Bali and Australia. Initial investigations revealed stage 3 acute kidney injury, deranged liver function, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and raised inflammatory markers. Blood and urine cultures confirmed <i>E. coli</i>, and she was treated with intravenous antibiotics and supportive care. A peripheral blood film showed features of microangiopathic haemolysis, consistent with HUS, although Shiga toxin testing was not reported in this case. Her condition gradually improved with conservative management. This case highlights the need to consider HUS in adults with <i>E. coli</i> sepsis, even without confirmed Shiga toxin, and the importance of prompt supportive treatment.

CureusVol. 17(9)
Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust (GB), Southport and Formby District General Hospital (GB)
Openalex Percentile: Top 75%
Complement system in diseases
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