The hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

Our experience with 61 episodes of the hemolytic-uremic syndrome in 60 patients showed a mean patient age of 3 years and a higher incidence of the disease during the summer months. Diarrhea, often bloody, preceded the other features of the illness in 93 percent of the cases. Hemolytic anemia, hematuria and proteinuria occurred in all of the patients. Thrombocytopenia and severe azotemia (blood urea nitrogen greater than 100 mg per dl) occurred in 74 percent and 72 percent of the children, respectively. Blood transfusions were necessary in 64 percent and dialysis was required in 54 percent of the cases. Mortality was low (5 percent) and 85 percent of the children had a complete recovery.