hemolytic uremic syndrome

noun

: a rare disease that is marked by the formation of thrombi in the capillaries and arterioles especially of the kidney, that is characterized clinically by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and progressive kidney failure, that has several causes (such as infection with E. coli or the use of chemotherapeutic or immunosuppressant drugs), and that primarily affects infants and young children

—abbreviation HUS

Examples of hemolytic uremic syndrome in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At least two people developed a rare kidney illness called hemolytic uremic syndrome. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 30 Oct. 2024

At least 27 people have been hospitalized and two people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure, according to the CDC. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 30 Oct. 2024

Many patients will recover after bouts of abdominal cramps and diarrhea, but some can develop a complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome that can lead to kidney failure and even death. —Katia Hetter, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024

One child has been hospitalized with complications from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), affecting the kidneys, according to TODAY. —Byalexa Mikhail, Fortune Well, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hemolytic uremic syndrome

noun

: a rare disease that is marked by the formation of thrombi in the capillaries and arterioles especially of the kidney, that is characterized clinically by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and progressive kidney failure, that is precipitated by a variety of etiologic factors (as infection with Escherichia coli or Shigella dysenteriae), and that primarily affects infants and young children

—abbreviation HUS see thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura