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

Twenty-two people have been hospitalized, and two people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication that can cause permanent kidney failure or death. —Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 27 Oct. 2024

One child is hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can cause kidney failure, according to the CDC. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 23 Oct. 2024

In 2011, three children were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, an infectious cause of kidney failure. —Judy Stone, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024

At least four people developed a serious illness that can lead to kidney failure, called hemolytic uremic syndrome. —Erika Edwards, NBC News, 3 Dec. 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