Update on the treatment of endemic hemolytic uremic syndrome. Pathogenesis and treatment of the most severe systemic complication of infections by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli

Update on the treatment of endemic hemolytic uremic syndrome. Pathogenesis and treatment of the most severe systemic complication of infections by Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. The typical form of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the major complication of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections. HUS is a critical health problem in Argentina since it is the main cause of acute renal failure in children and the second cause of chronic renal failure, giving account for 20% of renal transplants in children and adolescents in our country. In spite of the extensive research in the field, the mainstay of treatment for patients with HUS is supportive therapy, and there are no specific therapies preventing or ameliorating the disease course. In this review, we present the current knowledge about pathogenic mechanisms and discuss traditional and innovative therapeutic approaches, with special focus in national status and contributions made by Argentinean groups.