What is haemolytic uraemic syndrome (STEC HUS)?
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a rare condition that damages the small blood vessels inside the kidneys which makes them less able to work properly. It is also sometimes known as typical HUS or diarrhoea-associated (D+) haemolytic uremic syndrome.
Haemolytic – breakdown of blood cells
Uraemic – the kidneys don’t work as well as they should to remove waste
Syndrome – different parts of the body are affected
STEC HUS is different to aHUS (atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome).
STEC HUS happens in some children after a tummy infection caused by the bacteria (germ) Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia (STEC) E.coli.
STEC HUS affects around 1 in 100,000 people in the UK. There are about 100 new cases a year. It usually affects children under the age of ten. Boys and girls are affected equally.