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E. Coli Patients Suffer from HUS

By Pritzker | Ruohonen

When referring to the dangers of E. coli infection, the potentially lethal 0157:H7 strain often creates the biggest clout because it can lead to a very dangerous condition called Hemolytic Uremic Sydrome (HUS).  HUS is characterized by damage and destruction of the red blood cells, which leads to a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells (a condition called anemia), blood clots, and damage to blood vessel walls. In the most severe cases, HUS can include damage to the kidneys, which can lead to failure of the kidneys (renal failure). Other complications that can accompany the illness are thrombocytopenia (platelet deficiency in the blood) and neurologic signs, including irritability and, very rarely, seizures.

21-year-old Stephanie Smith contracted an E. coli infection that developed into HUS after eating a bad burger.  She was placed under a medically induced coma, but has since awakened from it. A story and video of Stephanie’s story can be found at KARE 11.  She was recently released from St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Kevin Mendoza of New Mexico came down with E. coli poisoning a few weeks before the spinach E. coli outbreak in July 2006, although they aren’t sure from where he contracted the bacteria. Three days after being admitted to the University of New Mexico Hospital, he was diagnosed with HUS and his kidneys failed.

According to the Valencia County News Bulletin,

Things quickly cascaded from bad to worse — Kevin's lungs filled with fluid, he developed pancreatitis, he required blood transfusions and daily dialysis. "We didn't know when it was going to stop," his mother (Carolyn) remembers.

After five weeks of ups and downs, Kevin's kidneys began functioning again, but they are scared and damaged. "Most kids do recover, but with the scar tissue we have a long road ahead," Carolyn said. "We are probably looking at a transplant at some point. The doctors can't say when because they aren't sure what his body will do."

Kevin is again at home and recovering.  He and his family are also doing all they can to help the hospital any way that they can. They are currently working with 100.3 The Peak to host a radiothon to benefit the hospital and to tell his story of battling with HUS.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on February 28, 2008 (boomark / email).