Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious condition affecting the blood and blood vessels in the body. HUS largely results from the abnormal destruction of red blood cells and platelets by bacterial virulence factors like Shiga toxin.[1] Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) release their toxins in the intestinal tract where the bloodstream absorbs the Shiga toxin. The toxin circulates throughout the blood system targeting red blood cells, endothelial cells, and platelets. Damaged red blood cells and platelets clog filtering units in the kidneys.
The complications of HUS can include damage to the kidneys leading to proteinuria, dehydration, and renal failure. In many cases, dialysis is required, and in extremely serious cases, one or more kidney transplants are required. By far the most common cause of HUS is Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli food borne illness,
Contracting an infection or illness like HUS from something that you eat can be frightening. It is a serious illness that in almost every case requires hospitalization and can lead to even long lasting complications. Unfortunately, in the many cases that are due to foodborne related infections, the ultimate cause is a failure to follow “routine” food preparation, handling, and storage guidelines – a failure that allows fecal matter (by far the most common carrier of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) into the food.
The simple fact is that Shiga toxin-producing E. coli does not accidently get into food. There are numerous quality controls and regulations that have been set in place to ensure, in fact, that this does not happen. In fact, all restaurants and food manufactures or distributors have a duty to comply with industry standards as well as all applicable health regulations, both state and federal. These include the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations, 21 C.F.R. part 110, subparts (A)-(G),[5] and all statutory and regulatory provisions that apply to the manufacture, distribution, storage, and/or sale of the food or its ingredients, including but not limited to, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act, § 402(a),[6] as codified at 21 U.S.C. § 342(a), which bans the manufacture, sale and distribution of any “adulterated” food. In fact, most states also have a food, drug and cosmetic act that prohibit the same thing.
When HUS is caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, the HUS symptoms will begin with those associated with E. coli gastroenteritis, including one or more of the following: vomiting, nausea, diarrhea (it has a tendency of being bloody), stomach pain or cramps, body aches, headaches, dehydration, and fatigue. The most telling sign, and the one physicians are on the look-out for, is blood in the stool.
And while most victims of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli will recover within two to three weeks, according to the CDC, about 5 to 10 percent of people diagnosed with an infection from E. coli O157:H7 develop HUS.[9] In those victims, about a week after the E. coil infection, HUS can surface and have a whole host of symptoms of its’ own, including:
Ongoing bloody diarrhea;
The decrease in the frequency of urination;
Pallor, or a paleness or loss of color in the skin;
Small bruises without a known cause;
Bleeding from the nose or the mouth;
Fatigue and irritability;
Swelling in various parts of the body like the face and the extremities; and
Increased blood pressure[10]
The Unique Dangers of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children
The most worrisome cases are those that present in children, due to their age, inability to understand what is happening, and their life expectancy coupled with the ongoing effects post-HUS resolution.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that children with HUS who have apparently recovered will develop hype1iension, urinary abnormalities and/or renal insufficiency long after their initial recovery.[13] One of the best predictors is the duration of anuria and/or oliguria. In one study of 61 children who were followed for a mean of 9.6 years following the acute episode of HUS (having had dialysis), 52% had proteinuria, 41 % decreased creatinine clearance, and 56% renal sequelae.[14] And in fact, in all children with anuria of 8 or more day’s duration and those with oliguria exceeding 15 days, suffered ongoing chronic disease (100%).[15] In yet another article in Clinical Nephrology (by Gagnadouz, et al, 1996) when 29 children were evaluated 15-25 years after the acute phase of HUS, only 10 of the 29 children were normal, 12 had hypertension, 3 had chronic renal failure and 4 had end stage renal disease (65.5%).
HUS is itself a complication of E. coli O157:H7 illness, but can easily stem into further health issues. These complications are serious and could, ultimately, be life-altering and life-threatening.
Dehydration is a serious side effect of HUS that affects the sodium/potassium balance and can lead to tachycardia, arrhythmias and myocardial infarctions;
Kidney failure is the most direct complication. Kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to filter blood as they are supposed to. When kidneys lose 10% of their function it is considered kidney failure (medical records will often indicate a stage 1 to stage 5 level of acute kidney failure).[17] The Mayo Clinic identifies acute kidney failure to be sudden onset whereas chronic kidney failure develops over time;[18]
High blood pressure is a common effect and can last for years;[19]
Stroke is another possible complication. A stroke is when a part of the brain is deprived of oxygen because the blood flow has been cut off. This can cause serious damage to brain cells and it can cause them to begin to die;[20]
HUS has also been linked to comas in severe cases. A coma is an unconscious state that lasts for an unknown period of time. This usually happens when a person experiences traumatic injuries or illness;
Intestinal issues can arise, such as inflammatory colitis, due to the destruction and damage of blood vessels throughout the body. This is known as post-infectious IBS.
Heart problems can also arise due to the damage of blood vessels;
Seizures;[21]
Blood-clotting problems;[22]
HUS is a serious condition will require an extended hospital stay. The treatment regimen is quite intense and requires ongoing testing and monitoring, though treatment may vary substantially between victims. Due to the varying symptoms brought about by HUS, treatment will vary depending on the patient’s symptoms and kidney function.
Due to the difficulty in retaining food and nutrients, health care providers need to intensively monitor fluid and electrolyte balances in patients with HUS. Patients will nearly always require IV fluids and nasogastric tube for nutrients;
According to the National Kidney Foundation, dialysis, a short-term kidney replacement treatment, is necessary in about 50 percent of cases;[23]
Plasmapheresis, a filtration process where harmful antibodies are removed from the blood, is also required in many of the seriously ill.[24]
As noted above, the initial hospitalization and treatments during the acute stage are not the end of the story for many of the victims. Many victims are likely to have a full recovery, even if they required dialysis, within six months. But many more may have lasting kidney issues, post-infectious IBS, high blood pressure, or a myriad other ongoing effects.
You may receive compensation for all your damages if you suffer from Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) due to contaminated food. A Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome lawyer can help you check out all the available legal remedies to get justice for your illness.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is an illness that can lead to kidney failure and other chronic health ailments. Contaminated food is the most common cause of this condition. E. coli is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for this illness with other bacteria. If you feel you suffer from some of the symptoms of this illness, a HUS food poisoning lawyer can help you investigate the source of the infection and help you with a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
A competent HUS food poisoning attorney can help you understand the complex legal system, collect evidence, and build a solid compensation lawsuit. They can also collaborate with medical professionals to understand the type and extent of your injuries and pursue maximum compensation.
You should seek the help of an experienced attorney if you were diagnosed with HUS after consuming contaminated food. You can get help from a HUS food poisoning attorney to safeguard your legal rights and get compensation for your illness.
A Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) lawyer is an attorney experienced in helping HUS patients due to foodborne illness. HUS is a severe medical condition. It can lead to kidney failure, anemia, and other chronic health ailments.
A Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome attorney is a legal expert who can help you explore your legal remedies and options in case you get diagnosed with HUS because of contaminated food. They can examine the cause of the contamination, ensure who is accountable, and pursue a lawsuit for compensation on your behalf.
A HUS attorney collaborates with medical specialists to comprehend the full degree of your medical condition. They subsequently seek good compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or any of your loved one has been analyzed with HUS because of foodborne illness, seek the help of a competent HUS lawyer. They can help you with the support and resources you need to defend your legal rights.
A Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) lawyer is a legal expert supporting individuals diagnosed with HUS. Their job profile includes helping the patients of HUS get proper legal representation and support throughout the complex legal process of seeking compensation for damages.
A qualified HUS lawyer can examine the contamination’s cause and find the responsible parties. Additionally, they collaborate with medical specialists to comprehend the injuries and seek maximum compensation.
HUS attorney can aid you in going sailing through the complex legal system, handling the insurance companies and other responsible parties, and building a robust case to increase your chances of success. If needed, they can also represent you in court.
If you or a loved one has been identified with HUS, it is significant to pursue the assistance of a skilled HUS attorney. They can maximize your chances of getting hefty compensation for all the damages you suffered because of the illness.
Yes, a Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) lawyer can help. If you have developed the symptoms of HUS due to foodborne illness, seek legal help and support for seeking compensation.
A skilled HUS attorney is experienced enough to understand legal rights and options. He can examine the contamination’s cause and determine the responsible parties for your illness. A HUS lawyer collaborates with medical specialists to understand your degree of illness. You can seek the maximum possible compensation for your damages with the help of an experienced HUS lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with HUS due to foodborne illness, seek the help of a skilled HUS lawyer. They can provide the support and resources you need to protect your legal rights and seek justice for your illness.
Ron Simon & Associates has over 50 years in helping of food poisoning victims, many who contracted HUS. These cases are complex, and understanding the science and the implications of HUS is vital to prosecuting a case against a food manufacturer or restaurant. Contact our hemolytic uremic syndrome attorneys by calling toll free 1-888.220.8941.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious condition affecting the blood and blood vessels in the body. HUS largely results from the abnormal destruction of red blood cells and platelets by bacterial virulence factors like Shiga toxin.[1] Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) release their toxins in the intestinal tract where the bloodstream absorbs the Shiga toxin. The toxin circulates throughout the blood system targeting red blood cells, endothelial cells, and platelets. Damaged red blood cells and platelets clog filtering units in the kidneys.
The complications of HUS can include damage to the kidneys leading to proteinuria, dehydration, and renal failure. In many cases, dialysis is required, and in extremely serious cases, one or more kidney transplants are required. By far the most common cause of HUS is Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli food borne illness,
Contracting an infection or illness like HUS from something that you eat can be frightening. It is a serious illness that in almost every case requires hospitalization and can lead to even long lasting complications. Unfortunately, in the many cases that are due to foodborne related infections, the ultimate cause is a failure to follow “routine” food preparation, handling, and storage guidelines – a failure that allows fecal matter (by far the most common carrier of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli) into the food.
The simple fact is that Shiga toxin-producing E. coli does not accidently get into food. There are numerous quality controls and regulations that have been set in place to ensure, in fact, that this does not happen. In fact, all restaurants and food manufactures or distributors have a duty to comply with industry standards as well as all applicable health regulations, both state and federal. These include the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Good Manufacturing Practices Regulations, 21 C.F.R. part 110, subparts (A)-(G),[5] and all statutory and regulatory provisions that apply to the manufacture, distribution, storage, and/or sale of the food or its ingredients, including but not limited to, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act, § 402(a),[6] as codified at 21 U.S.C. § 342(a), which bans the manufacture, sale and distribution of any “adulterated” food. In fact, most states also have a food, drug and cosmetic act that prohibit the same thing.
When HUS is caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, the HUS symptoms will begin with those associated with E. coli gastroenteritis, including one or more of the following: vomiting, nausea, diarrhea (it has a tendency of being bloody), stomach pain or cramps, body aches, headaches, dehydration, and fatigue. The most telling sign, and the one physicians are on the look-out for, is blood in the stool.
And while most victims of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli will recover within two to three weeks, according to the CDC, about 5 to 10 percent of people diagnosed with an infection from E. coli O157:H7 develop HUS.[9] In those victims, about a week after the E. coil infection, HUS can surface and have a whole host of symptoms of its’ own, including:
Ongoing bloody diarrhea;
The decrease in the frequency of urination;
Pallor, or a paleness or loss of color in the skin;
Small bruises without a known cause;
Bleeding from the nose or the mouth;
Fatigue and irritability;
Swelling in various parts of the body like the face and the extremities; and
Increased blood pressure[10]
The Unique Dangers of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children
The most worrisome cases are those that present in children, due to their age, inability to understand what is happening, and their life expectancy coupled with the ongoing effects post-HUS resolution.
Multiple studies have demonstrated that children with HUS who have apparently recovered will develop hype1iension, urinary abnormalities and/or renal insufficiency long after their initial recovery.[13] One of the best predictors is the duration of anuria and/or oliguria. In one study of 61 children who were followed for a mean of 9.6 years following the acute episode of HUS (having had dialysis), 52% had proteinuria, 41 % decreased creatinine clearance, and 56% renal sequelae.[14] And in fact, in all children with anuria of 8 or more day’s duration and those with oliguria exceeding 15 days, suffered ongoing chronic disease (100%).[15] In yet another article in Clinical Nephrology (by Gagnadouz, et al, 1996) when 29 children were evaluated 15-25 years after the acute phase of HUS, only 10 of the 29 children were normal, 12 had hypertension, 3 had chronic renal failure and 4 had end stage renal disease (65.5%).
HUS is itself a complication of E. coli O157:H7 illness, but can easily stem into further health issues. These complications are serious and could, ultimately, be life-altering and life-threatening.
Dehydration is a serious side effect of HUS that affects the sodium/potassium balance and can lead to tachycardia, arrhythmias and myocardial infarctions;
Kidney failure is the most direct complication. Kidney failure is the inability of the kidneys to filter blood as they are supposed to. When kidneys lose 10% of their function it is considered kidney failure (medical records will often indicate a stage 1 to stage 5 level of acute kidney failure).[17] The Mayo Clinic identifies acute kidney failure to be sudden onset whereas chronic kidney failure develops over time;[18]
High blood pressure is a common effect and can last for years;[19]
Stroke is another possible complication. A stroke is when a part of the brain is deprived of oxygen because the blood flow has been cut off. This can cause serious damage to brain cells and it can cause them to begin to die;[20]
HUS has also been linked to comas in severe cases. A coma is an unconscious state that lasts for an unknown period of time. This usually happens when a person experiences traumatic injuries or illness;
Intestinal issues can arise, such as inflammatory colitis, due to the destruction and damage of blood vessels throughout the body. This is known as post-infectious IBS.
Heart problems can also arise due to the damage of blood vessels;
Seizures;[21]
Blood-clotting problems;[22]
HUS is a serious condition will require an extended hospital stay. The treatment regimen is quite intense and requires ongoing testing and monitoring, though treatment may vary substantially between victims. Due to the varying symptoms brought about by HUS, treatment will vary depending on the patient’s symptoms and kidney function.
Due to the difficulty in retaining food and nutrients, health care providers need to intensively monitor fluid and electrolyte balances in patients with HUS. Patients will nearly always require IV fluids and nasogastric tube for nutrients;
According to the National Kidney Foundation, dialysis, a short-term kidney replacement treatment, is necessary in about 50 percent of cases;[23]
Plasmapheresis, a filtration process where harmful antibodies are removed from the blood, is also required in many of the seriously ill.[24]
As noted above, the initial hospitalization and treatments during the acute stage are not the end of the story for many of the victims. Many victims are likely to have a full recovery, even if they required dialysis, within six months. But many more may have lasting kidney issues, post-infectious IBS, high blood pressure, or a myriad other ongoing effects.
You may receive compensation for all your damages if you suffer from Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) due to contaminated food. A Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome lawyer can help you check out all the available legal remedies to get justice for your illness.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is an illness that can lead to kidney failure and other chronic health ailments. Contaminated food is the most common cause of this condition. E. coli is a pathogenic bacterium responsible for this illness with other bacteria. If you feel you suffer from some of the symptoms of this illness, a HUS food poisoning lawyer can help you investigate the source of the infection and help you with a lawsuit against the responsible parties.
A competent HUS food poisoning attorney can help you understand the complex legal system, collect evidence, and build a solid compensation lawsuit. They can also collaborate with medical professionals to understand the type and extent of your injuries and pursue maximum compensation.
You should seek the help of an experienced attorney if you were diagnosed with HUS after consuming contaminated food. You can get help from a HUS food poisoning attorney to safeguard your legal rights and get compensation for your illness.
A Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) lawyer is an attorney experienced in helping HUS patients due to foodborne illness. HUS is a severe medical condition. It can lead to kidney failure, anemia, and other chronic health ailments.
A Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome attorney is a legal expert who can help you explore your legal remedies and options in case you get diagnosed with HUS because of contaminated food. They can examine the cause of the contamination, ensure who is accountable, and pursue a lawsuit for compensation on your behalf.
A HUS attorney collaborates with medical specialists to comprehend the full degree of your medical condition. They subsequently seek good compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you or any of your loved one has been analyzed with HUS because of foodborne illness, seek the help of a competent HUS lawyer. They can help you with the support and resources you need to defend your legal rights.
A Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) lawyer is a legal expert supporting individuals diagnosed with HUS. Their job profile includes helping the patients of HUS get proper legal representation and support throughout the complex legal process of seeking compensation for damages.
A qualified HUS lawyer can examine the contamination’s cause and find the responsible parties. Additionally, they collaborate with medical specialists to comprehend the injuries and seek maximum compensation.
HUS attorney can aid you in going sailing through the complex legal system, handling the insurance companies and other responsible parties, and building a robust case to increase your chances of success. If needed, they can also represent you in court.
If you or a loved one has been identified with HUS, it is significant to pursue the assistance of a skilled HUS attorney. They can maximize your chances of getting hefty compensation for all the damages you suffered because of the illness.
Yes, a Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) lawyer can help. If you have developed the symptoms of HUS due to foodborne illness, seek legal help and support for seeking compensation.
A skilled HUS attorney is experienced enough to understand legal rights and options. He can examine the contamination’s cause and determine the responsible parties for your illness. A HUS lawyer collaborates with medical specialists to understand your degree of illness. You can seek the maximum possible compensation for your damages with the help of an experienced HUS lawyer.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with HUS due to foodborne illness, seek the help of a skilled HUS lawyer. They can provide the support and resources you need to protect your legal rights and seek justice for your illness.
Ron Simon & Associates has over 50 years in helping of food poisoning victims, many who contracted HUS. These cases are complex, and understanding the science and the implications of HUS is vital to prosecuting a case against a food manufacturer or restaurant. Contact our hemolytic uremic syndrome attorneys by calling toll free 1-888.220.8941.
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