STEC infections, especially in children under 5 years, can cause a severe complication known as Haemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). This disease is characterized by systemic extra intestinal symptoms caused by Shiga toxins damaging other organs, particularly the kidneys, central nervous system, and, less commonly, the heart and pancreas. Shiga toxin damages blood vessel walls, causing thrombotic microangiopathy, which leads to the destruction of red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia) and the consumption of platelets (thrombocytopenia). Therefore, HUS is characterized by a triad of symptoms: anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure (loss of kidney function).
HUS is a rare disease in Italy but represents one of the most frequent causes of acute renal failure in children. In the acute phase and in a minority of cases (1-3%), HUS can also lead to patient death.
Due to the severity of HUS, it is essential to recognize the onset of the disease promptly and seek specialized medical care immediately. HUS patients require close clinical monitoring, requiring hospitalization. They may need rehydration, blood transfusions, and dialysis due to anaemia and kidney damage.
Most HUS patients recover within a few weeks. However, in severe cases, medium- and long-term complications may persist, varying in severity, including hypertension, neurological damage, and chronic renal failure that can lead to end-stage renal disease, requiring a kidney transplant.
