What are the classic triad symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)?

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by a classic triad of symptoms that includes anemia, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure.

Anemia occurs due to the destruction of red blood cells, which is a hallmark of the hemolytic process in HUS. This hemolysis can lead to low hemoglobin levels and signs of related symptoms such as fatigue and pallor.

Thrombocytopenia is another key feature of HUS, where there is a significant reduction in platelet count. This may lead to an increased risk of bleeding and other complications. The underlying mechanism often involves the consumption of platelets due to the formation of microthrombi in the small blood vessels.

Renal failure results from bilateral acute kidney injury, which is often secondary to the microvascular damage caused by the hemolytic process and the consumption of platelets. This renal impairment can present with oliguria or anuria, and often elevated levels of creatinine.

Understanding this classic triad helps in recognizing HUS, particularly in cases that follow infectious diarrhea, often associated with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. This profile distinguishes HUS from other conditions that may present with renal failure and similar hematologic findings but do not fit