Diarrhoea‐associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome and Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli infections in New Zealand children: Clinical features and short‐term complications from a 23‐year cohort study

Abstract

BackgroundDiarrhoea‐associated haemolytic uraemic syndrome (D+HUS) is an important cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in young children and it is most commonly associated with Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC). Gastrointestinal infections caused by STEC have been increasing in New Zealand over the past two decades, but little is known regarding the acute and short‐term outcomes of New Zealand children who develop D+HUS.AimTo describe the clinical characteristics, complications and short‐term outcomes of New Zealand children with D+HUS identified between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2020.MethodsThe New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit sends out a monthly survey to all practising paediatricians regarding conditions under active surveillance. Paediatricians caring for a child aged 0–15 years of age with D+HUS over the prior month were requested to report their patient. Reporting clinicians were then contacted by the principal investigator and sent a questionnaire requesting patient clinical and laboratory information.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty‐six children had D+HUS; median age 2.8 years (interquartile range 1.7–4.9). Acute dialysis was required in 128/226 (56.2%) of children for a median of 9 days (range 1–38). Children with shorter diarrhoeal prodrome, higher neutrophil count and haemoglobin had a longer duration of dialysis. Seizures occurred in 31/226 (13.7%) and were not associated with a greater HUS severity score. Acute mortality was 1.3%, all resulting from thrombotic microangiopathic cerebral injury.ConclusionD+HUS is a major cause of AKI in previously healthy young children. Earlier recognition of STEC infections in young children may reduce the need for dialysis and other extra‐renal complications. The New Zealand incidence of acute dialysis, other major complications and mortality are consistent with other reported studies.