Hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with <i>Streptococcus pneumoniae</i>

Abstract

Hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae is a rare disease that occurs in 5-10% of all cases of hemolytic uremic syndromes in childhood. Pneumonia and meningitis are among the main diseases that can be complicated by St. pneumoniae-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome. The widespread introduction of polymerase chain reaction into clinical practice has increased the frequency of detection of this pathology. The article presents the epidemiology, clinical picture, features of pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of St. pneumoniae-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome. The authors described 3 clinical cases of this syndrome in children with pneumonia. In 2 patients, pneumonia proceeded with destruction of lung tissue, pleural empyema, bacteremia, and severe renal failure, which required hemofiltration therapy to replace renal function. Outcomes of hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with St. pneumoniae is worse than in typical hemolytic uremic syndrome, and is associated with the severity of the underlying disease (pneumonia, meningitis).