Hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with rhabdomyolysis – Need to look beyond kidneys in hemolytic uremic syndrome

Abstract

Hemolytic uremic syndrome, a part of thrombotic microangiopathy, is an important cause of acute kidney injury in children. Hemolytic uremic syndrome primarily targets kidney but extrarenal organ involvement is observed in 20–40% of patients. Extra-renal organ involvement in hemolytic uremic syndrome has been associated with greater disease severity and higher mortality. We describe a 31/2-year-old boy of hemolytic uremic syndrome with rhabdomyolysis, which is a rare extrarenal manifestation of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Unlike central nervous or gastrointestinal system involvement in hemolytic uremic syndrome which manifests clinically, muscle involvement may not and, if present, may worsen the existing acute kidney injury and may worsen disease prognosis. Considering the high morbidity and mortality in acute phase of hemolytic uremic syndrome, prompt evaluation to know the extent of extrarenal organ involvement at the earliest is important for management and prognosis of these patients.