What is HUS? Buffalo, New York, Injury Lawyers Explain

The medical definition of a syndrome is an accumulation of signs, symptoms and imaging or laboratory results that are commonly grouped and associated with a particular illness or disease. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a disease that adversely impacts both a sufferer’s bloodstream and kidneys. While is it possible for anyone to develop HUS, it is most commonly found in young children.

If you, or a loved one, suffered from hemolytic uremic syndrome, you should contact Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his top rated team of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) injury lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. today! We are disciplined, dedicated, and determined to get you the best possible result after your illness caused by contaminated food. Our team offers complimentary lawsuit evaluations and consultations and would be honored to speak to you about your possible claim. Call us today at 716-839-3939.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome causes blood inside of the smallest blood vessels (capillaries) to clot abnormally and become clogged. In return, this destroys the cells involved in clotting (blood platelets). When red blood cells try to travel through the obstructed blood vessels, they are torn apart and destroyed completely. Under normal conditions, red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days. Red blood cells in HUS sufferers are obliterated much faster than they can be reproduced. This results in a low red blood cell count, which is also known as anemia.

Clotting blood vessels can also cause damage inside the kidneys. As more and more clots form, they begin clogging the kidneys’ filtering systems. The kidneys’ inability to filter and dispose of urea and other waste products can cause uremia. By the time the victim is suffering from uremia, the kidneys are already very damaged from all of the toxins accumulating in the bloodstream. Uremia is a sign of the final stages of chronic kidney disease and if left untreated, can be fatal.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) can be classified as either typical or atypical. Typical HUS is most widely associated with cases of food poisoning because it can be caused by some Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria strains, particularly O157:H7. HUS occurs in roughly 5 to 15 percent of those infected by E. coli. In cases of HUS caused by E. coli bacteria, several days of bloody diarrhea is usually the first indication. Gastrointestinal (GI) disturbances can occur up to a whole week prior to the onset of hemolytic uremic syndrome. Other symptoms of typical HUS include vomiting, abdominal cramping, overall weakness and lethargy. These symptoms are caused by a combination of electrolyte imbalances due to significant loss of potassium, sodium and chloride through diarrhea and vomiting, as well as substantial dehydration. The above symptoms may settle before the onset of more serious health problems.

Atypical HUS is not associated with any symptoms of GI disturbances. Eventually both types of HUS result in the lack of enough healthy red blood cells to deliver sufficient oxygen throughout the body and the inability of the kidneys to filter out excess fluids and waste products from the body. Signs and symptoms of these damages to the body may include:

1. Extreme faintness or fatigue;
2. Lethargy;
3. Drowsiness;
4. Shortness of breath;
5. Pale skin, including loss of pink color inside the lower eyelids and cheeks;
6. Seizures;
7. Stroke;
8. Purpura, small areas of bleeding throughout the skin;
9. Unusual bleeding, such as mouth or nose bleeds;
10. Blood in urine;
11. Decreased urination;
12. Swelling of the feet, ankles, legs, hands, face or even entire body;
13. Confusion; and
14. High blood pressure.

Every day Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his top rated team of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) injury lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. strive to provide the highest level of personal injury service to victims that suffer from HUS after being exposed to contaminated food or water. Jed Dietrich, Esq., one of the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys' 10 Best Attorneys, possess the skills and knowledge required to scientifically investigate your HUS case, as well as any resulting health complications, and ensure that you are in a position to receive the highest possible recovery for your injuries. Insurance companies have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. over $175,000,000.00 in verdicts and settlements to resolve personal injury and illness claims. Our team is available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week at 716-839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim throughout the United States. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!