The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) may be caused by chemotherapy with certain chemotherapeutic agents. Prompt diagnosis is important to minimize significant morbidity and mortality.
Features of the hemolytic uremic syndrome:
(1) microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (with schistocytes)
(2) thrombocytopenia
(3) renal failure, often with hematuria and proteinuria
(4) variable noncardiogenic pulmonary edema, rash, fever, arterial hypertension, CNS symptoms, and pericarditis.
Agents associated with HUS:
(1) mitomycin-C
(2) bleomycin
(3) cisplatin
(4) interferon
(5) gemcitabine
Features:
(1) The onset may be during chemotherapy or up to several months after cessation of therapy.
(2) The risk may be dose-related, both single regimen and cumulative.
(3) The syndrome may be precipitated or worsened by red blood cell product transfusion.
(4) The diagnosis requires exclusion of other causes (DIC, infection, tumor-related, cryoglobulinemia, etc.).
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Purpose: To determine if a patient has developed a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) secondary to chemotherapy.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Nephrology, Pharmacology, clinical
Objective: adverse effects
ICD-10: T45.1,
