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Recurrent haemolytic uraemic syndrome and acquired hypomorphic variant of the third component of complement
A M Roodhooft1, R H McLean, E Elst
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Antwerp, Belgium.
In a girl with recurrent haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), persistently low serum levels of C3 were found. Analysis of complement phenotype revealed a hypomorphic variant of C3 Fast in the patient (C3fS) and a normal heterozygous pattern in both parents and the brother (C3FS). Other complement aberrations in the patient were: the presence of a null gene for C4A and C4B and low serum levels of factor H. The father also had partial factor H deficiency. It is hypothesized that the hypomorphic C3 variant may predispose to recurrent HUS. In the acquired forms the role of uraemia in alteration of C3F should be considered.
In a girl with recurrent haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS), persistently low serum levels of C3 were found. Analysis of complement phenotype revealed a hypomorphic variant of C3 Fast in the patient (C3fS) and a normal heterozygous pattern in both parents and the brother (C3FS). Other complement aberrations in the patient were: the presence of a null gene for C4A and C4B and low serum levels of factor H. The father also had partial factor H deficiency. It is hypothesized that the hypomorphic C3 variant may predispose to recurrent HUS. In the acquired forms the role of uraemia in alteration of C3F should be considered.