[Hemolytic-uremic syndrome in adults]

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare condition easily diagnosed from biochemical data. Numerous forms consecutive to pregnancy, systemic diseases, carcinomas (notably mucin-secreting gastric adenocarcinoma), infections and medications have been described. The physiopathology of the syndrome, although more elaborate, is not entirely clear. The fundamental anatomical lesions (fibrin-platelet microthrombi) develop from vascular endothelial injuries. They persist and extend due to the non-functioning of physiological regulatory systems, in particular the coagulation-fibrinolysis system. In spite of frequently heavy and expensive treatments empirically applied, the course of the disease is generally unfavourable, with a mortality of about 50%.