A case of hemolytic uremic syndrome with high concentration of circulating immune complex in the initial stage

A case of a 13-year-old boy with hemolytic uremic syndrome is reported, in whom an increased concentration of circulating immune complex and depressed concentration of C3 were found in the initial stage of the disease. Renal biopsy performed at the 52nd day of his illness disclosed subepithelial dense deposits in glomerular tuft, in addition to thrombosis and thickening of intralobular arteries, by electron microscopic study. The observations suggest that an immune mechanism may be operative in some cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome.