[Hemolytic-uremic syndrome caused by verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli intestinal infection]

Enteric infections with verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli can progress to the haemolytic-uraemic syndrome. Several reports suggest that the incidence of verotoxin-producing E coli infections is increasing in the USA and Europe. Small epidemics of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome are usually traced to the ingestion of beef or dairy products. Epidemics of diarrhoea-associated haemolytic-uraemic syndrome have not yet been reported in Norway. We describe, for the first time in Norway, a sporadic case of haemolytic-uraemic syndrome that was associated with a verotoxin infection. Despite several life-threatening relapses the patient eventually made a good recovery after treatment with supportive therapy, plasma exchange, plasma infusions, corticosteroids, vincristine and ciprofloxacin. The authors stress the importance of continuing with intensive supportive therapy even when the prognosis seems hopeless.