[Hemolytic uremic syndrome in childhood: study of several factors potentially related with its genesis]

We measured circulating immune complexes, tumor necrosis factor and antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies in sera coming from 25 patients during the acute reactant phase of the classical form of hemolytic uremic syndrome, aiming to elucidate a potential participation of these parameters in the pathogenesis of the disease. Circulating immune complexes were elevated in the 18 patients in whom they were measured. Tumor necrosis factor was not elevated and antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies were not detected. It is concluded that these results rule out the participation of antineutrophil cytoplasmatic antibodies in the pathogenesis of the disease and that the role of circulating immune complexes, although elevated, remains undefined.