Risk Factors for HUS With Shiga Toxin–Producing E coli Diarrhea

Investigators from multiple institutions conducted a retrospective study to identify risk factors for development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in children with Shiga toxin–producing E coli (STEC) gastroenterits. Study participants were identified by review of microbiologic testing results from 38 medical centers in the US and Canada with pediatric EDs. Patients with STEC, seen in an ED at a participating site who did not have HUS at their initial ED visit, were enrolled. The medical records of study children were reviewed, and demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were abstracted. The primary study outcome was development of HUS, defined as: hematocrit <30%, platelet count <150 × 10³/μL, and serum creatinine (Cr) above upper …