STREPTOCOCCUS-PNEUMONIAE-INDUCED HEMOLYTIC-UREMIC SYNDROME - A CASE FOR EARLY DIAGNOSIS

Hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with infection by neuraminidase-p roducing Streptococcus pneumoniae usually presents with fulminant pneu monia and has a high mortality rate. Post-pneumococcal hemolytic uremi c syndrome may occur earlier in life than classical hemolytic uremic s yndrome. We describe an 18-month-old male with hemolytic uremic syndro me, S. pneumoniae pneumonia, and T-antigen activation characteristic o f neuraminidase activity. We have summarized the features of this case and 11 previously reported children. As the use of blood products con taining IgM may aggravate this disorder, early recognition of hemolyti c uremic syndrome associated with S. pneumoniae neuraminidase producti on may lead to improved patient outcome through the judicious use of b lood products.