Question

A 3 y/o child is brought in with petechiae, abdominal pain, vomiting and lethargy. He had BLOODY diarrhea 5 days ago after eating HAMBURGERS at a family picinic.

Labs reveal thrombocytopenia, shistocytes and ↑creatinine. dx? MC cause (4)? tx (2)?

Answer 1

The child's symptoms suggest hemolytic uremic syndrome, likely from E. coli O157:H7 infection from undercooked hamburgers. Treatment includes hydration and management of anemia and kidney injury.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described in the question (petechiae, abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, bloody diarrhea, thrombocytopenia, schistocytes, and increased creatinine) point to a diagnosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is commonly associated with infection by Escherichia coli, specifically the O157:H7 serotype, which is often acquired through consumption of undercooked or contaminated meat, such as hamburgers. The four most common causes of HUS include infection with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), Shigella dysenteriae, use of certain medications, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Treatment typically consists of supportive care, including hydration and management of anemia and kidney injury.