Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia following Shiga-toxin-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Up to 50% of cases of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome occur in adults, and the clinical presentation is variable. Microbiological analyses must be performed in all patients with thrombotic microangiopathy to identify Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli, even in the absence of diarrhea. CASE PRESENTATION: A 79-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted to hospital because of severe proctitis. In the following days, the patient's level of consciousness declined, and she developed acute kidney injury, thrombocytopenia, and hemolytic anemia. Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli was found in fecal cultures, suggesting the diagnosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome. In the following days, her clinical conditions improved, but thrombocytopenia worsened, and the patient developed posterior tibial vein thrombosis. The discordant evolution of thrombocytopenia compared with other clinical and laboratory parameters prompted a new evaluation of its causes. Diagnosis of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia was confirmed by heparin-induced platelet aggregation assay and positive antibodies to platelet factor 4. CONCLUSIONS: A discordant evolution of platelet count in patients with thrombotic microangiopathy requires a systematic reevaluation of the thrombocytopenia.

Gene expression profile and injury sites in mice treated with Shiga toxin 2 and lipopolysaccharide as a Shiga toxin-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome model.

Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contribute to the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Mouse models of HUS induced by LPS/Stx2 have been used for elucidating HUS pathophysiology and for therapeutic development. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and detailed injury sites in this model remain unknown. We analyzed mouse kidneys after LPS/Stx2 administration using microarrays. Decreased urinary osmolality and urinary potassium were observed after LPS/Stx2 administration, suggestive of distal nephron disorders. A total of 1,212 and 1,016 differentially expressed genes were identified in microarrays at 6 h and 72 h after LPS/Stx2 administration, respectively, compared with those in controls. Ingenuity pathway analysis revealed activation of TNFR1/2, iNOS, and IL-6 signaling at both time points, and inhibition of pathways associated with lipid metabolism at 72 h only. The strongly downregulated genes in the 72-h group were expressed in the distal nephrons. In particular, genes associated with distal convoluted tubule (DCT) 2/connecting tubule (CNT) and principal cells of the cortical collecting duct (CCD) were downregulated to a greater extent than those associated with DCT1 and intercalated cells. Stx receptor globotriaosylceramide 3 (Gb3) revealed no colocalization with DCT1-specific PVALB and intercalated cell-specific SLC26A4 but did present colocalization with SLC12A3 (present in both DCT1 and DCT2), and AQP2 in principal cells. Gb3 localization tended to coincide with the segment in which the downregulated genes were present. Thus, the LPS/Stx2-induced kidney injury model represents damage to DCT2/CNT and principal cells in the CCD, based on molecular, biological, and physiological findings.

Oxaliplatin-induced thrombotic microangiopathy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy represents a standard of care in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. We report a rare case of fulminant oxaliplatin-induced thrombotic microangiopathy, clinically suggestive of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, occurring in a female patient with a prolonged history of exposure to oxaliplatin for the treatment of metastatic colon cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old Caucasian female with a treatment history including several lines of chemotherapy for the management of metastatic colon cancer was reinitiated on chemotherapy with oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, and leucovorin with bevacizumab for disease progression. She presented to the emergency department with malaise, headache, vomiting, and decreased urine output appearing a few hours after chemotherapy administration. Clinical symptoms and laboratory findings were suggestive of thrombotic microangiopathy, with a triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, pronounced thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. The predominance of the severe renal failure was evocative of hemolytic-uremic syndrome. The rapid development of the thrombotic microangiopathy was linked to exposure to oxaliplatin. The patient was promptly managed with daily plasma exchange and high-dose corticosteroids, platelet, and red blood cell transfusions in conjunction with intermittent hemodialysis, and she recovered progressively. CONCLUSION: Our case confirms the risk of hemolytic-uremic syndrome as a rare and life-threatening complication of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. A dose-dependent, drug-induced toxicity mechanism is suggested. Physicians need to maintain a high level of clinical suspicion to diagnose and treat this acute life-threatening disorder.

Absence of interleukin-10 reduces progression of shiga toxin-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a disease triggered by Shiga toxin (Stx), is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and renal failure. The inflammatory response mediated by polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and monocytes is essential to HUS onset. Still, the role of anti-inflammatory cytokines is less clear. The deficiency of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, leads to severe pathology in bacterial infections but also to beneficial effects in models of sterile injury. The aim of this work was to analyze the role of IL-10 during HUS. Control and IL-10 lacking mice (IL-10-/-) were intravenously injected with Stx type 2 (Stx2) and survival rate was evaluated. PMN and circulating and renal pro- and anti-inflammatory factors were analyzed by FACS and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) respectively. IL-10-/- mice showed a higher survival associated with lower renal damage reflected by reduced plasma urea and creatinine levels than control mice. Circulating PMN increased at 72 h in both mouse strains accompanied by an up-regulation of CD11b in control mice. In parallel, renal PMN were significantly increased only in control mice after toxin. Plasma TNF-α, IL-6 and corticosterone levels were higher increased in IL-10-/- than control mice. Simultaneously renal TNF-α raised constantly but was accompanied by increased TGF-ß levels in IL-10-/- mice. These results demonstrate that the profile of circulating and renal cytokines after Stx2 differed between strains suggesting that balance of these factors could participate in renal protection. We conclude that IL-10 absence has a protective role in an experimental model of HUS by reducing PMN recruitment into kidney and renal damage, and increasing mice survival.

[Carfilzomib-induced haemolytic and uremic syndrome: Favorable outcome with eculizumab]. / Syndrome hémolytique et urémique lié au carfilzomib: évolution favorable sous éculizumab.

Thrombotic microangiopathies are rare diseases characterized by an initial endothelial injury and the formation of thrombi in the microcirculation. Several types of thrombotic microangiopathies can be distinguished: the thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; the hemolytic and uremic syndrome, mainly "typical" following a shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infection or "atypical" due to a dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway; and "secondary" thrombotic microangiopathies. The use of drug treatments is reported as a frequent cause in this last category and requires stopping the offending drug. We report the case of a patient who developed "secondary" hemolytic and uremic syndrome associated with carfilzomib, a proteasome inhibitor which is used in case of multiple myeloma relapses. Besides stopping the treatment, the patient still showed signs of hemolysis and renal failure with anuria requiring hemodialysis. An eculizumab treatment was therefore initiated. The overall evolution was favorable and an improvement of the renal function promptly allowed the discontinuation of hemodialysis. We discuss the mechanisms that may activate the alternative complement pathway and the potential interest of a transient use of eculizumab in case of carfilzomib-induced hemolytic and uremic syndrome.

Involvement of high mobility group box 1 in the pathogenesis of severe hemolytic uremic syndrome in a murine model.

Typical hemolytic uremic syndrome is caused by Shiga toxin (Stx2) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of Escherichia coli and leads to acute kidney injury. The role of innate immunity in this pathogenesis is unclear. We analyzed the role of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) at the onset of disease in a murine model. C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered saline (group A), anti-HMGB1 monoclonal antibody (group B), Stx2 and LPS to elicit severe disease (group C), or Stx2, LPS, and anti-HMGB1 antibody (group D). While all mice in group C died by day 5 of the experiment, all mice in group D survived. Anemia and thrombocytopenia were pronounced and plasma creatinine levels were significantly elevated in group C only at 72 h. While at 72 h after toxin administration the glomerulus tissue in group C showed pathology similar to that of humans, mesangial cell proliferation was seen in group D. Plasma HMGB1 levels in group C peaked 3 h after administration and were higher than those in other groups. Expression of the receptor of advanced glycation end products and NF-κB, involved in HMGB1 signaling, was significantly elevated in group C but not in group D. Administration of anti-HMGB1 antibody in a murine model of severe disease inhibited plasma HMGB1 and promoted amelioration of tissue damage. HMGB1 was found to be involved in the disease pathology; therefore, controlling HMGB1 activity might inhibit disease progression.

Strength of the association between antibiotic use and hemolytic uremic syndrome following Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection varies with case definition.

BACKGROUND: The veracity of the association between antibiotic use and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been a topic of debate. We postulated that criteria used to define HUS affect this association. METHODS: We reviewed 471 hospitalized E. coli O157:H7 cases reported in Washington State, 2005-2014, to determine HUS status by various case definitions and antibiotic treatment. We used age-adjusted logistic regression models to estimate the effect of treatment on HUS status according to four common, but heterogeneous, definitions: the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) definition, hematology-focused and age-focused definitions from the literature, and hospital diagnosis. RESULTS: Inter-annual variation in antibiotic use was high, but no meaningful change in antibiotic use was observed over this ten-year period. Thirteen percent of cases <18 years-old received antibiotics, compared to 54% of cases ≥18 years-old. The CSTE, hematology-focused, age-focused, and hospital diagnosis definitions identified 149, 57, 74, and 89 cases of HUS, respectively. The association between antibiotic treatment and HUS varied by definition: CSTE odds ratio (OR) 1.57 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98, 2.55]; hematology-focused OR 1.73 (95% CI 0.83, 3.54); age-focused OR 2.29 (95% CI 1.20, 4.39); and hospital diagnosis OR 1.94 (95% CI 1.01, 3.72). CONCLUSIONS: Each definition yielded an estimate of the association in the direction of increased risk of HUS with antibiotics. While the range of OR point estimates was relatively small, confidence intervals for two HUS definitions crossed the null and two did not, potentially altering the inference an investigator makes. Discrepant reports of the association between antibiotic use and HUS in the literature might be due in part to the choice of HUS definition, and a consistent definition of HUS should be adopted for research and public health purposes.

Diet-induced obesity precipitates kidney dysfunction and alters inflammatory mediators in mice treated with Shiga Toxin 2.

Shiga Toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC) continue to be a prominent cause of foodborne outbreaks of hemorrhagic colitis worldwide, and can result in life-threatening diseases, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), in susceptible individuals. Obesity-associated immune dysfunction has been shown to be a risk factor for infectious diseases, although few studies have addressed the role of obesity in foodborne diseases. We hypothesized that obesity may affect the development of HUS through an alteration of immune responses and kidney function. We combined diet-induced obese (DIO) and HUS mouse models to look for differences in disease outcome between DIO and wild-type (WT) male and female C57 B l/6 mice. Following multiple intraperitoneal injections with endotoxin-free saline or sublethal doses of purified Stx2, we examined DIO and WT mice for signs of HUS development. DIO mice receiving Stx2 injections lost more body weight, and had significantly higher (p < 0.001) BUN, serum creatinine, and neutrophil counts compared to WT mice or DIO mice receiving saline injections. Lymphocyte counts were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in Stx2-treated obese mice compared to WT mice or saline-treated DIO mice. In addition to increased Stx2-induced kidney dysfunction, DIO mouse kidneys also had significantly increased expression of IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, and KC RNA compared to saline controls (p < 0.05). Serum cytokine levels of IL-6 and KC were also significantly higher in Stx2-treated mice compared to saline controls, but there were no significant differences between the WT and DIO mice. WT and DIO mice treated with Stx2 exhibited significantly higher degrees of kidney tubular dilation and necrosis as well as some signs of tissue repair/regeneration, but did not appear to progress to the full pathology typically associated with human HUS. Although the combined obesity/HUS mouse model did not manifest into HUS symptoms and pathogenesis, these data demonstrate that obesity alters kidney function, inflammatory cells and cytokine production in response to Stx2, and may play a role in HUS severity in a susceptible model of infection.

Carboxypeptidase B2 and N play different roles in regulation of activated complements C3a and C5a in mice.

Essentials Two basic carboxypeptidases are present in plasma, B2 (CPB2) and N (CPN). Cpb2-/- and Cpn-/- mice were challenged in a hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) model vs. wild type. Cpb2-/- exacerbates HUS while Cpn-/- exacerbates cobra venom factor challenge vs. wild type mice. CPB2 and CPN have overlapping but non-redundant roles. SUMMARY: Background There are two basic carboxypeptidases in plasma. Carboxypeptidase B2 (CPB2) is activated from a circulating zymogen, proCPB2, and carboxypeptidase N (CPN) is constitutively active with both inactivating complement C3a and C5a. Aims To test the roles of CPB2 and CPN in complement-driven mouse models of cobra venom factor (CVF) challenge and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Methods Cpb2-/- , Cpn-/- and wild-type (WT) mice were compared in an HUS model induced by Shiga toxin and lipopolysaccharide administration and following CVF administration. Results HUS was exacerbated in Cpb2-/- mice more than in Cpn-/- mice, compared with WT mice. Cpb2-/- mice developed the HUS clinical triad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, uremia and thrombocytopenia. Treatment with anti-C5 antibody improved survival of both Cpb2-/- and Cpn-/- mice. In contrast, when challenged acutely with CVF, the reverse phenotype was observed. Cpn-/- mice had markedly worse disease than Cpb2-/- mice, whereas the WT mice were resistant. Conclusions CPN and CPB2 play overlapping but non-redundant roles in regulating complement activation in vivo. The constitutively active CPN is key for inactivation of systemic C5a, whereas CPB2 functions as an on-demand supplementary anaphylatoxin inhibitor in inactivating excessive C5a formed locally.

Phase 1 study of the anti-CD22 immunotoxin moxetumomab pasudotox for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Novel therapies are needed to overcome chemotherapy resistance for children with relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Moxetumomab pasudotox is a recombinant anti-CD22 immunotoxin. A multicenter phase 1 study was conducted to determine the maximum-tolerated cumulative dose (MTCD) and evaluate safety, activity, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity of moxetumomab pasudotox in children, adolescents, and young adults with ALL (N = 55). Moxetumomab pasudotox was administered as a 30-minute IV infusion at doses of 5 to 50 µg/kg every other day for 6 (cohorts A and B) or 10 (cohort C) doses in 21-day cycles. Cohorts B and C received dexamethasone prophylaxis against capillary leak syndrome (CLS). The most common treatment-related adverse events were reversible weight gain, hepatic transaminase elevation, and hypoalbuminemia. Dose-limiting CLS occurred in 2 of 4 patients receiving 30 µg/kg of moxetumomab pasudotox every other day for 6 doses. Incorporation of dexamethasone prevented further dose-limiting CLS. Six of 14 patients receiving 50 µg/kg of moxetumomab pasudotox for 10 doses developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), or HUS-like events, exceeding the MTCD. Treatment expansion at 40 µg/kg for 10 doses (n = 11) exceeded the MTCD because of 2 HUS/TMA/HUS-like events. Dose level 6B (ie, 50 µg/kg × 6 doses) was the MTCD, selected as the recommended phase 2 dose. Among 47 evaluable patients, an objective response rate of 32% was observed, including 11 (23%) composite complete responses, 5 of which were minimal residual disease negative by flow cytometry. Moxetumomab pasudotox showed a manageable safety profile and evidence of activity in relapsed or refractory childhood ALL. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00659425.

Soluble CD40 Ligand and Oxidative Response Are Reciprocally Stimulated during Shiga Toxin-Associated Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

Shiga toxin (Stx), produced by Escherichia coli, is the main pathogenic factor of diarrhea-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is characterized by the obstruction of renal microvasculature by platelet-fibrin thrombi. It is well known that the oxidative imbalance generated by Stx induces platelet activation, contributing to thrombus formation. Moreover, activated platelets release soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), which in turn contributes to oxidative imbalance, triggering the release of reactive oxidative species (ROS) on various cellular types. The aim of this work was to determine if the interaction between the oxidative response and platelet-derived sCD40L, as consequence of Stx-induced endothelium damage, participates in the pathogenic mechanism during HUS. Activated human glomerular endothelial cells (HGEC) by Stx2 induced platelets to adhere to them. Although platelet adhesion did not contribute to endothelial damage, high levels of sCD40L were released to the medium. The release of sCD40L by activated platelets was inhibited by antioxidant treatment. Furthermore, we found increased levels of sCD40L in plasma from HUS patients, which were also able to trigger the respiratory burst in monocytes in a sCD40L-dependent manner. Thus, we concluded that platelet-derived sCD40L and the oxidative response are reciprocally stimulated during Stx2-associated HUS. This process may contribute to the evolution of glomerular occlusion and the microangiopathic lesions.

Role of eculizumab in a pediatric refractory gemcitabine-induced thrombotic microangiopathy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of gemcitabine-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome has already been described in adults. Several approaches have been employed in the treatment of gemcitabine-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome with different outcomes. One of the most promising agents is eculizumab, which is a monoclonal antibody directed against C5 complement protein. CASE PRESENTATION: We reported the case of a 3-year-old white boy with medulloblastoma who underwent high-dose chemotherapy and craniospinal irradiation. Afterwards he started maintenance chemotherapy with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin. After five courses he presented a progressive clinical worsening, which resulted in a systemic thrombotic microangiopathy. Initially he was treated with rituximab without clinical improvement. Therefore he started therapy with repeated cycles of eculizumab. After seven infusions he showed a gradual improvement and finally a complete remission of gemcitabine-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Eculizumab prevents serious complement-mediated vascular damage for chemotherapy-induced thrombotic microangiopathy in pediatric cases.

Rituximab to treat gemcitabine-induced hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: a case series and literature review.

PURPOSE: Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare side effect of gemcitabine, which is reported as having a high morbidity and mortality despite interventions with standard HUS therapies including plasmapheresis. The purpose of this report was to describe the successful treatment of gemcitabine-induced HUS (G-HUS) with rituximab. It also aims to summarize the literature regarding the morbidity and mortality of G-HUS in pancreatic adenocarcinoma depending on the treatment given, ultimately providing some guidance for beneficial therapies. METHODS: This is a retrospective report of three patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who developed G-HUS and were treated with a combination of therapies including rituximab. RESULTS: All three patients received a combination of therapies to treat their HUS. One patient appeared to have some benefit with plasmapheresis. Resolution occurred following one course of rituximab for all three patients. This resolution has been long lasting with a minimum of eighteen month's follow-up. Similarly, in our literature review a variety of therapies were utilized, but immune therapies appear to reverse HUS if other therapies are failing. CONCLUSION: Rituximab can be an effective therapy for reversal of hemolysis and stabilization of renal function in G-HUS when other therapies fail.

Brief Review and a Clinical Case of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Associated with Interferon ß Treatment.

The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is one of the thrombotic microangiopathies and it consists of the triad of nonimmune microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury. The atypical form of HUS (aHUS) is related to causative mutations in complement genes. Some conditions act as a trigger for aHUS in individuals that have a genetic background predisposing to complement activation. Interferon ß is a recombinant-protein therapy approved to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), and can be a causative agent in the occurrence of HUS through anti-angiogenic activity. In this paper, we briefly review aHUS clinical and genetic characteristics. Furthermore, we present a case of a 48-year-old woman, diagnosed with MS and treated with INFß-1b from 2008. In December 2015, she presented with asthenia and loss of muscular strength in the legs and she quickly developed aHUS. Our case suggests that INFß is a possible triggering factor for HUS.

Gemcitabine-induced hemolytic-uremic syndrome treated with eculizumab or plasmapheresis: two case reports
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BACKGROUND: Drug-induced hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) has shown good response to eculizumab (ECU). We present 2 cases of patients with gemcitabine-induced HUS (GEM-HUS), one of whom was treated with ECU and the other with conventional treatment. Patient 1: A 74-year-old male with resected adenocarcinoma of the pancreas started adjuvant treatment with GEM, but after 5 months GEM was discontinued due to acute kidney injury and severe hypertension. Laboratory analyses identified microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MHA) and thrombocytopenia. Plasmapheresis (Pph) was initiated but was stopped due to a severe adverse reaction. Treatment with ECU was initiated at the time of clinical progression requiring hemodialysis. After 7 doses of ECU, hemolysis and kidney function improved and the patient was able to stop hemodialysis. 1 month after the last dose of ECU serum creatinine (sCr) was 1.8 mg/dL. Patient 2: A 68-year-old male with resected urothelial carcinoma stopped GEM after 2 months due to hematologic toxicity. 1 month later the patient visited the emergency room due to minimal effort dyspnea, hypertension, and peripheral edema. Laboratory analyses showed decreased kidney function, MHA, and thrombocytopenia. Symptomatic treatment was started. After an initial recovery, kidney dysfunction, hemolysis, and thrombocytopenia progressed. Corticoid boluses were ineffective and hemodialysis was initiated. Eleven Pph treatments were necessary to recover hematologic data. The patient remained on hemodialysis for 2 months and evolved to stage IV chronic kidney disease. 8 months after hospital release, sCr was 3.5 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: ECU successfully improved kidney function in a patient with GEM-HUS, while conventional treatment did not.
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Tacrolimus-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome in a pediatric heart transplant recipient.

HUS is a well-known entity primarily associated with bacterial infection and is characterized by a classic triad of anemia, thrombocytopenia, and kidney injury. Its atypical form has been associated with calcineurin inhibitors and has been extensively discussed in renal transplantation. We present a case of tacrolimus-associated HUS in a pediatric heart transplant recipient, which we believe to be previously unreported in the literature.

Development of a Mouse Model of Shiga Toxin 2 (Stx2) Intoxication for Testing Therapeutic Agents Against Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) caused by infections with Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli is a life-threatening complication characterized by acute renal failure, thrombocytopenia and hemolytic anemia. Stx is the main pathogenic factor. Therefore, the mouse model by intravenous administration of a single lethal dose of Stx is often used to explore its pathogenic mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to develop an alternative mouse model of Stx type 2 (Stx2) intoxication to evaluate new therapeutic strategies. METHODS AND RESULTS: One lethal dose of Stx2 was divided in four daily doses. We observed a dose-dependent toxicity characterized by neutrophilia, leukocytopenia and renal damage. Most importantly, we demonstrated that the polyclonal anti-Stx2 serum was able to protect mice from fatal evolution even when administered together the third dose of Stx2. CONCLUSION: This model would provide an advantage for evaluation of therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, the results presented herein suggest that appropriate treatment with anti-Stx2 agents following the appearance of initial clinical signs may block the ongoing outcome or may alleviate disease in patients who have just been diagnosed with HUS. However, the delay in the onset of therapy would be unsafe.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome due to gemcitabine in a young woman with cholangiocarcinoma. / Síndrome hemolítico-urêmica causada por gencitabina em uma paciente jovem com colangiocarcinoma.

Gemcitabine is a medication used to treat various types of malignant neoplasms. Its association with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) has been described in few cases, although these cases have resulted in mortality rates of at least 50%. We report on the case of a 25-year-old patient with cholangiocarcinoma in remission who developed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia with acute anuric renal failure after receiving 5 cycles of gemcitabine chemotherapy; this condition was consistent with HUS caused by the side effects of this drug. The administration of gemcitabine was stopped, and hemodialysis, blood transfusions, plasma exchanges, steroids, doxycycline, and rituximab were used to treat the patient. A favorable outcome was achieved; in particular, hemolysis was controlled, and renal function was completely recovered.