Systemic Lupus Erythematosus diagnosed after an episode of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome - A Case Report

Abstract

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by the presence of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, generalized microvascular occlusion and acute kidney injury, which can be divided into typical HUS -caused by Escherichia coli producing Shiga toxin; Primary atypical HUS and secondary atypical HUS. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem immune disease associated with activation of immune complexes. These immune complexes may be associated with kidney damage, called lupus nephritis. In clinical practice, it is initially difficult to differentiate between the two diagnoses, as in some cases renal dysfunction may be the first manifestation of Lupus, even before the cutaneous-hematological changes, and it is important to think about the differential diagnoses cited for patients with suggestive clinical and epidemiological history. In this work, we report a clinical case of overlapping of the two pathologies.