Hemolytic uremic syndrome in solid-organ transplant recipients

Transpl Int. 1996;9(1):68-75. doi: 10.1007/BF00336815.

Abstract

Post-transplant hemolytic uremic syndrome characterized by microangiopathic hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and renal failure is an infrequent but potentially serious complication in organ transplant recipients. Hemolytic uremic syndrome developed in 2% (2/100) of our consecutive liver transplants. We report our patients and review a total of 91 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome in adult solid organ transplant recipients reported in the literature. Ninety percent were observed in renal transplant recipients, 8% in liver, and 1% each in lung and heart transplant recipients. Eighty percent and 96% of cases occurred within 90 days and 1 year, respectively, post-transplantation. In renal transplant recipients, 23% of cases were due to post-transplant recurrence of hemolytic uremic syndrome. In 50% of renal transplant recipients and in all nonrenal solid-organ transplant recipients, hemolytic uremic syndrome was attributed to cyclosporin or tacrolimus therapy. Notably, infections were not a significant precipitating factor for post-transplant hemolytic uremic syndrome. Graft loss attributable to hemolytic uremic syndrome occurred in 43% of renal transplant recipients while renal transplantation and hemodialysis were required in the lung and heart transplant recipients due to hemolytic uremic syndrome induced renal failure. The overall mortality was 13% (12/91). Physicians caring for transplant recipients need to be aware of this potentially severe graft and life-threatening disorder since prompt recognition and removal of identifiable risk factors is critical in the management of post-transplant hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Graft Rejection / complications
  • Heart Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / diagnosis
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / etiology*
  • Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Infections / complications
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Liver Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Lung Transplantation / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Organ Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors
  • Time Factors
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination / adverse effects

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination