Complications
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, a serious complication of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, can lead to kidney failure and death. Children are particularly prone to this complication, and HUS is the most common cause of acute kidney failure In North America. Blood transfusions and kidney dialysis, performed in the intensive care unit of a hospital, is needed to treat this life-threatening condition.
About 8 percent of people with HUS have other lifelong complications, such as high blood pressure, seizures, blindness, paralysis, and the effects of having part of their intestines removed.