Causes of death in hemolytic uremic syndrome.

One hundred and four children developed typical post-diarrhea hemolytic uremic syndrome (D+ HUS) over an 11-year period. Four of the children died in the acute stage. Two of the children died from a central nervous system complication which was attributable to the HUS process. One child died suddenly without any explanation. The 4th child died following a cardiovascular collapse, perhaps related to septic shock. The literature on the causes of death in children with HUS is reviewed.