Haemolytic-uraemic syndrome: a 10-year follow-up study of 73 patients.

Long-term follow-up is presented of 73 patients suffering from the haemolytic-uraemic syndrome 10 years after the acute initial illness. The patients were subdivided into three groups, according to the criteria proposed by Gianantonio and based on the duration of oliguria and/or anuria. Four out of 38 patients belonging to the first group (oliguria for less than 7 days) had a slightly increased blood pressure as the only sequela. Two patients out of group two (n = 29, oliguria for 7-14 days or anuria for less than 7 days) had a diminished GFR and a reduced concentrating capacity, some proteinuria, and mild hypertension. Five other patients had slight proteinuria (less than 500 mg/24 h) and one of them a mild hypertension. All six patients belonging to the third group (oliguria for more than 14 days or anuria for more than 7 days) had late sequelae: two started haemodialysis more than 10 years after the initial phase; three have a decreased GFR and concentrating capacity. The unique remaining patient with a normal GFR without hypertension has a decreased concentrating capacity. The importance of careful treatment in children with a decreased GFR 2 years after the initial phase is stressed.