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BMC Nephrology
Published in: BMC Nephrology 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Case report

Haemolytic uremic syndrome following fire ant bites

Authors: Yi-Che Lee, Jyh-Seng Wang, Jeng-Chuan Shiang, Ming-Kai Tsai, Kai-Tai Deng, Min-Yu Chang, Hsi-Hao Wang, Li-Chun Ho, Yi-Ting Chen, Shih-Yuan Hung

Published in: BMC Nephrology | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Haemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) is a severe, life-threatening disease with symptoms such as haemolytic anaemia, renal failure, and a low platelet count. Possible aetiology includes bacterial infections, medication, post-hematopoietic cell transplantation, pregnancy, autoimmune disease, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 21-year-old healthy man who developed acute renal failure caused by HUS. Typical symptoms of HUS combined with severe uraemia developed following a large local reaction after suspected Solenopsis invicta (fire ant) bites. He was successfully treated with plasma exchange and achieved complete recovery of renal function.

Conclusion

This is the first case illustrating a serious systemic reaction of HUS to fire ant bites, and highlights this severe complication in patients who sustain fire ant bites.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Haemolytic uremic syndrome following fire ant bites
Authors
Yi-Che Lee
Jyh-Seng Wang
Jeng-Chuan Shiang
Ming-Kai Tsai
Kai-Tai Deng
Min-Yu Chang
Hsi-Hao Wang
Li-Chun Ho
Yi-Ting Chen
Shih-Yuan Hung
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Nephrology / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2369
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2369-15-5

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