The E. coli O157:H7 outbreak possibly associated with Los Burritos Mexicanos restaurant in Lombard, Illinois has sickened at least 10 people. At least one child has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) as a result of this infection. Four cases of laboratory confirmed E. coli O157:H7 have been confirmed.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a complication of a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection. Shiga toxins are released from the bacteria and attach to white blood cells, traveling through the bloodstream to other organs in the body. During an infection, the immune system increases the permeability of cell membranes so cells that fight infection can destroy the pathogenic bacteria. Unfortunately, this makes it easier for the Shiga toxin to get into cells too.
The toxin affects the kidneys by interfering with that organ’s ability to produce proteins. The toxins start to distort red blood cells. Kidney cells start to die, blood clots form, and the kidneys begin to fail. One in ten children who contract a STEC infection will develop HUS. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in children. Children are more likely to develop HUS because their bodies are growing and their immune systems are still developing.
Attorney Fred Pritzker, who has represented many clients suffering from HUS, said, “Anyone who develops HUS as a result of an E. coli infection deserves to have compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering, including damages for future expenses. Children may face a lifetime of increased medical expenses and health problems through absolutely no fault of their own.”
Most children who have HUS do recover, but must see specialists for months or years and need more expensive medical care. In addition, children who have had HUS may have late complications that could affect their health for the next 20 years. Research on this topic is scarce because there have been no long term studies that follow HUS patients over their lifetimes.
