Anorexia in a Patient With Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and systemic capillary leak syndrome (SCLS) are rare conditions with high mortality rates. Eculizumab and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) are improving outcomes and enabling focused supportive care. We present a case of a 57-year-old male who was admitted to the hospital after a 9.07-kg weight loss over 4 weeks. He was subsequently diagnosed with aHUS, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and SCLS. He suffered from recurrent episodes of flash edema preceded by nausea and regurgitation that required intubation and dialysis. His condition improved after treatment with eculizumab and IVIG. The mechanism that causes anorexia in aHUS and SCLS has not previously been described. We propose that these syndromes result in delayed gastric emptying leading to anorexia, which may be a prodromal sign of an acute attack.




J Hematol. 2016;5(2):79-81
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/jh279w