Atypical hemolytic-uremic syndrome as one of the causes of acute kidney injury in pregnant women

Obstetric atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is one of the reasons for the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) and can determine the prognosis of both mother and child. Aim. Analysis of clinical manifestations, course and outcomes of obstetric aHUS. Materials and methods. 45 patients with aHUS development during pregnancy or immediately after childbirth were observed between 2011 and 2017, age from 16 to 42 years. Results and discussion. All patients had AKI (serum creatinine 521,5±388,0 µmol/l, oliguria or anuria that required initiation of hemodialysis). 93.3% pts had extrarenal manifestations of TMA with the development of multiple organ failure (MOF). The mean number of damage organs was 3,7±1,2. In all patients, the development of aHUS was preceded by obstetric complications, surgery, infection, etc. In the outcome: 53.4% women showed complete recovery of renal function, 11.1% developed CKD 4-5 stages, 35.5% had dialysis-dependent end-stage renal failure (ESDR). Maternal mortality was 23.9%. Perinatal mortality was 32.6%. The early start of eculizumab treatment (within 1-2 weeks from the onset of aHUS), compared with therapy start after 3 weeks, increased the chances of favorable outcome for mother in 5.33 times, and the chances for normalization of renal function in 48.7 times. Conclusion. Obstetric aHUS is characterized by the development of AKI in 100% of cases. In most patients, the obstetric aHUS occurs with the development of MOF. Timely diagnosis of aHUS and immediate treatment by eculizumab allows not only to save the life of patients, but also completely restore their health.

atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, acute kidney injury, pregnancy, eculizumab