This study will evaluate the impact of early administration of erythropoietin in the number of red blood cell transfusions in children with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli hemolytic uremic syndrome (STEC-HUS).

Introduction:

Anemia in STEC-HUS is treated with red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. It can causes hypervolemia, hyperkalemia, exacerbate the thrombotic state of the disease, transmit infectious agents and trigger antigenic sensitization. Anemia is mainly due to hemolysis, but deficit of erythropoietin synthesis (EPO) may aggravate it. Although recombinant human EPO is frequently used in children with STEC-HUS there is no adequate evidence of its benefit. If it is confirmed that EPO reduce the number of RBC transfusions, its administration could diminish the aforementioned risks and also reduce costs.

Objective:

To determine if EPO administration decreases the number of RBC transfusions and; secondarily, to assess if its levels influence on transfusion requirement.

Methodology:

Randomized, open controlled clinical trial. We will include 28 patients (14 per arm) <18 years with STEC-HUS admitted to our hospital. They will be grouped after randomization:(1) One to standard of care (RBC transfusions with hemoglobin ≤7 mg / dl and/or hemodynamic instability) and (2) the other to standard of care plus EPO (50 u / kg subcutaneous three times weekly) and RBC transfusions with hemoglobin ≤7 mg / dl). Serum EPO will be measured by ELISA and together with the clinical and laboratory variables, association with RBC transfusions number will be sought. Written informed consent and assent when appropriate, will be requested prior to enter into the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Post diarrheal HUS: Prodrome of enteritis followed by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and signs of renal damage (increased plasma creatinine, proteinuria, and / or hematuria). Proven STEC infection wiil not be required to enter into the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Atypical HUS
• HUS associated with systemic diseases (pneumococcal infection, HIV, Systemic lupus erythematosus) or drugs
• Anemia or known kidney disease
• Previously transfused or treated with erythropoietin
• Contraindications to erythropoietin

The authors will share the generated data with qualified external researchers during the next 5 years after article publication. All data provided will be anonymized to respect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trail in line with applicable laws and regulations.

During the next 5 years after article publication.

Qualified external researchers