THE POSTPARTUM HAEMOLYTIC URAEMIC SYNDROME

Summary Three fatal cases of acute postpartum renal failure caused by the haemolytic uraemic syndrome are presented. There were no obvious aetiological features during pregnancy or confinement no evidence of any pre-existing disease which could explain the illness of any of these patients. This developed up to six weeks after delivery, and by the time the patients were readmitted to hospital they were severely uraemic. The uraemia was treated by peritoneal dyanlysis; intracenous heparin was given and, in one case streptokinase too, but without any improvement in the renal failure. Renal histology showed intimal thickening in the small arteries, with fibrin deposition in places, causing narrowing or occulusion of the vessels.