Myriad complement defects in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome and
short term outcome in the absence of eculizumab.
Abstract
An amiss complement pathway can cause atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome
(aHUS) with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and
acute kidney injury. An observational study to understand complement
abnormalities and outcome among pediatric aHUS in absence of targeted
therapy was done. We enrolled 35 children from July 2017 to December
2018. Besides recording clinical details, hematological and renal
parameters were assessed. Complement analysis included a one-time
evaluation of C3, C4, anti-factor H antibody (VIDITEST human ELISA kit),
factor H, I, B (Sinogeneclon ltd.) and CD46/membrane co-factor protein
(MCP) (flow cytometry). SPSS version 23 (Chicago, IL) was used for
analysis. Median age was 49 months (sex ratio of 1.7:1). Hypertension
was noted in 74.2%(26) and central nervous system involvement in
34.3%(12). At admission, mean hemoglobin was 6.7±1.8 g/dL, median
platelet count was 78x109 cells/L(38,101) and median eGFR was
11.91ml/min/1.73m2(6.5, 21.3). C3 was low in 57% (20), while 25.7% (9)
had low C4 levels. Anti-factor H antibody was positive in 44% (15). Low
expression of MCP in leucocytes was seen in 26.7% (8). Further, 3 had
low factor H and high factor B respectively, while 2 had low factor I
levels. Plasma-therapy was initiated in 65.7%. Remission was noted in
48.5% (17), 31.4% (11) died and others discontinued treatment. Though
anti-factor H antibody is the most common followed closely by low MCP
expression, abnormal levels of different complement proteins were
observed. Outcome was dismal without eculizumab. We recommend
comprehensive complement analysis in pediatric aHUS. Development and
availability of targeted therapy remains unquestionable.