Infection-associated hemolytic-uremic syndrome

This code represents a severe, acute condition characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury, specifically when triggered by an infectious agent. It is a form of thrombotic microangiopathy where red blood cells are destroyed, platelets are consumed, and small blood vessels become damaged, primarily affecting the kidneys.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) directly resulting from an infection, such as Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) or other bacterial/viral pathogens. Supporting documentation should include evidence of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, acute renal failure, and a confirmed or strongly suspected infectious etiology.

• Always code the underlying infection first, if known and active, followed by this code.
• Distinguish carefully from atypical HUS (aHUS), which has a genetic or autoimmune basis and is coded elsewhere.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the HUS to an infectious cause; otherwise, a more general HUS code may be appropriate.