Management of hemolytic uremic syndrome

2011 has been a special year for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): on the one hand, the dramatic epidemic of Shiga toxin producing E. coli - associated HUS in Germany brought the disease to the attention of the general population, on the other hand it has been the year when eculizumab, the first complement blocker available for clinical practice, was demonstrated as the potential new standard of care for atypical HUS. Here we review the therapeutic options presently available for the various forms of hemolytic uremic syndrome and show how recent knowledge has changed the therapeutic approach and prognosis of atypical HUS.