What can untreated hemolytic uremic syndrome lead to?

Untreated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can lead to kidney failure primarily due to the condition's impact on the kidneys. HUS is often triggered by an infection, particularly from certain strains of E. coli bacteria that produce Shiga toxin, leading to a cascade of events that damage the endothelial cells of the blood vessels, especially in the kidneys. This damage can result in a significant reduction in kidney function, as the kidneys cannot filter waste products from the blood efficiently.

As a consequence, the accumulation of waste and fluid overload can further exacerbate the condition, ultimately progressing to acute kidney injury and, if untreated, can lead to renal failure. Timely intervention and treatment are critical to prevent permanent kidney damage, which underscores the gravity of this condition when left unaddressed.

The other options, while they may relate to systemic consequences of various conditions, are not direct outcomes of untreated HUS. Specifically, heart disease and liver dysfunction are not typical endpoints associated with HUS, nor is respiratory failure a direct complication of this syndrome.