title: Gemcitabine induced hemolytic uremic syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gemcitabine is frequently used for the treatment of many cancers. Not infrequently it leads to development of hemolytic uremic syndrome, presenting with hemolytic anemia, acute kidney injury and occasionally peripheral edema, livedo reticularis and digital necrosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 78 year old man with non-small cell lung cancer developed uremic syndrome following treatment with multiple chemotherapy agents including gemcitabine. He was treated aggressively with hemodialysis and plasmapheresis. Initially he responded but upon attempts at decreasing the frequency of plasmapheresis, lactate dehydrogenase increased and platelet count decreased, indicating continuing hemolysis. Hemolysis responded to splenectomy but he continued to require hemodialysis treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although many cases of gemcitabine induced HUS have been reported, its cause and pathogenesis remain unclear and it should be used with caution. Frequent monitoring of renal function and close observation of the patient are essential.
authors.affiliation: Nephrology Section, Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, U.S.A ; Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, U.S.A.
authors.forename: Seyed-Ali
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Sadjadi
authors.forename: Pavan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Annamaraju
keywords: HUS; gemcitabine; plasmapheresis