Escherichia coli O-157-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome: Usefulness of SCWP score for the prediction of neurological complication

Background: Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is commonly caused by hemorrhagic colitis with Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli O‐157. Central nervous system (CNS) involvements, including seizures, encephalopathy and brain infarction, are serious complications, but there are no useful scores for the prediction of CNS complications. Methods: Routine laboratory data at onset of HUS were re‐evaluated in 14 patients to find useful parameters for the prediction of CNS complication. Results: Serum sodium and total protein were significantly lower and C‐reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell counts were significantly higher in patients with CNS complications than in patients without. A cumulated score, SCWP score (sodium, CRP, white blood cell count, and total protein) discriminated better between patients with/without CNS complications than individual values. Conclusions: SCWP score would be useful for prediction of CNS complications