Presence of circulating immune complexes in the classic form of hemolytic uremic syndrome: a constant finding

In an attempt to further study the possible contribution of circulating immune complexes (CIC) in the pathogenesis of the classic form of hemolytic uremic syndrome, 9 patients were studied during the acute phase of the diseases. C1q solid-phase ELISA and conglutinin solid-phase ELISA, were used to measure the levels of immune complexes. All 9 were positive in one or both assays. No correlation was found between the levels of CIC and the clinical severity of the disease. The constant finding of positive CIC in these patients might represent an epiphenomenon, point out the postinfectious nature of this disease but also suggest a possible pathogenic role.