Hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by sea anemone sting: a case report

Abstract

Background Some sea anemone toxins cause renal injuries resembling hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). To date, only a few cases of HUS caused by sea anemone stings have been reported. In this case report, we have described an HUS case caused by a sea anemone sting. Case presentation In November 2019, a 37-year-old man with no underlying disease was admitted to our hospital. He presented with intense pain, a rash on, and swelling in his right thigh. Two days prior, he had been stung by a sea anemone while scuba diving in Cebu, Philippines. His blood tests revealed renal dysfunction, and his platelet count was normal. However, on day three, the platelet count decreased rapidly. His blood haptoglobin level decreased, and schistocytes were identified on the peripheral blood smear. We suspected thrombotic microangiopathy and started the conventional treatment, comprising hemodialysis, blood transfusion, and antibiotic administration. ADAMTS-13 and genetic test results associated with atypical HUS were normal. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with HUS caused by a sea anemone toxin. Conclusions HUS caused by a sea anemone toxin is rare, but it is a serious medical disease. Clinicians should consider HUS in patients with such clinical presentations, and they should make prompt treatment-related decisions.

A case of sea anemone dermatitis associated with acute renal failure caused by Phyllodiscus semoni

“…6 There are few reports of patients seeking hospitals on the day of injury, and most patients seem to consult doctors in urban areas who are relatively unfamiliar to tropical medicine, therefore, making it difficult to establish an accurate diagnosis. 3,4 The organism also changes its appearance in a variety of ways to suit its surroundings. 6 Therefore, information on the shape of what it touches is not always useful.…”

“…1 Although the great majority of sea anemones is similarly harmless, contact with Phyllodiscus semoni, which lives in the Central Indo-West Pacific to the East China Sea, not only causes a localized skin eruption but also renal failure. [2][3][4] In some cases, dialysis treatment has been required. 4 We report a case of sea anemone dermatitis associated with acute renal failure caused by Phyllodiscus semoni.…”

“…[2][3][4] In some cases, dialysis treatment has been required. 4 We report a case of sea anemone dermatitis associated with acute renal failure caused by Phyllodiscus semoni.…”

Correction to: Hemolytic uremic syndrome caused by sea anemone sting: a case report

“…Following publication of the original article [ 1 ], the authors identified an error in the affiliation of author Jun Young Do and author Min Kyoung Kim.…”