The warning is for people who suffered a life-threatening E.
coli complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS - something that most commonly strikes children ages 2 to 7.
As they age, Utah's Dr. Andrew Pavia says these people need an annual: -Blood pressure check. That's not routine for children and young adults, but subtle kidney scarring from the HUS could cause high blood pressure early in life.
-A urine exam to check for protein, an early sign of kidney damage.
-A blood test to measure kidney function.
There is no proven way to ward off these problems. But Pavia points to early-stage research out of France that suggests if these survivors start showing early signs of trouble, such as protein in the urine, giving them certain blood-pressure medications can offer some protection. They seem to slow kidney deterioration.
It needs more study, but in the meantime, "It can't hurt to lower blood pressure a little bit and hopefully get the protective benefit," he says.
