Epidemiology of the hemolytic uremic syndrome

To the Editor: Martin et al. (Oct. 25 issue)¹ emphasized the importance of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli as an etiologic agent in the hemolytic uremic syndrome. We have also studied E. coli O157:H7 infections with the purpose of defining risk factors for the progression of enteritis to the hemolytic uremic syndrome and have proposed that young age and the prolonged use of antimotility antidiarrheal agents may be risk factors.^2,3 Do the authors have information about the use of drugs other than antibiotics by their patients? One point that needs clarification is the definition of antibiotic use.⁴ Many uses will be brief,.