5. Low platelet count and anemia
Patients with a uremic syndrome may also have low platelet count and anemia because the E. coli toxins affect many other cell lines in the blood, including platelets. They have an important role in blood clotting and wound healing, which adds up to the fact that E. coli enterohemorrhagic breaks down the mucosa of the intestines and destroys the intestinal wall. That is why these patients have dysenteric diarrhea with continuous bleeding, and this adds up to their susceptibility to anemia and dehydration. Altogether, they contribute to making patients feel weak and drowsy, with general malaise, muscle cramps and low energy levels.
