Non-oliguric renal failure-a presentation of leptospirosis

I Shah1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, B. J. Wadia Hospital for Children, Parel, Mumbai - 400 012, India. irashah@pediatriconcall.com

Insights

Two children in Mumbai experienced non-oliguric renal failure after leptospirosis, a bacterial infection. Prompt penicillin treatment led to complete recovery without dialysis, highlighting effective management of this kidney complication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions.
  • Renal involvement is a common complication of leptospirosis, potentially leading to acute kidney injury.

Observation:

  • Two pediatric cases of non-oliguric renal failure following leptospirosis were observed at a children's hospital in Mumbai.
  • Both cases occurred during the monsoon season and presented with fever, abdominal pain, and elevated serum creatinine levels.

Findings:

  • Neither child required renal replacement therapy (dialysis).
  • Both patients received penicillin treatment and demonstrated complete recovery of renal function.
  • Serum creatinine levels normalized post-treatment in both cases.

Implications:

  • This suggests that non-oliguric renal failure in children due to leptospirosis may be effectively managed with timely antibiotic therapy.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment with penicillin can prevent the need for dialysis and ensure full recovery.
  • Highlights the importance of considering leptospirosis in the differential diagnosis of acute kidney injury in endemic areas, especially during specific seasons.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations01:29

Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) progresses through distinct clinical phases: the oliguric, diuretic, and recovery phases, each marked by unique manifestations and challenges.Oliguric Phase:The oliguric phase is the initial stage of AKI, typically lasting 10 to 14 days. This phase is marked by a significant reduction in urine output, usually less than 400 mL per day, indicating decreased kidney function. Fluid retention is a prominent feature, leading to symptoms such as edema, hypertension, and...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction01:22

Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction

Introduction:Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) describes a swift decrease in kidney function occurring over hours to days, characterized by the kidneys' failure to remove waste products from the bloodstream. This leads to dangerous complications like metabolic acidosis, fluid overload, and electrolyte imbalances, such as hyperkalemia, which can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. AKI is common in both hospital and outpatient settings, often triggered by dehydration, sepsis, or exposure to nephrotoxic...
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology01:29

Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology

Acute kidney injury (AKI) causes are categorized into three primary categories based on the location of the injury: prerenal, intrarenal (or intrinsic), and postrenal causes. This classification guides clinical management and illustrates how different pathways can impair kidney function.Etiology and Pathophysiology of Acute Kidney Injury1. Prerenal causesEtiology: Prerenal Acute Kidney Injury, the most common type, occurs when reduced blood flow to the kidneys decreases filtration capacity...