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Nephrotoxin Microinjection in Zebrafish to Model Acute Kidney Injury
Published on: July 17, 2016
Acute kidney injury due to acyclovir.
Cigdem Yildiz1, Yasemin Ozsurekci2, Safak Gucer3
1Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Rheumatology, Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Sıhhiye, Ankara, 06100, Turkey.
Acyclovir, an antiviral, can cause severe kidney damage (nephrotoxicity) in children. This case highlights acute renal failure and tubulointerstitial nephritis from acyclovir treatment, requiring dialysis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Toxicology
Background:
- Acyclovir is a common antiviral medication for pediatric herpetic infections.
- While generally safe, acyclovir can rarely cause significant kidney damage (nephrotoxicity).
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of severe acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity in a pediatric patient.
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and management of this adverse drug reaction.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 16-year-old female patient.
- Review of clinical course, laboratory results, and renal biopsy findings.
- Diagnosis of drug-related acute tubulointerstitial nephritis.
Main Results:
- The patient developed acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis during acyclovir therapy.
- Renal biopsy confirmed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis with focal tubular necrosis.
- The findings were attributed to acyclovir treatment.
Conclusions:
- Acyclovir can precipitate severe acute kidney injury in children.
- Prompt diagnosis and renal biopsy are crucial for identifying drug-induced nephrotoxicity.
- Awareness of this potential adverse effect is important for clinicians managing pediatric patients.
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