Polymyxin Acute Kidney Injury: a case of severe tubulopathy
Lucas Alexandre de Mello Goldin1, Leticia Nicoletti Silva1, Thiago Florencio da Silva1
1Hospital Evangélico de Londrina, Departamento de Nefrologia, Londrina, PR, Brasil.
Abstract:
Polymyxins are antibiotics developed in the 1950s. Polymyxin-induced neurotoxicity has been often described in medical literature. The same cannot be said of nephrotoxicity or tubulopathy in particular. This report describes the case of a patient prescribed polymyxin B to treat a surgical wound infection, which led to significant increases in fractional excretion of calcium, magnesium, and potassium and subsequent persistent decreases in the levels of these ions, with serious consequences for the patient. Severe hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia may occur during treatment with polymyxin. Calcium, magnesium and potassium serum levels must be monitored during treatment to prevent life-threatening conditions.
Insights
Polymyxin B can cause severe electrolyte imbalances, including hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia. Monitoring these essential mineral levels during polymyxin treatment is crucial for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Polymyxins are antibiotics primarily known for neurotoxicity.
- Nephrotoxicity and tubulopathy associated with polymyxins are less frequently documented in medical literature.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient treated with polymyxin B for a surgical wound infection.
- The patient experienced significant increases in fractional excretion of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Findings:
- This led to persistent, severe decreases in serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels.
- The patient developed hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypokalemia.
Implications:
- Polymyxin therapy can result in life-threatening electrolyte disturbances.
- Regular monitoring of serum calcium, magnesium, and potassium is essential during polymyxin treatment.
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