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Published on: February 2, 2021
Thrombotic Microangiopathy Causing Acute Kidney Injury in a COVID-19 Patient
Amitabh Kulkarni1, Prashant Nasa2, Srinivasa Polumuru3
1Department of Nephrology, NMC Specialty Hospital, PO Box 7832, Al Nahda 2, Dubai, UAE.
Insights
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is common in COVID-19 patients, leading to higher mortality. This case reveals a young woman
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in COVID-19 patients, associated with increased mortality.
- The mechanisms of AKI in COVID-19 are diverse, including direct viral effects, immune responses, and hypercoagulability.
Observation:
- A young female patient with severe COVID-19 presented with AKI.
- The patient had a history of chronic kidney disease, potentially linked to IgA nephropathy.
Findings:
- The patient's AKI was attributed to complement-3 mediated thrombotic microangiopathy.
- This suggests a specific immune-driven pathway contributing to kidney damage in COVID-19.
Implications:
- Highlights the complex pathophysiology of AKI in COVID-19, involving immune system dysregulation.
- Underscores the importance of considering thrombotic microangiopathy in COVID-19 patients with AKI and pre-existing kidney conditions.
- Suggests potential targets for therapeutic interventions in managing AKI during COVID-19.
Abstract:
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in COVID-19 patients is common and independently associated with higher mortality. The pathophysiology of AKI is multifactorial and may be either direct viral trophism or immune mediated injury and hypercoagulability. This case highlights AKI in a young female with severe COVID-19 due to complement-3 mediated thrombotic microangiopathy with pre-existing chronic kidney disease likely because of IgA nephropathy.
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Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care
Acute Kidney Injury VI: Nursing Management

