ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY PRECIPITATED BY HAFF DISEASE IN A 28-YEAR-OLD NIGERIAN MALE "CASE REPORT"

Haff disease is defined as unexplained rhabdomyolysis following ingestion of some sea fish and crayfish. First reported in 1926 from the Baltic region, its pathophysiologic mechanism is largely unknown, but toxins release have been implicated. Common features include generalized myalgia, brown/ dark urine, elevated serum creatine kinase and creatinine, kidney dysfunction can be severe enough to cause acute kidney injury (AKI). We present the case of a 28-year-old man who ate cooked freshwater fish and initially presented with diffuse myalgia, headache and brown-colored urine, and later fever and diarrhea. He had severely elevated serum creatine kinase and creatinine, and was managed as a case of Haff disease related AKI (HDRAKI) complicated by sepsis. He had haemodialysis and antibiotics, and recovered kidney function. A detailed history of recent diet and occupational exposure is essential in the diagnosis and management of HDR-AKI. Dialysis could be life-saving.