Rifampicin-associated intravascular haemolysis causing acute kidney injury

P Aravindhmozhi1, Tanuj Moses Lamech2, Charankumar Swamikkannu1

  • 1Department of Nephrology Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

Insights

Rifampicin can cause rare kidney injury, even years after initial exposure. This case highlights pigment-cast nephropathy from rifampicin-induced hemolysis in a tuberculosis patient requiring dialysis.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pharmacology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a known, though rare, adverse effect of rifampicin.
  • Commonly, rifampicin-induced AKI presents as acute tubular necrosis or acute interstitial nephritis.

Observation:

  • A patient with isoniazid mono-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis, with prior anti-tuberculous therapy (ATT) history, restarted ATT.
  • The patient developed AKI necessitating dialysis upon restarting ATT.

Findings:

  • Renal biopsy revealed pigment-cast nephropathy.
  • This was secondary to intravascular hemolysis induced by rifampicin.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the potential for delayed or idiosyncratic reactions to rifampicin, leading to severe AKI.
  • Early recognition and cessation of rifampicin are crucial for recovery in cases of drug-induced hemolysis and nephropathy.

Related Concept Videos

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...
82
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...
97
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention01:30

Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention

Accurate diagnosis and effective prevention are critical in managing Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), which is linked to high mortality rates ranging from 10% to 80%. Timely recognition of at-risk patients and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of kidney damage.Diagnostic Assessments:The diagnostic process starts with a comprehensive medical history to identify prerenal, intrarenal, and postrenal causes.Prerenal causes, such as dehydration, hypotension, or blood loss, should...
59
Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care01:20

Acute Kidney Injury V: Interprofessional Care

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) requires a collaborative healthcare approach to restore renal function and prevent complications. Essential management strategies involve monitoring fluid and electrolyte balance, adjusting medications, initiating dialysis when necessary, and providing nutritional support.Fluid and Electrolyte ManagementFluid Monitoring: Regularly monitoring body weight, central venous pressure, and urine output helps detect fluid imbalances early. Patient intake and output are...
49
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...
101
Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments01:11

Renal Failure: Dose Adjustments

In patients with renal impairment, drugs undergo significant changes in their pharmacokinetics, which require dosage adjustments to ensure safe and effective therapy.
Reduced renal clearance and elimination rate are common outcomes of renal impairment. These alterations lead to a prolonged elimination half-life and an altered apparent volume of distribution for drugs. As a result, dosage adjustments are typically necessary to maintain optimal drug levels in the body.
However, dosage adjustments...
166