The Reptilian Renal Wrench: Acute Kidney Injury in the Wake of Snakebite Envenoming

Snakebite-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe, potentially fatal complication driven by venom's direct toxicity, inflammation, and complex mechanisms such as intravascular hemolysis, rhabdomyolysis, and coagulation disorders. While early antivenom administration and supportive care are crucial, many survivors may face long-term renal dysfunction, emphasizing the need for advanced understanding to prevent severe outcomes and improve patient management. We present a case of an 81-year-old farmer who sustained a snakebite injury and developed local and systemic features of envenomation and subsequent AKI. He was managed with supportive care and administration of polyvalent antivenom in an inpatient setting and discharged with complete recovery of kidney function. This report became necessary to draw attention to this tropical cause of nephropathy and highlight that early diagnosis and intervention with antivenom are crucial for preventing kidney damage and improving outcomes.