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Acute renal failure following physical torture
G H Malik1, I A Sirwal, A R Reshi
1Department of Nephrology, Sheri-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, India.
Nephron
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Physical torture can cause acute renal failure (ARF) in young men, characterized by rhabdomyolysis and requiring dialysis. Prompt recognition and management of ARF are crucial for recovery.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Toxicology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Physical torture is a potential cause of acute renal failure (ARF).
- Rhabdomyolysis, indicated by elevated muscle enzymes and myoglobinuria, is a key pathological finding.
- Young, healthy males are susceptible to severe renal injury following trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on a series of cases of acute renal failure (ARF) following alleged physical torture.
- To describe the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and management of torture-induced ARF.
- To emphasize the importance of early recognition and treatment of ARF in this context.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis of ten male patients presenting with ARF.
- Clinical data collection including history, physical examination, and laboratory investigations.
- Management involved dialysis (peritoneal and/or hemodialysis) for most patients.
Main Results:
- All ten patients presented with established ARF, rhabdomyolysis, and myoglobinuria.
- Common clinical features included generalized aches, weakness, oligoanuria, vomiting, hypertension, acidosis, and edema.
- Nine patients had oliguric ARF and one had nonoliguric ARF; all recovered with dialysis.
Conclusions:
- Physical torture can lead to severe acute renal failure (ARF) through rhabdomyolysis.
- Early diagnosis and intervention, including dialysis, are essential for favorable outcomes in torture-induced ARF.
- Awareness of this etiology is critical for clinicians, especially when surgical causes are being considered.