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Patient case: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in Sub-Saharan Africa

Patient details
Name
J
Age
28 years
Gender
Male
Residence
Rural Uganda
Occupation
Manual labourer on a sugarcane plantation
Patient case fields
Presenting Complaint:

John presented to the rural health center with complaints of reduced urine output for the past three days, generalized body weakness, and nausea. He also reports vomiting multiple times over the last two days. He had been feeling unwell for about a week with fever, body aches, and diarrhoea, which began after drinking water from a local river while at work. John has not passed urine in the last 24 hours. There is no significant abdominal pain or history of chronic illnesses.

 

 

Past Medical History

John has no known history of chronic kidney disease or diabetes. He suffered from malaria a few months ago and was treated with antimalarial drugs. He works long hours in the fields, often without proper hydration, and has been exposed to environmental toxins, including herbicides.

 

 

Physical Examination

Vital signs: Low blood pressure (90/60 mmHg), pulse 110 bpm, febrile (38.5°C)

General appearance: John appears dehydrated, with dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor. He is lethargic but responsive.

Cardiovascular and respiratory: Tachycardia with no murmurs; lungs clear

Abdomen: Soft, non-tender, no palpable masses

Extremities: Mild peripheral oedema

 

 

Laboratory Results

Serum creatinine: Elevated (3.8 mg/dL)

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Elevated

Electrolytes: Hyperkalaemia, hyponatremia

Urinalysis: Oliguria, no proteinuria, no haematuria

Malaria test: Negative

Liver function tests: Normal

 

 

 

 

Diagnosis

J is diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI), likely pre-renal AKI due to dehydration from vomiting, diarrhoea, and poor fluid intake while working in extreme heat conditions. Possible contributing factors include environmental toxins and the consumption of contaminated water.

Plan and Management
  1. Intravenous fluids (Normal saline): To restore hydration and improve kidney perfusion.
  2. Electrolyte correction: Immediate management of hyperkalaemia with calcium gluconate and insulin-glucose infusion.
  3. Monitor urine output: With a urinary catheter and serial creatinine measurements.
  4. Treat underlying causes: Rehydration and possible antibiotics for presumed gastrointestinal infection if necessary.
  5. Referral: If no improvement, transfer to a regional hospital for renal replacement therapy (dialysis).

J’s prognosis will depend on how quickly his kidney function responds to rehydration and correction of electrolyte imbalances.

Discussion
No data was found
Questions
1. What is the most likely cause of J's acute kidney injury (AKI)?

a) Chronic hypertension

b) Glomerulonephritis

c) Pre-renal AKI due to dehydration

d) Diabetic nephropathy

2. Which of the following laboratory findings is most consistent with AKI in J's case?

a) Normal creatinine levels

b) Elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

c) Hypokalaemia

d) Proteinuria

3. Which immediate intervention is most appropriate for managing J’s AKI?

a) Start dialysis

b) Administer intravenous fluids

c) Prescribe diuretics

d) Administer corticosteroids

4. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances is J most likely to have, based on the lab results?

a) Hypokalaemia and hypernatremia

b) Hyperkalaemia and hyponatremia

c) Hyperkalaemia and hypernatremia

d) Hypokalaemia and hyponatremia

Reveal answers

Answers

c) Pre-renal AKI due to dehydration

b) Elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

b) Administer intravenous fluids

b) Hyperkalaemia and hyponatremia

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