A Rare Complication of Ascariasis: A Case of Acute Interstitial Nephritis
A Rare Complication of Ascariasis: A Case of Acute Interstitial Nephritis
Blog Article
Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) due to helminths is a rare cause of acute kidney injury (AKI).Helminthiases often progresses insidiously, making diagnosis difficult.This was the case of a 72-year-old man, rowenta dr8270 who presented with renal failure, itching and diarrhoea.Urinalysis revealed leukocyturia, microhaematuria and mild proteinuria.A full blood count revealed leucocytosis with eosinophilia.
A stool parasitological examination revealed fertilised eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides.Tubulointerstitial nephropathy secondary to A.lumbricoides infection was suspected.A percutaneous renal biopsy was not performed since the patient refused the anti-platelet therapy koleston 55/44 discontinuation.Mebendazole, albendazole and prednisone therapy was administered.
After worm eradiation and discharge, recovery from the parasitosis, absence of pruritus and eosinophilia, and progressive improvement of renal function were observed, strongly suggesting a causal relationship between Ascaris infection and AIN.Parasite infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained renal failure because early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to avoid irreversible complications.