Acute kidney injury secondary to severe delayed haemolysis in intravenous artesunate use for severe malaria. Issue 1 (26th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leong, Kai Wen; Singh, Kasha P; Leder, Karin; Tong, Steven Y C
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 14:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-26
• Subjects: drugs: infectious diseases -- tropical medicine (infectious disease) -- acute renal failure -- haematology (incl blood transfusion); Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2020-237501
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : The use of artemisinin derivatives has been recommended by the WHO guidelines in malaria treatment largely due to its rapid parasite clearance and safety profile. This case report details the development of delayed haemolysis and subsequent severe acute kidney injury (AKI) 13 days after commencing intravenous artesunate treatment for malaria in an Australian returned traveller. Delayed haemolysis may be an under-recognised complication following artesunate use and if severe, can be complicated by AKI. Therefore, close patient follow-up following treatment is required to ensure prompt recognition of this phenomenon.