Open AccessHemolytic uremic syndrome associated with Plasmodium vivax malaria successfully treated with plasma exchange
Author(s) -
Vaibhav Keskar,
Tukaram Jamale,
Hase Nk
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
indian journal of nephrology/indian journal of nephrology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.317
H-Index - 24
eISSN - 1998-3662
pISSN - 0971-4065
DOI - 10.4103/0971-4065.125054
Subject(s) - medicine , thrombotic microangiopathy , schistocyte , plasmodium vivax , malaria , thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura , atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome , hemolytic anemia , gastroenterology , renal function , immunology , plasmodium falciparum , platelet , antibody , disease , complement system
We report a case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in an adult patient with Plasmodium vivax malaria. The patient presented with worsening anemia, persistent thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury. HUS was diagnosed based on the high serum lactate dehydrogenase, elevated reticulocyte count and presence of schistocytes on peripheral blood smear. Kidney biopsy showed features of thrombotic microangiopathy. Complete hematological remission was achieved after five sessions of therapeutic plasma exchange. Renal function partially recovered and stabilized at discharge. Vivax malaria, generally considered benign, may be rarely associated with HUS.