Hemolytic uremic syndrome associated with Plasmodium vivax malaria successfully treated with plasma exchange

• Main Authors: V S Keskar, T E Jamale, N K Hase
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2014-01-01
• Series: Indian Journal of Nephrology
• Subjects: Acute kidney injury; hemolytic uremic syndrome; vivax malaria
• Online Access: http://www.indianjnephrol.org/article.asp?issn=0971-4065;year=2014;volume=24;issue=1;spage=35;epage=37;aulast=Keskar

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.