ISSN: 2161-0495
JB Gunasena, ST De Silva
Background: Rhabdomyolysis induced acute kidney injury (AKI) following organophosphate poisoning is a rare
complication. The mechanism responsible is uncertain.
Case report: A 42 years old male was admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka after deliberate self-ingestion of
Calcron® (Profenophos, an organophosphorus pesticide). He developed rhabdomyolysis induced AKI requiring
regular haemodialysis. During the hospital stay he also developed bronchopneumonia with acute respiratory distress
syndrome, requiring intubation and ventilation. The patient improved with intravenous antibiotics and repeated
renal replacement with haemodialysis. At discharge he had made a full recovery.
Conclusion: Organophosphate poisoning can rarely lead to rhabdomyolysis induced AKI. It is an adverse predictor
of outcome. Clinicians should be vigilant about this complication since, with early diagnosis and aggressive
treatment, a favourable outcome is possible.