Severe Renal Failure Following Ophidian Envenomation in Niger

Abstract

Introduction: Data on kidney lesions during ophidian envenomation in Niger are rare. The aim of the study was to describe a case of severe renal failure secondary to ophidian envenomation occurring in our hemodialysis nephrology department. Observation: This is a 53-year-old patient, resident in a rural town near the city of Niamey. She was referred to us from the National Hospital's Internal Medicine Department for severe renal impairment secondary to a snakebite. Clinical examination showed poor general condition, impaired consciousness with a Glasgow 10/15, severe uremic syndrome, hemorrhagic syndrome and metabolic dyspnea. On biology, severe anemia was noted at 5.3 g/dl, thrombocytopenia at 32,000 elements/µl, white blood cells at 18,109/L, urea level at 50 mmol/l and serum creatinine at 1009 µmol/l i.e. an eGFR= 4 ml/min. Despite the initiation of hemodialysis and transfusions, the patient died in a picture of septic and hemorrhagic shock. Conclusion: ARF secondary to ophidian envenomation is accompanied by a considerable risk of mortality, especially in the event of delay in treatment.