by NEW DELHI: Atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a disease that causes abnormal blood clots in small blood vessels in the kidneys. These clots can cause serious medical problems if they restrict or block blood flow, including kidney failure. The nephrology department of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) has reported such a case where a 26-year-old man developed aHUS post-Covid which led to kidney failure. He is currently on dialysis, Dr Vaibhav Tiwari, consultant, department of nephrology at the hospital, said.
When the patient tested positive for Covid-19, he didn’t have any symptoms of kidney dysfunction. But within seven days of illness, he started complaining of decreased urine output. His creatinine was found to be increased (4 mg/dL). Biopsy showed kidney damage due to the formation of microscopic blood clots in capillaries and small arteries that necessitated dialysis,” DrTiwari added.
To understand the reason behind this, genetic analysis was carried out. It revealed that the 26-year-old, a resident of Rajasthan, was found to have mutations in the complement system (CFHR1 and CFHR3 GENES), which suggested this was a case of aHUS precipitated by Covid-19
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since become a global pandemic. The virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes, and can also be spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s face. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, and difficulty breathing. The best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include getting vaccinated, wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, washing hands frequently, and avoiding large gatherings.
