Sulfadiazine presents risk of Kidney Failure during Pregnancy

Sulfadiazine presents risk of Kidney Failure during Pregnancy
(Hospital Caremeau, Nimes-January 7, 2004)

"Obstructive renal failure is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy. Although most cases are due to extrinsic compression, renal tract obstruction can also be due to intraluminal precipitation of sulfadiazine prescribed for maternofetal toxoplasmosis," researchers in France report.

"The diagnosis is suggested by clinical history, ultrasound (radiolucent stones situated anywhere in the renal tract) and especially analysis of the urine pellet (wheat sheaf formation of yellowish crystals). Urinary drainage by double J stent or percutaneous nephrotomy is indicated in the absence of clinical improvement in response to symptomatic treatment and adequate alkaline rehydration," wrote S. Forget and coauthors.

The researchers concluded: "The risk of sulfadiazine crystallization must be systematically prevented by a sufficient water intake and urinary alkalinization right from the start of treatment."

Forget and colleagues published their study in Progres en Urologie (Stone-induced renal failure and pregnancy. Case report and review of the literature. Prog Urol, 2003;13(4):673-674).

For additional information, contact C. Avances, Hop Caremeau, Service Urology Androl, F-30900 Nimes, France.

The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of Kidney Failure, Kidney Stones, Adverse Drug Effects, Sulfadiazine, Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease, Obstetrics, Hydration Therapy, and Toxoplasmosis. This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other reports.