Acute Kidney Injury following Ingestion of Henna Leaf Extract: A Case Report from Myanmar

Abstract

Alternative medicine is gaining popularity worldwide. In Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, herbal medicine plays an important role in healthcare. A 34-year-old man from Yangon, Myanmar, was admitted to the medical ward of our hospital after ingesting a herbal remedy of boiled henna leaves ( Dan Ywet in Burmese). He developed hemoglobinuria leading to acute kidney injury (AKI). The insult was severe, and he underwent 5 sessions of hemodialysis. His condition improved and within 7 weeks of injury, he made a full recovery. However, he was lost to follow-up when renal function became normal. Our diagnosis was AKI from hemoglobinuria secondary to henna leaf extract nephrotoxicity in G6PD deficiency. This case highlights the steps required to achieve the International Society of Nephrology's goal of 0 preventable deaths from AKI by 2025 and the efforts needed to increase public knowledge about herbal remedies and AKI, medication adherence, and compliance with follow-up..