Acute kidney injury due to systemic Loxoscelism: A cross sectional study in Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Loxoscelism is a clinical condition involving spiders of the genus Loxosceles. One of the most severe complications is acute kidney injury (AKI). This study aimed to investigate AKI and other complications associated with loxoscelism. Methods: We analyzed cases diagnosed with loxoscelism in an area where most accidents were caused by Loxosceles amazonica from January 2010 to December 2015. AKI was defined according to the KDIGO criteria. Results: Forty-five patients were recorded: 95.6% presented characteristic necrotic skin lesions and 13.3% AKI. Conclusions: Loxoscelism could cause kidney involvement which is uncommon and could lead to the death of these patients.