Acute renal failure in association with severe hyperemesis gravidarum.
BACKGROUND
Severe hyperemesis gravidarum is a rare but potentially devastating complication of pregnancy. Among its many potential complications are dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, Wernicke encephalopathy, and compromised renal function.


METHODS
We report the case of a 21-year-old woman at 15 weeks' gestation presenting to the emergency department with severe hyperemesis gravidarum associated with acute renal failure. Her initial serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen were 10.7 mg/dL and 171 mg/dL, respectively. The patient underwent daily hemodialysis for 5 days with subsequent return of renal function to normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Women with severe hyperemesis gravidarum may be at risk for acute renal failure caused by severe intravascular volume depletion.
Hill
James B
JB
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-9032, USA. james.hill@utsouthwestern.edu
Yost
Nicole P
NP
Wendel
George D
GD
D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy; D006801:Humans; D006939:Hyperemesis Gravidarum / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000150:complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D006435:Renal Dialysis