Google driven antibiotic choices ends in Kidney crisis
Friday, 1 December 2023 (17:10 IST)
Hyderabad: In a cautionary tale, a patient father's GOOD WILL to treat his daughter's illness using internet knowledge led to a serious health crisis.
Incomplete antibiotic courses resulted in a severe kidney infection and the formation of stone-like structures called Matrix.
Urologists at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) Secunderabad successfully treated and relieved the patient, offering a crucial lesson on responsible healthcare practices, Dr. Raghavendra Kulkarni, Consultant Urologist at AINU said in a release here on Friday.
A female architect, having struggled with kidney stones, sought relief from another hospital where efforts to remove the stones proved futile. Turning to AINU for a second opinion, a CT scan revealed a surprising discovery—several 10-13mm sized stones, with only two being actual stones; the rest had transformed into matrix, he said.
A year and a half ago, the patient underwent surgery to address kidney stones, but some remained unresolved. Instead of seeking professional advice for recurring symptoms, she relied on her father's advice and incomplete antibiotic courses. This led to antibiotic resistance and Bacterial protein Precipitates, causing matrix formation, the Urologist said.
During a recent visit to AINU, patients presented symptoms of obstructed kidney and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Intervention at AINU, involved diverting the blocked urine followed by surgical intervention / PCNL to remove the stones.
Post-surgery, the patient disclosed a history of taking antibiotics for UTI symptoms, consistently stopping courses midway.
Dr. Raghavendra stressed the importance of avoiding self-prescription and completing prescribed antibiotic courses.
He highlighted the risk of matrix formation, particularly in women, due to untreated infections. The recommended treatment, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), proved effective in this case.
This story serves as a vivid reminder of the pitfalls of uninformed health decisions and the expertise AINU brings to complex medical cases.
The institute advocates for responsible healthcare practices and underscores the importance of seeking professional advice for optimal well-being. (UNI)
