Can scrub typhus infection cause delayed kidney damage?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 39-year-old uncle had scrub typhus and was discharged after 10 days in the hospital. Now, his legs are swollen, and they feel heavy and tight, something he has never experienced before. His kidney tests were fine while he was in the hospital, but could the infection have caused kidney damage later on? Should he see a nephrologist, or could this just be a side effect of the antibiotics?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern

Leg swelling after recovering from scrub typhus can have several causes. It is good that his kidney tests were fine in the hospital, but complications can develop later.

Scrub typhus can cause acute kidney injury (AKI). While his kidney function was fine before, mild damage could have worsened. He should get these tests done again:

Serum creatinine.
Serum urea.
Urine protein.

Severe infections can also lead to low blood protein (hypoalbuminemia), which can cause fluid retention and swelling in the legs. A serum albumin test should be done.

The infection might have caused inflammation, or if he was not very active during recovery, blood clots could have formed in his leg veins. If the swelling is severe or one-sided, a Doppler ultrasound may be needed.

Also, check if he was treated with Chloramphenicol or Azithromycin, as these medications can sometimes cause leg swelling.

If his kidney tests come back abnormal, then it is necessary to consult a nephrologist..

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.