Association of Acute Kidney Injury with Ammonia Poisoning: A Case Report

Abstract

Ammonia may cause poisoning due to inhalation or ingestion. Renal involvement in ammonia poisoning has been reported only once. A 30-year-old male working in an ice factory was accidentally exposed to liquid ammonia from a leaking hose, following which he had burns over his face and neck and severe abdominal pain. On day 2, he had deranged renal function, which was progressive. He was referred to us due to persistent renal dysfunction. A kidney biopsy was performed due to slow recovery of renal failure, which was suggestive of acute tubular necrosis. He was managed conservatively and showed gradual improvement over 12 days of his hospital stay. Renal functions normalized after 14 days of discharge. This case highlights the occurrence of renal involvement in ammonia poisoning.