Acute renal failure due to the inhalation of organophosphates: successful treatment with haemodialysis

Organophosphate intoxication is a very infrequent cause of acute deterioration of renal function but, when it does occur, it seriously aggravates the clinical status and prognosis. The pathogenesis of renal injury in this context remains unknown, although it is suspected that direct damage occurs at renal tubules. It has not been demonstrated that substitutive kidney treatment and specific antidotes provide any clear benefit. Here, we report a 58-year-old patient who underwent an accidental organophosphate intoxication, who suffered acute anuric renal failure and severe metabolic acidosis and who was successfully treated with conventional haemodialysis. The patient recovered with no sequellae and no need for other therapeutic measures.