UNAIR NEWS – The rise of mysterious cases of acute kidney failure in early October has been a hot topic. Approximately 131 children in 14 provinces in Indonesia experienced acute kidney failure, the cause was unknown at that time.
The Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) then gave a statement that the cause of acute kidney failure in children was due to the consumption of syrup containing chemicals that exceeded the threshold, such as Ethylene Glycol (EG) and Diethylene Glycol (DEG).
According to Prof. Djoko Santoso dr. PhD SpPD KGH FINASIM, an Internal Medicine Professor of Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) and Kidney-Hipertension Consultant, acute kidney failure is a disruption of kidney function that happens fast and suddenly marked by the increase of creatinine serum or decreasing urine production.
The process of acute kidney failure occurs gradually based on a decrease in urine production of less than 0.5 mg/kg/hour within a certain period of time: the risk category (6 hours), the injury category (12 hours), the failure category (24 hours), and dialysis requirements. Meanwhile, the causes of acute kidney failure are generally multifactorial, with types comprising pre-renal, renal, and post-renal.
“What has to do with ethylene glycol is the renal type. So, when ethylene glycol enters the body (kidneys, ed), it will be processed into a formaldehyde group that cannot be removed from the body except through the kidneys. So the treatment is when the kidney fails, meaning it is stuck and does not pass urine, so it must be dialyzed,” said Prof. Djoko.
The Chair of the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) Health Board in East Java Province explained the basic principles of managing acute kidney failure, from identifying risk factors, treating underlying diseases, maintaining kidney perfusion, providing nutrition and oxygen as hemodynamic support, avoiding drugs or nephrotoxic substances, treating disorders metabolism, to renal replacement therapy.
Message for communities
The community is expected to temporarily not buy over-the-counter drugs without a recommendation from a health professional, understand the symptoms of acute kidney failure, such as a sudden decrease or no urination, can be taken to the hospital immediately, reduce other causes of damage to kidney failure, one of which is Covid-19 infection, and not make your own powder medicine at home but through a doctor’s prescription and pharmacy.
“I think this standard must be met, and the existence of health services ranging from health centers to referral hospitals can be used. For preventive management, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle, balanced intake, regular exercise, including avoiding bad habits,” he concluded.
Author: Sela Septi Dwi Arista
Editor: Nuri Hermawan
