Acute renal failure associated with the Rift Valley fever: a single center study.

Renal impairment is a frequent occurrence among patients with the Rift Valley fever (RVF), and is probably the result of hypovolemia and multiple organ dysfunctions in the majority of cases. This study was conducted to estimate the incidence of renal impairment in patients with RVF as well as to determine the associated mortality. Data of all patients admitted with renal impairment to the Gezira Hospital for Renal Diseases, Sudan, during the epidemic of RVF between September 2007 and January 2008 were analyzed. The total number of patients with RVF was 392 of whom, 194 were admitted to the Medani Teaching Hospital. Renal impairment was detected in 60% of the admitted patients; 90% of them needed dialysis treatment. The mortality rate was 31% in patients with acute renal failure, 25% in those with the hepatorenal syndrome and 31% in patients with primary hepatic involvement and mild renal impairment. The overall mortality was 40%. Our study suggests that RVF remains a major cause of acute renal failure with considerable mortality, although progression to chronic renal failure was not seen. Early renal substitution therapy fosters the best hope for survival.