Internet self-help: Unsupervised antibiotic use led to severe kidney infection

Hyderabad: A recent health crisis in Hyderabad sheds light on the dangers of relying on the Internet for medical decisions. In this cautionary tale, a father’s advice on his daughter’s illness using online information resulted in a severe kidney infection, complete with stone-like formations known as kidney matrix, a rare form of urinary calculi.

However, the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU) in Secunderabad successfully treated and relieved the patient of the ailment. The patient, a female architect grappling with kidney stones, initially sought relief from another hospital where attempts to remove the stones proved unsuccessful.

Seeking a second opinion, she turned to AINU, where a CT scan unveiled an unexpected revelation—several 10-13 mm sized stones, with only two being actual stones; the rest had transformed into a matrix.

Approximately a year and a half ago, the patient underwent surgery to address kidney stones. However, some stones persisted, leading to recurring symptoms. Instead of seeking professional advice, the patient relied on incomplete antibiotic courses suggested by her father, resulting in antibiotic resistance and the formation of Bacterial Protein Precipitates, ultimately causing matrix formation.

Harmful to stop antibiotics midway

Upon a recent visit to the AINU, the patient presented symptoms of obstructed kidneys and Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). AINU’s intervention involved diverting blocked urine followed by surgical intervention, specifically Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL), to remove the stones.

Post-surgery, the patient revealed a history of taking antibiotics for UTI symptoms but consistently stopping the courses midway.

Dr Raghavendra Kulkarni, consultant urologist at AINU Secunderabad, stressed the importance of avoiding self-prescription and completing prescribed antibiotic courses. He underscored the risk of matrix formation, particularly in women, due to untreated infections. The recommended treatment, PCNL, proved effective in this case.

“This case serves as a vivid reminder of the pitfalls of uninformed health decisions and the expertise AINU brings to complex medical cases,” said Dr Raghavendra Kulkarni.