Acute Kidney Injury and Rhabdomyolysis Following Multi-drug Suicide Attempt: A Case Report

Acute kidney injury (AKI) refers to a sudden and irreversible decline in kidney function over hours to days. It is diagnosed by a decrease in glomerular filtration rate and an increase in creatinine levels. The occurrence of AKI is usually accompanied by an increase in complications, potential progression to chronic kidney disease, and short-term and long-term mortality. AKI is classified into the following categories based on the anatomical site of involvement: prerenal, intrinsic renal, and postrenal. In most cases, AKI with intrinsic origin involves damage to the tubules, glomeruli, renal vessels, and interstitial tissue.

Case Report: 

A 40-year-old male patient presented to the emergency department with decreased consciousness and excessive sleepiness for over 48 h following the ingestion of 40 tablets of 20 mg methadone, 27 tablets of 10 mg nortriptyline, and 13 tablets of 2 mg clonazepam. The patient’s laboratory tests revealed increased levels of creatinine and creatine phosphokinase.

Although drug intoxication is not a life-threatening condition, it can serve as a predisposing factor in facilitating the damage caused by suicidal behaviors or even lead to the occurrence of other more dangerous injuries than suicide.