Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part E (2025)

Visceral leishmaniasis (kala-azar) is a chronic and potentially fatal parasitic disease. It has been determined that renal involvement can lead to glomerular and tubular dysfunction.
This study aimed to assess renal function in Sudanese patients with visceral leishmaniasis by measuring plasma urea and creatinine levels
Methods: A case control study was conducted at Gadarif Teaching Hospital in Eastern Sudan. Thirty patients with confirmed visceral leishmaniasis and twenty healthy matched controls were enrolled. Plasma levels of urea and creatinine were measured for all participants at enrollment, for the patient group measurements were repeated after treatment with sodium stibogluconate.
Results: Plasma creatinine and urea levels were significantly higher (p<0.001) in untreated visceral leishmaniasis patients (1.38±.44 mg/dl and 28.09±8.80 mg/dl respectively). Compared to healthy controls (0.90±0.26 mg/dl and 21.86±5.43 mg/dl).Following treatment these levels decreased significantly (p<0.001) to 87±35 mg/dl (creatinine) and 15.5±.82 mg/dl (urea). Post treatment creatinine levels were not significantly different from controls (p<0.05) while urea levels were significantly lower (p<0.05) but remained within the normal range.
Conclusion: Kala-azar causes significant but reversible renal impairment, as evidenced by elevated urea and creatinine levels that normalize with successful treatment. Monitoring renal function is crucial in the management of VL.