Polycythemia and increased erythropoietin in a patient with chronic kidney disease

Nat Clin Pract Nephrol. 2007 Apr;3(4):222-6. doi: 10.1038/ncpneph0437.

Abstract

Background: A 16-year-old white male with a history of obstructive uropathy presented to a pediatric outpatient clinic with a first syncope. At presentation, he had a hemoglobin level of 220 g/l, a serum erythropoietin level of 27.4 U/l and a serum creatinine level of 200.7 micromol/l (2.27 mg/dl).

Investigations: Physical examination, serum laboratory analysis, renal ultrasound, MRI, and 99mTc-MAG3 scintigraphy of the kidneys.

Diagnosis: Chronic renal insufficiency caused by obstructive hydronephrosis and accompanied by increased erythropoietin levels of renal origin and polycythemia.

Management: Serial phlebotomies and laparoscopic removal of the right hydronephrotic kidney.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Erythropoietin / blood*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hemoglobins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications*
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Nephrectomy
  • Polycythemia / blood
  • Polycythemia / etiology*
  • Severity of Illness Index

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Hemoglobins
  • Erythropoietin