Question

A patient presents with signs of acute kidney injury (AKI) following ingestion of a toxic substance. Which of the following is the most likely chemical responsible for the renal damage?

• A. Melamine
• B. Methanol
• C. Ethyl alcohol
• D. Benzyl alcohol

Hint:

Melamine causes AKI by forming insoluble crystals in renal tubules, leading to obstruction and tubular damage.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding Acute Kidney Injury Due to Toxins.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) can occur due to ingestion of substances that directly damage renal tubules or cause crystal formation within renal tubulesLeading causes include chemicals that precipitate and obstruct the nephron
Step 2: Mechanism of Melamine Toxicity.
Melamine is an industrial chemical that can combine with cyanuric acid to form insoluble crystalsThese crystals deposit in renal tubules, causing obstruction, tubular damage, and acute kidney injuryMelamine contamination has been associated with outbreaks of renal failure
Step 3: Evaluation of Other Options.
(A) Melamine: CorrectCauses crystal-induced nephropathy leading to AKI
(B) Methanol: Primarily causes metabolic acidosis and optic nerve toxicity, not direct crystal-induced AKI
(C) Ethyl alcohol: Causes CNS depression but not typical acute renal tubular injury
(D) Benzyl alcohol: Associated with “gasping syndrome” in neonates, not primarily renal crystal damage
Step 4: Conclusion.
Therefore, melamine is the most likely chemical responsible for acute kidney injury in this scenario