Abstract

Renal function studies and kidney biopsies were performed in 13 patients presenting with renal insufficiency and acute Leptospira bataviae infection. The renal lesion in the acute phase was identified histologically as acute tubular necrosis; this finding was supported by physiological data obtained. Follow-up of the patients showed that the lesion was reversible histologically, as proven by repeat renal biopsies. Creatinine clearances returned to normal in all instances but a defect of concentrating ability persisted in two patients.