Renal function associated with mortality among patients with leptospirosis in Upper Southern Thailand: A hospital-based case-control study

Authors

Lamoon Saengsuwan, The Office of Disease Prevention and Control 11, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province, 80000 Thailand
Somkiattiyos Woradet, Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, Phatthalung campus, Phatthalung Province, 93210 Thailand
Bhunyabhadh Chaimay, Faculty of Health and Sports Science, Thaksin University, Phatthalung campus, Phatthalung Province, 93210 ThailandFollow

Abstract

Background: Leptospirosis is a major public health issue in tropical regions. This study investigated the association between renal function and mortality among leptospirosis patients in upper southern Thailand.

Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was conducted on leptospirosis patients from 2012 to 2018. Cases were patients who died, while controls were survivors (1:3 ratio). A total of 42 cases and 126 controls were included. Data were sourced from the Office of Disease Prevention and Control 11, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, and medical records. Key renal function indicators included blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome. Statistical analysis involved descriptive methods and multiple logistic regression.

Results: Patients with elevated BUN (AOR = 3.60, 95% CI: 1.34–9.61), high Cr (AOR = 6.08, 95% CI: 1.95–18.99), and eGFR in stages 3–5 (AOR = 4.43, 95% CI: 1.68–11.70) had a higher mortality risk after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion: Impaired renal function, particularly elevated BUN, Cr, and advanced renal failure, increases mortality risk in leptospirosis patients. Early renal function assessment is crucial for reducing mortality.

Keywords: Renal function, eGFR, BUN, Mortality, Leptospirosis, Thailand

Recommended Citation

Saengsuwan L, Woradet S, Chaimay B. Renal function associated with mortality among patients with leptospirosis in Upper Southern Thailand: A hospital-based case-control study. J Health Res. 2025; 39(3):-. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56808/2586-940X.1136

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