Abstract: TH-PO0962
AKI and Electrolyte Disturbances in Migrants Crossing the Rio Grande: A Case Series
Session Information
- Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
November 06, 2025 | Location: Exhibit Hall, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
- 900 Diversity and Equity in Kidney Health
Authors
- Elizondo Romo, Ramon Eduardo, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Edinburg, Texas, United States
- Durazo, Yareli L, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine, Edinburg, Texas, United States
Introduction
The Rio Grande Valley is a major corridor for undocumented migration. Migrants endure prolonged travel with dehydration, heat exposure, and limited care. While AKI from exertion has been reported in Arizona, data from South Texas are limited.
Case Description
Seven undocumented migrants were admitted to the internal medicine ward of a community hospital in Weslaco, Texas, after crossing the Rio Grande. All patients developed acute kidney injury. Etiologies included rhabdomyolysis, sepsis-associated injury, NSAID-related nephropathy, volume depletion, and acute-on-chronic kidney disease. Comorbidities among the patients included diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and gout. Metabolic acidosis was present in six patients. Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia, each in three patients, and five had hyponatremia. None required dialysis, and all were discharged following supportive management and clinical improvement
Discussion
Migrants presented with AKI and electrolyte disturbances from diverse causes, often affected more by migratory conditions, comorbidities, and health access, than by climate alone
Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of patients
| Case | Sex | Age | Date of encounter | Country of Origin | Past Medical History | Diagnosis | Creatinine | CK | BUN | Na | Cl | K | CO2 |
| 1 | Male | 29 | 4/24/23 | Mexico | Gout + CKD | AKI secondary to NSAIDS | 3.4 | N/A | 43 | 134 | 97 | 4.9 | 20 |
| 2 | Male | 39 | 6/25/23 | Guatemala | None | Rhabdomyolysis | 7.7 | 63189 | 116 | 122 | 78 | 5.1 | 21 |
| 3 | Female | 40 | 8/28/23 | Guatemala | None | ATN | 14.7 | 198 | 85 | 136 | 98 | 2.7 | 15 |
| 4 | Female | 25 | 10/1/23 | Colombia | None | AKI + Septic Shock secondary to UTI | 1.13 | 71 | 13 | 135 | 100 | 2.8 | 19 |
| 5 | Female | 44 | 10/30/23 | Honduras | DM2+HTN+CKD IV+HF | AKI on CKD + ADHF | 5.51 | 100 | 84 | 130 | 108 | 6.5 | 10 |
| 6 | Male | 44 | 11/11/23 | Guatemala | Gout | AKI secondary to dehydration | 1.84 | 202 | 21 | 124 | 85 | 3.2 | 21 |
| 7 | Female | 68 | 6/28/24 | Venezuela | DM+HTN+CKD | AKI + Sepsis | 2.11 | 85 | 45 | 132 | 100 | 5.2 | 20 |
Abbreviations: AKI, acute kidney injury; ATN, acute tubular necrosis; CK, creatine kinase; Cr, creatinine; BUN, blood urea nitrogen; DM2, type 2 diabetes mellitus; HTN, hypertension; CKD, chronic kidney disease; HF, heart failure; ADHF, acute decompensated heart failure; UTI, urinary tract infection; N/A, not available. Laboratory values reflect measurements on hospital admission
Country of origin, travel details, and clinical summaries