Pitfalls in non-utilization of basic clinical methods in the detection of kidney disease: a case report

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a devastating problem worldwide. Early detection and intervention usually lead to more favourable outcomes. However, CKD is sometimes under diagnosed except in its very late stages where little can be done. This is partly because a lot of interns and physicians do not apply basic clinical methods of history, physical examination and laboratory investigations to evaluate patients.
Methods: A case report involving a 32 year old woman who presented to a health facility with complaints of abdominal pain and vomiting. A proper medical history was not taken, basic physical examinations were not done and baseline investigation were not carried out or interpreted properly.
Results: This caused the patient to undergo needless laparotomy.
Conclusion: There is need for medical doctors to acquaint themselves with knowledge of basic medical skills needed for detection of kidney disease. This will aid early detection and institution of appropriate measures.

Keywords; Chronic kidney disease, misdiagnosis, basic clinical methods, early detection