Causes and Complications of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Kidney Failure

Kidney failure often occurs when treatment for Rocky Mountain spotted fever is delayed. Healthy kidneys filter waste products from the blood, and this filtration process becomes ineffective or completely stops once kidney failure has occurred. For patients with Rocky Mountain spotted fever, the kidneys often stop functioning very suddenly. This is known as acute kidney (renal) failure. Symptoms of acute kidney failure include pain in the abdomen or back, diarrhea, fever, nosebleeds, rashes, and vomiting.

To treat this condition, patients must begin dialysis immediately. Dialysis takes over the normal function of the kidneys, and the blood is filtered through a machine. Patients normally have dialysis at specialized centers, though some patients may be able to have this procedure at their homes. Normally, dialysis must be given at least three to seven times a week, and the process can take around four hours each time. Some patients with kidney failure may be candidates for a kidney transplant.

Continue reading to reveal more complications of Rocky Mountain spotted fever now.