**Diego Maradona’s Doctors Missed Renal Red Flag, Argentinian Court Hears**
In a court near Buenos Aires, a specialist has testified that the failing kidneys of Argentine football legend Diego Maradona should have been a significant warning sign for his medical team. The testimony was delivered during the ongoing trial concerning the circumstances surrounding Maradona's death, which has drawn considerable public interest and support from his fans.
Maradona, who passed away at the age of 60 on November 25, 2020, was recovering from surgery for a brain clot when he died at a rented home in the Tigre suburb of Buenos Aires. An autopsy revealed that he succumbed to heart failure and acute pulmonary edema, a condition characterized by fluid accumulation in the lungs.
During the trial, nephrologist Hernan Trimarchi stated that Maradona suffered from chronic kidney disease, a condition that should have prompted his doctors to take more proactive measures. Trimarchi emphasized that the state of Maradona's kidneys—characterized by heaviness and lesions—was indicative of a history of obesity, cocaine use, and hypertension. He asserted that the player required daily medical checkups, nursing care, blood tests, and continuous monitoring of his vital signs during his convalescence. However, Trimarchi noted that there was no record of any blood tests being conducted during the two weeks Maradona spent recovering at home.
The court has heard that Maradona's physical condition, including his significant weight gain and high blood pressure, should have raised alarms among his healthcare providers. In April, the court was presented with distressing images of Maradona on his deathbed, with his abdomen severely distended due to edema, highlighting the severity of his medical condition leading up to his death.
Seven healthcare professionals, including Maradona's personal physician, psychiatrist, and nursing staff, are currently facing accusations of criminal negligence for allegedly providing inadequate care. The trial is also scrutinizing the decision to allow Maradona to recover in a private residence rather than in a medical facility, a choice that could have endangered his life.
Trimarchi's testimony marks the third time a specialist has indicated that Maradona's medical team overlooked critical warning signs that could have potentially altered the course of his care. The accused healthcare professionals face severe legal consequences, with potential prison sentences of up to 25 years if found guilty of negligence.
As the trial unfolds, it is expected to continue until at least September, drawing attention not only for its implications regarding Maradona's legacy but also for the broader issues of medical accountability and patient care in Argentina. Supporters of the football icon have been demonstrating outside the court, reflecting the deep emotional connection many have with Maradona and the ongoing quest for justice in the wake of his untimely death.