Maradona medical trial: expert says kidney disease was overlooked

BUENOS AIRES — A kidney specialist told a court near the Argentine capital that the medical team treating football legend Diego Maradona failed to act on clear signs of chronic kidney disease in the weeks before his death. Hernan Trimarchi, a nephrologist called as an expert witness, said Maradona's worsening kidney function, weight gain and rising blood pressure should have served as a serious warning to his doctors and prompted daily blood tests and vital-sign monitoring. Trimarchi testified that no blood test records had been found during Maradona's two-week recovery period. He also questioned the decision to allow Maradona to convalesce at a rented house in the Tigre suburb following surgery to remove a blood clot from his brain, asking the court to weigh whether that arrangement endangered his life. Maradona died on Nov. 25, 2020, at the age of 60, from heart failure and an acute pulmonary crisis at the rented home. Seven medical professionals, including his personal physician, a psychiatrist and nurses, are facing charges of reckless negligence in connection with the 1986 World Cup star's death. The defendants have denied responsibility for the outcome.