ANALGESIC ABUSE NEPHROPATHY

SUMMARY

1. Typically occurs in a patient with a history of frequent pain.

2. Presents with a low urine specific gravity, minimal proteinuria, sterile pyuria, and an elevated creatinine.

3. Papillary necrosis is the most common ultimate consequence.

4. A noncontrast CT of the kidneys may show the papillary necrosis.

5. Treatment is supportive, with discontinuation of offending analgesics.

Reference(s)

Wilkinson, I., Furmedge, D. and Sinharay, R. (2017). Oxford handbook of clinical medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Get it on Amazon.
Feather, A., Randall, D. and Waterhouse, M. (2020). Kumar And Clark’s Clinical Medicine. 10th ed. S.L.: Elsevier Health Sciences. Get it on Amazon.
Hannaman, R. A., Bullock, L., Hatchell, C. A., & Yoffe, M. (2016). Internal medicine review core curriculum, 2017-2018. CO Springs, CO: MedStudy.
Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited. https://www.tg.org.au [Accessed 2021].