Nephrotic syndrome and interstitial nephritis associated with celecoxib

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well known to cause fluid and electrolyte abnormalities and renal failure. NSAIDs also may cause an acute allergic interstitial nephritis (AIN) and the nephrotic syndrome, characterized by histologic pathology consistent with minimal change disease in patients with previously normal renal function. The nephrotoxic potential of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors has not been established because AIN associated with nephrotic syndrome has not been reported secondary to the COX-2 inhibitors. This case report describes the first case of AIN associated with nephrotic syndrome in a patient treated with the selective COX-2 inhibitor, celecoxib.