Related Experiment Videos
Renal papillary necrosis induced by naproxen
Larisa Kovacevic1, Jay Bernstein, Rudolph P Valentini
1Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, 3901 Beaubien Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|May 30, 2003
Summary
Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can cause acute kidney injury. A teenager developed severe kidney problems after a short course of naproxen, highlighting the need for caution.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used for pain and inflammation.
- NSAID-induced nephrotoxicity is a known but often underrecognized complication.
- Short-term use can also precipitate kidney injury, particularly in susceptible individuals.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and decreased oral intake.
- She had recently taken naproxen (250 mg four times daily for 4 days).
- Physical examination revealed diffuse abdominal tenderness; laboratory tests showed elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine.
Findings:
- Kidney biopsy confirmed renal papillary necrosis, acute tubular necrosis, and focal interstitial nephritis.
- The patient was diagnosed with nonoliguric acute renal failure attributed to naproxen nephrotoxicity.
- Serum electrolytes, complement levels, and urinalysis were initially normal.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for naproxen and other NSAIDs to cause significant acute kidney injury, even with short-term use.
- Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing NSAIDs, especially in younger patients.
- Prompt recognition and management, including supportive care and corticosteroids, can lead to recovery of renal function.