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Rivaroxaban-Induced Acute Interstitial Nephritis: A Case Report
Fahad Zafar1, Arshad Muhammad Iqbal1, Ateeq Mubarik1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Oak Hill Hospital, Brooksville, FL, USA.
Insights
Direct oral anticoagulants like rivaroxaban are common, but can cause acute interstitial nephritis. This rare condition requires removing the drug and may need corticosteroid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly used, often replacing warfarin for conditions like atrial fibrillation.
- Rivaroxaban is a widely prescribed DOAC for anticoagulation and preventing thromboembolic events.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old male developed acute interstitial nephritis after initiating rivaroxaban therapy.
- The patient responded well to treatment including corticosteroids.
Findings:
- Acute interstitial nephritis is a rare adverse effect associated with DOACs.
- Renal biopsy was not performed due to the patient's high CHADS2VASc score necessitating continued anticoagulation.
Implications:
- Rivaroxaban dose adjustments are crucial for patients with renal impairment.
- Discontinuation of the offending agent and supportive care are key in managing drug-induced acute interstitial nephritis.
Abstract:
BACKGROUND Direct oral anticoagulant agents (DOACs) have become increasingly more popular in recent years and have largely replaced warfarin in the treatment of certain conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, and in the prevention of thromboembolic events. Rivaroxaban is one of the most commonly used direct anticoagulant drugs for conditions such as atrial fibrillation and thromboprophylaxis. CASE REPORT We present a case of a 70-year-old male who developed acute interstitial nephritis after starting rivaroxaban, and who responded to medical treatment, which included corticosteroid therapy. A renal biopsy was not performed because the patient was on essential anticoagulation therapy secondary to a high CHADS2VASc score. CONCLUSIONS Dose adjustments when using rivaroxaban are necessary in patients with underlying renal failure. Acute interstitial nephritis is a rare condition associated with direct anticoagulant drugs. The treatment of acute interstitial nephritis is usually to remove the offending agent and treat the underlying cause.
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