Nephrotoxicity of Antimicrobials and Antibiotics

Martha Catalina Morales-Alvarez1

  • 1Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, New York, NY.

Insights

Medication-induced nephrotoxicity, particularly from antibiotics, is a common cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized patients. Early recognition and prevention are key to mitigating kidney damage and improving patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Pharmacology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • Medication-induced nephrotoxicity is a frequent cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in hospitalized individuals.
  • Antibiotics and antimicrobials are significant contributors to renal impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the mechanisms and risk factors of antimicrobial-induced AKI.
  • To emphasize the importance of prevention and early detection of AKI.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on medication-induced nephrotoxicity.
  • Analysis of clinical manifestations and etiological mechanisms of AKI.

Main Results:

  • Antimicrobials can cause various forms of kidney injury, including acute interstitial nephritis and acute tubular necrosis.
  • Risk factors include pre-existing chronic kidney disease and concurrent use of nephrotoxic drugs.

Conclusions:

  • Antimicrobial agents are common triggers of AKI, presenting with diverse clinical and pathological features.
  • Proactive strategies focusing on prevention and prompt diagnosis are essential for managing AKI and reducing patient morbidity.

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