Postpartum acute renal failure in a drug addict

Renal diseases occur in intravenous drug abusers, especially heroin addicts, in the form of interstitial nephritis, nephrotic syndrome or acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis. We report a case of acute renal failure not ascribable to rhabdomyolysis nor to the main pathogenetic mechanisms of pregnancy-related acute renal failure in a pregnant heroin addict woman after vaginal delivery following uncomplicated pregnancy. Drug-related immunological abnormalities and microcirculatory distress may be involved.