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Updated: Jun 26, 2025

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Published on: March 11, 2016
Drug-induced Kidney Disease: Revisited
Anirban Ganguli1, Narinder Pal Singh2
1Staff Nephrologist and Research Physician, Kidney Disease Branch, National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America, Corresponding Author.
Abstract:
Drug-induced kidney disease (DIKD) is a frequent cause of acute and chronic kidney disease (CKD) that leads to high morbidity, hospitalization, and increased healthcare costs. There is a need to constantly update our knowledge in this field, given the ever-burgeoning list of newer treatments that are emerging, especially in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Generalizing the complex pathways causing DIKD from different agents, the common mechanisms include direct toxicity, immune-mediated injury, and drug-induced alterations in renal blood flow. Proper management of this condition involves risk minimization, early detection of renal damage, and timely discontinuation of potential agents to avoid irreversible renal damage.
Insights
Drug-induced kidney disease (DIKD) is a common cause of kidney damage. Early detection and stopping the offending drug are key to preventing irreversible harm.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Drug-induced kidney disease (DIKD) is a significant contributor to acute and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- Emerging therapies, particularly in cancer immunotherapy, necessitate updated knowledge on DIKD.
- DIKD leads to substantial morbidity, hospitalizations, and healthcare expenses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current understanding of DIKD mechanisms and management.
- To highlight the importance of updated knowledge in the context of new drug development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on drug-induced kidney disease.
- Analysis of common pathophysiological pathways across various causative agents.
- Synthesis of current management strategies for DIKD.
Main Results:
- Identified common DIKD mechanisms: direct toxicity, immune-mediated injury, and altered renal blood flow.
- Emphasized the need for continuous knowledge updates due to novel therapeutics.
- Highlighted the critical role of early detection and intervention.
Conclusions:
- Effective DIKD management requires risk minimization, early diagnosis, and prompt drug cessation.
- Understanding shared mechanisms aids in generalizing DIKD pathways from diverse agents.
- Proactive approaches are essential to prevent irreversible renal damage from medications.
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