Identification of risk for renal insufficiency from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Risk for renal insufficiency (RI) resulting from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) exists in cirrhosis with ascites, nephrotic syndrome, decompensated congestive heart failure, and chronic renal disease. We saw seven cases of NSAID RI that demonstrate important additional clinical risk factors. These include advanced age (mean, 76 years), use of diuretic drugs (6/7 patients), and evidence of renal vascular disease as suggested by long-standing hypertension, diabetes, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (7/7 patients). Analysis of past case reports of NSAID RI also showed these features. Treatment of acute gouty arthritis was the most common precipitating event. Evolving NSAID RI was suggested by rising serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and serum potassium levels, and body weight gain associated with low fractional excretion of sodium. We conclude that since NSAID RI is preventable and reversible, it is important to recognize and monitor the conditions of those patients at risk.