[Renal side-effects of non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs]

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) are increasingly used for analgesia, as antirheumatics and to inhibit platelet aggregation. Renal side effects occur mainly in patients at risk, e.g. those with pre-existing renal insufficiency, or when used together with diuretics or a second NSAID.

In these patients, reversible impairment of renal function, disturbance of electrolyte homeostasis, edema and hypertension are quite common. Nephrotic syndrome with or without interstitial nephritis and renal failure is a rare complication of long-term NSAID therapy. Analgesic nephropathy may result from chronic NSAID use. These three renal complications are exemplified by case reports.

Since side effects of NSAIDs are initially reversible, careful observation of patients can prevent chronic illness. Only rarely dialysis or treatment with glucocorticoids is indicated in patients with interstitial nephritis. Given the large number of patients taking NSAIDs, however, renal side effects are rare, and usually have no long-term consequences. Nevertheless, early detection of side effects is of importance for the prevention of long-term medical complications.