Definition

Acute interstitial nephritis is a kidney disorder. The kidneys are unable to filter waste and fluid properly because of inflammation.

Causes

Acute interstitial nephritis can be caused by:

• Certain medications, such as:
  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-ulcer drugs
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Diuretics
• Infections, such as:
  • Streptococcus
  • Herpes
  • Mumps
  • Hepatitis C
  • Syphilis
  • HIV
• Autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase your chance of acute interstitial nephritis include:

• Drug or medication use (adults)
• Infection (children)

Symptoms

Acute interstitial nephritis may cause:

• Decrease in urine output
• Blood in urine
• Side or loin pain
• Swelling of the body
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Aching joints
• Fever
• Rash

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:

• Blood Tests
• Urine tests
• Kidney ultrasound
• Kidney biopsy—may be done before certain medications are prescribed for treatment

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment will depend on the cause. For example, if medications are causing acute interstitial nephritis, your doctor may stop the medication, reduce the dosage, or prescribe a different one.

Treatment options include the following:

Prevention

To help reduce your chances of acute interstitial nephritis, your doctor may suggest you avoid certain medications, such as penicillin or NSAIDs.

National Kidney Foundation http://www.kidney.org

Kidney Foundation of Canada http://www.kidney.ca

Kodner CM, Kudrimoti A. Diagnosis and management of acute interstitial nephritis. Am Fam Physician. 2003;67(12):2527-2534.

Plakoglannis R, Nogid A. Acute interstitial nephritis associated with coadministration of vancomycin and ceftriaxone: Case series and review of the literature. Pharmacotherapy. 2007:27(10):1456-1461.

Sierra F, Suzrez M, Rey M, Vela MF. Systematic review: Proton pump inhibitor-associated acute interstitial nephritis. Aliment Pharmaco Ther. 2007:26:545-553.