Acute interstitial nephritis is a kidney disorder in which the kidneys become unable to filter waste materials and fluid properly. This is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor.
Causes
Acute interstitial nephritis can be caused by:
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Infection (eg, streptococcus, herpes, mumps, hepatitis C, syphilis, HIV)
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Some medications which accounts for 85% of all cases (eg, certain antibiotics, anti-ulcer drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain diuretics)
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Conditions that affect the immune system (eg, lupus)
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance for getting a disease or condition. The following risk factors increase your chance of developing acute interstitial nephritis. If you have any of these risk factors, tell your doctor:
Symptoms
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to acute interstitial nephritis. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
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Decrease in urine output
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Blood in urine
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Loss of appetite
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Weakness
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Aching joints
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Fever
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Rash
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:
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Blood Tests
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Urine Tests
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Kidney Ultrasound
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Kidney Biopsy
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you, which will depend on the cause of your acute interstitial nephritis. Treatment options include the following:
Medications
If medications are the cause of your interstitial nephritis, your doctor may have you stop taking medications or prescribe a different one. Antibiotics to treat an infection or corticosteroid medications may also be used to help treat interstitial nephritis.
Dialysis
Some people with interstitial nephritis need dialysis, in which a machine does the work of your kidneys to purge waste.
Prevention
To help reduce your chances of developing acute interstitial nephritis, your doctor may suggest you avoid certain medications such as penicillin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
National Kidney Foundation
http://www.kidney.org
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Institute for Health Information
http://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb/dispPage.jsp?cw_page=home_e
Kidney Foundation of Canada
http://www.kidney.ab.ca
References:
Acute interstitial nephritis. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed101.epnet.com/Detail.aspx?style=1&docid=/dynamed/6e7085c26f45d197852562d2007562b7. Accessed December 3, 2006.
Kodner CM, Kudrimoti A. Diagnosis and management of acute interstitial nephritis. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20030615/2527.html. Accessed December 3, 2006.
