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Definition

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.

The Kidneys

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Causes

Acute interstitial nephritis can be caused by:

  • Infections such as:
  • Particular medications (accounts for 85% of all cases)
    • Certain antibiotics
    • Anti-ulcer drugs
    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
    • Certain diuretics
  • Conditions that affect the immune system (eg, ]]>lupus]]> )

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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:

  • In adults: drug / medication use
  • In children: infection

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.

  • Decrease in urine output
  • Blood in urine
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weakness
  • Aching joints
  • Fever
  • Rash

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Tests may include the following:

  • Blood Tests
    • BUN
    • Creatinine
    • Complete blood counts
    • Electrolytes
    • Phosphorus
    • Uric acid
    • Calcium
  • Urine tests
  • Kidney ultrasound]]>
  • Kidney ]]>biopsy]]> —in severe cases

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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 are used to treat an infections and drugs such as corticosteroid or cyclophosphamide medications may also be used to help treat interstitial nephritis. Usually a kidney biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis prior to starting corticosteroid or cyclophosphamide.

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.