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Interstitial nephritis

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Illustrations

Male urinary system
Male urinary system

Alternative names    Return to top

Tubulointerstitial nephritis; Nephritis - interstitial; Acute interstitial (allergic) nephritis

Definition    Return to top

Interstitial nephritis is a kidney disorder caused by inflammation of the tubules and the spaces between the tubules and the glomeruli.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

Interstitial nephritis involves inflammation of the spaces between the renal tubules and may include inflammation of the tubules. It may be a temporary lesion, most often associated with the effects of various medications on the kidney, or it may be chronic and progressive.

Interstitial nephritis is one of the lesions associated with analgesic nephropathy, and can also occur with allergic reaction to a drug (acute interstitial allergic nephritis) or as a side effect of medications. Medications commonly associated with interstitial nephritis include antibiotics such as penicillin, ampicillin, methicillin, sulfonamide medications, and others. Other medications include nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs, furosemide, and thiazide diuretics. The disorder may occur 2 or more weeks after exposure to the medication.

Interstitial nephritis causes reduction in kidney function, ranging from mild dysfunction to acute kidney failure. About one-half of the cases will exhibit decreased urine output and other signs of acute renal failure. The kidney may fail to concentrate the urine when water intake is reduced. The kidney may fail to regulate acid/base levels of the body may be reduced, with failure to excrete acid appropriately in the urine. Metabolic acidosis may occur because of the inability to excrete acid. The disorder may progress to chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease.

The acute form of interstitial nephritis is common and may account for approximately 15% of cases of acute kidney failure. Risks include exposure to medications that may have nephrotoxic effects. The disorder may be more severe and more likely to lead to chronic or permanent kidney damage in the elderly.

Symptoms    Return to top

Signs and tests    Return to top

An examination may reveal edema or fluid overload, or signs of volume depletion, with abnormal sounds heard when listening with a stethoscope (auscultation) to the heart or lungs. The blood pressure commonly is high.

Treatment    Return to top

Treatment focuses on treating underlying causes and relieving symptoms. Avoiding the suspect medications may cause the symptoms to go away quickly.

Dietary restriction of sodium (salt) and fluid may control swelling and hypertension. Dietary restriction of protein may be needed to control azotemia (accumulation of nitrogenous waste products in the blood) associated with acute renal failure.

If dialysis is necessary, it usually is required for only a short time.

Corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory medications may be of benefit in some cases.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

Most often, interstitial nephritis is an acute but short-term disorder. On rare occasions it may cause permanent damage including chronic renal failure.

Complications    Return to top

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate interstitial nephritis may be present.

If you have interstitial nephritis, call if new symptoms develop, especially decreased alertness or decrease in urine output.

Prevention    Return to top

In many cases, the disorder may not be preventable. Avoiding or minimizing the use of associated medications may help reduce risk.

Update Date: 10/17/2003

Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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