Q J Med 2000; 93: 147-152
© 2000 Association of Physicians
Review |
Substance abuse and the kidney
From the Regional Renal Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool and 1 Department of Accident and Emergency Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, London, UK
Substance abuse has been increasing steadily in the UK and some other countries. Recent evidence suggests more than 40% of young people have tried illicit drugs at some time. There are numerous medical consequences to recreational drug use, and a physician should always consider substance abuse in any unexplained illness. The renal complications of drug abuse are also becoming more frequent, and may encompass a spectrum of glomerular, interstitial and vascular diseases. Although some substances are directly nephrotoxic, a number of other mechanisms are also involved. These effects are often chronic and irreversible, but occasionally acute with possible recovery. The rapid growth of illicit drug use is clearly a major public health problem. We review the commonly used substances of abuse and their associations with renal disease.
Address correspondence to Dr G.M. Bell, The Renal Unit, 6C Link, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Prescot Street, Liverpool L7 8XP
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