DRUG-INDUCED ACUTE INTERSTITIAL NEPHRITIS

Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a form of inflammatory renal dis ease affecting predominantly the tubules and the interstitium. Drugs, particularly beta-lactam antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammato ry drugs, are currently the most common causes. The pathogenesis of dr ug-induced AIN is complex but there is good clinical evidence for apr immune-mediated reaction. Clinical findings may be variable depending on the drug involved and the individual response. Most patients recove r from the acute renal failure; however, in alder patients or in patie nts with pre-existing renal insufficiency the recovery of renal functi on may be incomplete.