Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is a condition where the kidneys become inflamed, often due to an allergic reaction to medications or other causes, leading to a decline in kidney function. It’s characterized by inflammation and edema in the kidney interstitium, the space between the tubules.
Key points about acute interstitial nephritis:
Causes:
AIN is often triggered by medications, but can also be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, or other systemic diseases.
Symptoms:
Symptoms can include fever, rash, decreased urine output, blood in the urine, and changes in mental status.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis often involves ruling out other causes of kidney injury and may require a kidney biopsy.
Treatment:
Prompt recognition and removal of the offending medication is key to treatment.
Complications:
If left untreated, AIN can cause permanent kidney damage.