Renal papillary necrosis definition
Renal papillary necrosis is a disorder of the kidneys where all or part of the kidney papillae pass away. The renal papillae are the areas where the openings of the gathering ducts enter the kidney and where urine flows into the ureters.
Causes of Renal Papillary Necrosis
Renal papillary necrosis frequently occurs with analgesic nephropathy. This is damage to one or both kidneys brought on by too much exposure to pain medicines. However, other conditions can also cause renal papillary necrosis, consisting of:
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- Kidney transplant rejection
- Sickle cell anemia, a typical reason for renal papillary necrosis in children
- Urinary tract clog
Symptoms of Renal Papillary Necrosis
Symptoms of renal papillary necrosis might consist of:
- Back pain or flank pain
- Bloody, cloudy, or dark urine
- Tissue pieces in the urine
Other symptoms that might accompany this disease:
- Fever and chills
- Painful urination
- Having to urinate more often than normal (regular urination) or an abrupt, strong desire to urinate (urgency)
- Trouble beginning or keeping a urine stream (urinary hesitancy)
- Urinary incontinence
- Urinating huge quantities
- Urinating typically at night
Examinations and Tests
The area over the affected kidney (in the flank) may feel tender during an exam. There may be a history of urinary tract infections. There might be signs of obstructed urine circulation or kidney failure.
Tests that might be done include:
- Urine test
- Blood tests
- Ultrasound, CT, or other imaging tests of the kidneys
Treatment for Renal Papillary Necrosis
There is no particular treatment for renal papillary necrosis. Treatment depends upon the cause. For example, if analgesic nephropathy is the cause, your doctor will recommend that you stop utilizing the medication that is causing it. This may enable the kidney to recover in time.
Outlook (Prognosis)
How well a person does, depends on what is causing the condition. If the cause can be controlled, the condition may go away by itself. Often, people with this condition establish kidney failure and will need dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Possible Complications
Illness that may result from renal papillary necrosis consist of:.
- Kidney infection
- Kidney stones
- Kidney cancer, especially in people who take a lot of pain medications
When to Contact a Medical Professional.
Require a consultation with your healthcare carrier if:
- You have bloody urine
- You develop other symptoms of renal papillary necrosis, especially after taking non-prescription pain medicines
Prevention
Managing diabetes or sickle cell anemia may lower your risk. To prevent renal papillary necrosis from analgesic nephropathy, follow your supplier’s directions when utilizing medicines, consisting of non-prescription painkiller. Do not take more than the advised dose without asking your carrier.
Alternative Names
Necrosis – renal papillae; Renal medullary necrosis.
