title: Analgesic abuse syndrome: a frequently overlooked cause of reversible renal failure.
abstract: The incidence of analgesic nephropathy in the United States is greater than previously reported. Because of the characteristic radiographic features of papillary necrosis, this diagnosis may be made while it is still clinically unsuspected. Early diagnosis is extremely important because cessation of analgesic abuse may avert progressive renal damage. Uncovering the diagnosis calls for special care in obtaining the telltale history. This must be sought in patients with radiographic evidence of papillary necrosis when a history of diabetes mellitus, obstructive uropathy, or sicle cell anemia is absent, or in patients with unexplained nephrocalcinosis or nephrolithiasis.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D001241:Aspirin / Q000009:adverse effects; D002110:Caffeine / Q000009:adverse effects; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000453:epidemiology; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D007681:Kidney Papillary Necrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010615:Phenacetin / Q000009:adverse effects; D011859:Radiography; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D004338:Drug Combinations; D002110:Caffeine; D010615:Phenacetin; D001241:Aspirin