Ketamine Impact on Kidney Health.
Sana Rahman, Samiya Saher, Anurag Raje, Suriya Shanmugar, Isha Gupta
Cureus October 1, 2024 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.70804 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | 34-year-old female with chronic ketamine abuse |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Keywords | Bilateral hydronephrosis Burning micturition Dysuria Flank pain Hydroureteronephrosis Ketamine-associated cystitis Ketamine-induced uropathy Renal failure Ureteral stent Ketamine abuse Urinary complications Chronic kidney disease Drug-induced bladder damage Long-term health effects |
| Key findings | Despite discontinuing ketamine five years ago, the patient remains dependent on ureteral stents due to recurrent hydronephrosis and ureteral obstruction, indicating that early cessation did not reverse the uropathy in this case. |
Abstract
Ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) is a serious consequence of chronic ketamine abuse, presenting with complex renal and urinary symptoms. This study describes a 34-year-old female with a history of chronic ketamine abuse, resulting in stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) and severe urological complications. Despite discontinuing ketamine use five years ago, she remains dependent on ureteral stents due to recurrent hydronephrosis and ureteral obstruction. The patient began using ketamine at the age of 25 years, consuming approximately 5 g daily for two years. By the age of 27 years, she developed dysuria, flank pain, and burning micturition and was later diagnosed with ketamine-associated cystitis and renal failure secondary to hydronephrosis. Initially, bilateral ureteral stents were placed to manage her condition, but she continued to experience worsening symptoms. Although studies suggest that early cessation of ketamine can resolve ulcerative cystitis and ureteral obstruction, this was not observed in our patient. This case highlights the importance of high suspicion for ketamine abuse in young patients presenting with ureteral complications such as hydronephrosis and cystitis-like symptoms. It highlights the need for early detection, ongoing follow-up, and a comprehensive approach involving pharmacological and surgical interventions. Effective management also requires counseling on ketamine discontinuation to prevent further and permanent damage to the urinary system.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 3
- The destruction of the lower urinary tract by ketamine abuse: a new syndrome? British Journal of Urology August 1, 2008
- A REVIEW OF KETAMINE ABUSE AND DIVERSION Depression and Anxiety August 1, 2016
- Metabolism and metabolomics of ketamine: a toxicological approach Forensic Sciences Research January 2, 2017