Ketamine-Induced Uropathy in a High-Prevalence Region: Knowledge, Diagnostic Practices, and Treatment Patterns Among Primary and Secondary Care Providers.
Zakaria W Shkoukani, Praveen Gopi, Lauren Tate, Alina Calmuc, Ahmad Omar, Mohamed I Abdulmajed
Cureus June 1, 2025 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.86373 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Convergent mixed-methods observational study Cross-sectional Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 107 |
| Population | Primary and secondary care professionals in Cheshire and Merseyside, United Kingdom |
| Duration | Six months |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Keywords | Ketamine-induced uropathy Multidisciplinary management Primary care awareness Secondary care practices Drug-related organ damage Clinical knowledge gaps Drug misuse awareness Healthcare professional understanding Professional development Standardizing care Patient outcome improvement Clinical practice enhancement Interdisciplinary care Care standardization |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | Secondary care professionals demonstrated significantly greater awareness of KIU than primary care counterparts, though overall familiarity with BAUS guidelines was limited. |
Abstract
Ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU) is an emerging consequence of recreational ketamine misuse, often leading to progressive urinary tract dysfunction. Despite increasing prevalence, clinician awareness and standardized management remain limited. This study evaluated knowledge and practices among healthcare professionals in Cheshire and Merseyside, a region in the United Kingdom with high KIU incidence. A convergent mixed-methods observational study was conducted, comprising a cross-sectional knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) survey of 107 primary and secondary care professionals, as well as a retrospective review of 65 KIU patients over six months at a regional high-volume urology center. Survey responses underwent descriptive and comparative statistical analysis; clinical data were reviewed for diagnostic patterns, interventions, and outcomes. Secondary care professionals demonstrated significantly greater awareness of KIU than primary care counterparts (p=0.005), though overall familiarity with British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) guidelines was limited. Primary care respondents expressed a lack of confidence in managing KIU and were more likely to defer care to secondary services. A notable proportion believed that law enforcement should be involved in management, reflecting broader public health concerns. High rates of non-attendance (41.5%) highlighted the need for early psychosocial intervention. General practitioners (GPs) expressed strong interest in targeted education to improve community-based care. Awareness and management of KIU remain inconsistent across healthcare settings. The recent BAUS consensus guidelines offer a unified framework that, if widely adopted, could standardize care and curb disease progression. Future directions include establishing multidisciplinary clinics and exploring urological subspecialization in KIU. Enhanced primary care education and earlier intervention are essential to improving patient outcomes and reducing long-term morbidity.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on ketamine, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cites 4
- The destruction of the lower urinary tract by ketamine abuse: a new syndrome? British Journal of Urology August 1, 2008
- To use or not to use: an update on licit and illicit ketamine use Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation March 1, 2011
- Features of biliary tract diseases in ketamine abusers: a systematic review of case reports. Journal of Medical Case Reports March 3, 2024
- Sexual and bladder dysfunction in male ketamine abusers: A large-scale questionnaire study. PLoS One 2018