Work

AKI Associated with Synthetic Cannabinoids

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: SPICE, or K2, encompasses preparations of synthetic cannabinoids marketed as incense products, bath additives, and air fresheners and used for recreational purposes. These preparations are usually smoked for their cannabis-like effects and do not appear on routine urine toxicology screens. We report four cases of oliguric AKI associated with SPICE use in previously healthy men. All showed improvement in renal function without need for renal replacement therapy. Renal biopsy, performed in three of the patients, revealed acute tubular necrosis. The close temporal and geographic associations between the clinical presentation and the development of AKI strongly suggest an association between these SPICE preparations and AKI. Further investigations are required to identify the potential nephrotoxic agent(s). Nephrotoxicity from designer drugs should be included in the differential diagnosis of AKI, especially in young adults with negative urine drug screens.

Source: Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology

DOI: 10.2215/cjn.05690612

Authors: Gautam Kantilal Bhanushali, Gaurav Jain, Huma Fatima, Leah J. Leisch, Denyse Thornley-Brown

Institutions: University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Acute Kidney Injury Research

Subfield: Nephrology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of California, San Diego, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases