Nephropathy and Heroin Addiction

Abstract

Objective: Heroin addiction is a chronic and relapsing psychiatric disorder, characterized by compulsive seeking and use of heroin. Among the diverse medical complications associated with heroin addiction, heroin-related nephropathy is relatively uncommon. We report two cases of severe nephrotic syndrome with poor clinical outcome in patients with heroin addiction. Case reports: Both of these patients with heroin-related nephropathy presented with several distinct clinical features, including a very short duration of heroin addiction before the development of the renal disease and profound proteinuria. These complications have not been previously reported. Conclusion: Heroin addiction can cause profound nephrotic syndrome. The development of nephropathy in heroin addicts has a multifactorial etiology, including heroin-mediated effects, the effects of adulterants mingling with heroin, hepatitis C, as well as possible ethnic variations which may be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Early psychiatric intervention is essential to deter hazardous addictive behavior and to prevent the development of heroin associated nephropathy.