TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2015//
TI  - Heroin crystal nephropathy
JO  - Clinical kidney journal
A1  - Bautista, Josef Edrik Keith
A1  - Merhi, Basma
A1  - Gregory, Oliver
A1  - Hu, Susie
A1  - Henriksen, Kammi
A1  - Gohh, Reginald
SP  - 339
EP  - 342
VL  - 8
IS  - 3
N2  - In this paper we present an interesting case of acute kidney injury and severe metabolic alkalosis in a patient with a history of heavy heroin abuse. Urine microscopy showed numerous broomstick-like crystals. These crystals are also identified in light and electron microscopy. We hypothesize that heroin crystalizes in an alkaline pH, resulting in tubular obstruction and acute kidney injury. Management is mainly supportive as there is no known specific therapy for this condition. This paper highlights the utility of urine microscopy in diagnosing the etiology of acute kidney injury and proposes a novel disease called heroin crystal nephropathy.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 2048-8505
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ckj/sfv018
ID  - ref1
ER  -