Opioids and Acute Kidney Injury

Semin Nephrol. 2021 Jan;41(1):11-18. doi: 10.1016/j.semnephrol.2021.02.002.

Abstract

Opioid use and misuse in the United States has been at epidemic proportions and is predicted to increase further in the setting of the Coronavirus disease 19 pandemic. Acute kidney injury is a condition associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. We review the literature on the effect of opioids on kidney function and critically examine the association between opioid use and acute kidney injury and identify at-risk populations in whom opioids should be used with caution. We also discuss the role of biomarkers in elucidating this condition and propose preventive measures, novel therapeutic options, and research directions.

Keywords: Acute kidney injury; Covid 19; biomarkers; opioid use.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / chemically induced*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / epidemiology
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects*
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Opioid-Related Disorders / epidemiology
  • Pandemics*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid