Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN)

Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) is inflammation of the kidney usually caused by a medication but also may be caused by streptococcal, viral, or legionella infections. Acute interstitial nephritis can lead to kidney failure.

Medications that commonly cause acute interstitial nephritis include allopurinol, antibiotics, cimetidine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Symptoms of acute interstitial nephritis include a skin rash, fever, and an abnormal sediment in the urine.

Treatment of acute interstitial nephritis includes correcting the cause by discontinuing the medication or treating the underlying infection. If acute interstitial nephritis is diagnosed and treated early enough, kidney function will improve within days.