Ketamine Impact on Kidney Health.
Cureus October 1, 2024 Sana Rahman, Samiya Saher, Anurag Raje et al.
A 34-year-old woman who used about 5 grams of ketamine daily for two years starting at age 25 developed stage 3 chronic kidney disease and severe urinary complications, including dysuria, flank pain, burning micturition, ketamine-associated cystitis, and renal failure from hydronephrosis. Even after stopping ketamine five years ago, she still needs ureteral stents for recurrent hydronephrosis and ureteral obstruction. Early cessation of ketamine often resolves ulcerative cystitis and ureteral obstruction, but that did not happen in this patient. The case underscores the need to suspect ketamine abuse in young patients with ureteral problems and hydronephrosis, and to pursue early detection, ongoing follow-up, and a comprehensive treatment approach.