Ketorolac-induced irreversible renal failure in sickle cell disease: a case report

Pediatr Nephrol. 1999 Jan;13(1):63-7. doi: 10.1007/s004670050565.

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often used in the management of those with acute pain secondary to sickle cell disease due to potent analgesic effects along with a lack of addictive potential, respiratory depression, and central nervous system effects, as may occur with narcotics. Caution should be observed in the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with compromised renal function. We present a case of a 17-year-old sickle cell disease patient with an acute painful episode and normal renal function indices who subsequently developed irreversible renal failure and a perirenal hematoma following the administration of ketorolac, despite adequate hydration. Due to its inhibitory effect on prostaglandin-mediated vasodilation, we advise caution in the use of ketorolac for the pain management of sickle cell painful episodes. We recommend following the administration guidelines for ketorolac for renal-compromised patients in those with painful episodes of sickle cell disease, and if used in this patient population, renal function must be very closely monitored.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / drug therapy*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Ketorolac
  • Renal Insufficiency / chemically induced*
  • Tolmetin / adverse effects
  • Tolmetin / analogs & derivatives*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Tolmetin
  • Ketorolac