The grave consequences of brief
gratification: acute kidney harm
and the possible association of cocaine use

Anna Oleszczuk; Agnieszka M. Grzebalska; Szymon Kosmala; Julia Kozieł; Noemi Kufrejska

doi:10.5114/ain.2024.144674

eISSN: 1689-3530
ISSN: 0867-4361

Alcoholism and Drug Addiction/Alkoholizm i Narkomania

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abstract:

Case report

The grave consequences of brief gratification: acute kidney harm and the possible association of cocaine use

Anna Oleszczuk

¹

,

Agnieszka M. Grzebalska

²

,

Szymon Kosmala

¹

,

Julia Kozieł

¹

,

Noemi Kufrejska

¹

Student Research Group, Chair and Department of Nephrology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland; Studenckie Koło Naukowe przy Katedrze i Klinice Nefrologii, Uniwersytet Medyczny, Lublin, Polska
Chair and Department of Nephrology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland; Katedra i Klinika Nefrologii, Uniwersytet Medyczny, Lublin, Polska

Alcohol Drug Addict 2024; 37 (2):

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/ain.2024.144674

Online publish date: 2024/10/15

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Introduction:
Cocaine is a natural sympathomimetic alkaloid derived from the Erythroxylum plant species of Central and South America. It is currently available in two forms: cocaine hydrochloride (known as “coke”), which is a white powder, used intranasally, orally or intravenously and in a free-base form known as “crack” that is inhaled. Its stimulant properties have been known for a long time, originally through chewing the leaves or brewing them into a tea. Cocaine has even found its medical application in local anaesthetic solutions. Despite its natural origin and initial euphoric effect, the negative effects of cocaine on the human body are numerous.

Case description:
The case-report subject is a 23-year-old male admitted to a hospital Emergency Unit following a physical assault. Drug tests revealed traces of cocaine in the patient’s urine. His creatinine level was significantly elevated, while estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) value significantly reduced, indicating potential renal complications due to kidney damage. Follow-up examinations during treatment revealed improvement in the patient’s renal status.

Commentary:
It confirms the harmful effects of cocaine on the kidneys through mechanisms like changes in renal haemodynamics, glomerular matrix synthesis and degradation, oxidative stress and induction of renal atherosclerosis. It also emphasises the importance of regular follow-up visits for patients after acute kidney injury due to possible complications.

keywords:

The grave consequences of brief gratification: acute kidney harm and the possible association of cocaine use

Anna Oleszczuk 1 , Agnieszka M. Grzebalska 2 , Szymon Kosmala 1 , Julia Kozieł 1 , Noemi Kufrejska 1

Acute kidney injury, Cocaine, Nephrotoxicity, Renal dysfunction

Anna Oleszczuk

¹

,

Agnieszka M. Grzebalska

²

,

Szymon Kosmala

¹

,

Julia Kozieł

¹

,

Noemi Kufrejska

¹