Description

Chu et al described changes in the urinary tract that occurred in abusers of "street" ketamine in Hong Kong. Various mechanisms have been proposed to explain the changes including direct toxicity of high urinary concentrations of ketamine and its metabolites, an allergic reaction, or an effect on prostaglandins.


 

Presenting complaints:

(1) frequency

(2) urgency

(3) dysuria

(4) urge incontinence

(5) hematuria

 

Changes in the urinary tract:

(1) chronic interstitial cystitis with or without ulcerations

(2) detrusor overactivity

(3) fibrosis in the bladder wall with decreased compliance and contraction

(4) vesico-ureteric reflux

(5) unilateral or bilateral hydronephrosis

(6) papillary necrosis

(7) chronic renal failure

 

Differential diagnosis:

(1) urinary tract infection

(2) sexually transmitted disease

(3) analgesic nephropathy

(4) diabetic complications

 


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