Analgesic nephropathy. An uncommon cause of end-stage renal disease.

The frequency of analgesic nephropathy as a cause of end-stage renal disease varies considerably, not only between countries but also between different areas in the same country. We questioned 277 hemodialysis patients in the Washington, DC, area regarding the consumption of analgesic preparations. Only eight (2.8%) of the patients consumed excessive quantities of analgesic compounds prior to institution of hemodialysis. In addition, three of the eight patients had other causes for their end-stage renal disease. We conclude that analgesic nephropathy is an unusual cause of end-stage renal disease in the greater Washington, DC, area.