[Acute renal failure induced by sulfinpyrazone (author's transl)].

We report on 4 cases of reversible acute renal failure (ARF), appearing within the first days after institution of a sulfinpyrazone treatment (600 mg p. day) early after a myocardial infarction. Urinary data were consistent with an acute tubular necrosis. A renal biopsy, performed in 3 patients, revealed only very discrete tubular and interstitial lesions, not helpful in the understanding of the ARF. Three pathogenetic mechanisms could be evoked. Data in favour of an acute tubular precipitation of uric acid or an immunologically induced acute interstitial nephritis are lacking. More probably this ARF is due to an inhibitory effect of sulfinpyrazone on the renal prostaglandin synthesis. Early after a myocardial infarction, renal prostaglandins could play an important protective role in maintaining the renal circulation. Renal function should be monitored closely when sulfinpyrazone is prescribed, especially early after a myocardial infarction.