Acute Tubulointerstitial Nephritis

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) is characterized by inflammatory infiltrates and edema in the interstitial compartment, usually accompanied by tubular damage. It is frequently associated with acute or subacute renal failure, accounting for up to 10% of all renal biopsies. Drugs are the main cause, especially antibiotics, but other processes such as autoimmune and systemic diseases, infections or metabolic diseases can be a cause of ATIN. The definitive diagnosis of ATIN is provided by the histological study of a kidney biopsy. Treatment requires discontinuation of the causative agent. Although ATIN may resolve spontaneously, a short-term therapeutic regimen with corticosteroids is recommended to reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.