Acute interstitial nephritis with immunotherapy; a growing entity?

Abstract

We report a case of acute kidney injury (AKI) secondary to immune-mediated acute interstitial nephritis (AIN), with supporting diagnostic results and a successful response to treatment. This entity is gaining increasing recognition with the burgeoning use of immunotherapy agents in oncology. The timeline for the development of AIN from the initiation of immunotherapy varies, and may range in severity from asymptomatic to severe, organ-threatening and with life threatening consequences. Renal biopsy should be performed to confirm the diagnosis due to the potential impact of discontinuation of immunotherapy on cancer survival. Re-challenge with immunotherapy is reasonable once renal function recovers.

Keywords: Acute Interstitial Nephritis, Checkpoint Inhibitor, immunotherapy, Nivolumab