Cocaine-induced acute renal failure, hemolysis, and thrombocytopenia mimicking thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Am J Kidney Dis. 2000 Jan;35(1):E3. doi: 10.1016/S0272-6386(00)70321-0.

Abstract

Acute renal failure (ARF) can occur as a complication of cocaine abuse. We present a case of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, ARF, and thrombocytopenia after inhalation of crack cocaine in a 38-year-old woman. Her renal failure ultimately required dialysis. She underwent renal biopsy because of persistent renal failure, hematuria, and thrombocytopenia. The biopsy findings consisted of thrombotic microangiopathy and glomerular ischemia. After treatment with fresh frozen plasma, her platelet count and bleeding resolved. The possible mechanisms involved in cocaine-induced thrombotic microangiopathy include: (1) endothelial injury, (2) vasoconstriction and/or impairment of vasodilatation, (3) procoagulant activity, and (4) antiplatelet activity. Although our patient survived after hemodialysis and transfusion of fresh frozen plasma, she continued to have residual renal insufficiency. One month later, the patient again used cocaine and presented with worsening ARF, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / chemically induced*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / diagnosis
  • Acute Kidney Injury / pathology
  • Adult
  • Anemia, Hemolytic / chemically induced*
  • Anemia, Hemolytic / diagnosis
  • Cocaine / adverse effects*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / complications
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / chemically induced*
  • Purpura, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic / diagnosis
  • Thrombocytopenia / chemically induced*
  • Thrombocytopenia / diagnosis

Substances

  • Cocaine