Opioids and Acute Kidney Injury

Opioid use and misuse in the United States has been at epidemic proportions and is predicted to increase further in the setting of the Coronavirus disease 19 pandemic. Acute kidney injury is a condition associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. We review the literature on the effect of opioids on kidney function and critically examine the association between opioid use and acute kidney injury and identify at-risk populations in whom opioids should be used with caution. We also discuss the role of biomarkers in elucidating this condition and propose preventive measures, novel therapeutic options, and research directions. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The article reviews the impact of opioids on kidney function, discusses the association between opioid use and acute kidney injury, and identifies at-risk populations where caution should be exercised in opioid use. The role of biomarkers in elucidating the condition is also explored, along with proposed preventive measures, novel therapeutic options, and research directions.