DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjmcr.2026.v14i01.036

Pages: 146-148

Acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (ATIN) is defined by the presence of histological lesions affecting the renal interstitium and tubules, most often secondary to a local inflammatory reaction associated with leukocyte infiltration. The causes are numerous. We report a case of ATIN secondary to abuse of “pouffa” (a cocaine-derived drug). The patient was an 18-year-old man admitted for severe renal failure with a serum creatinine level of 348 mg/L, associated with proteinuria of 1.46 g/24 h, active urinary sediment with microscopic hematuria, and sterile leukocyturia. A renal biopsy showed edematous interstitial tissue with inflammatory infiltrates and tubulitis lesions consistent with ATIN. The patient required emergency hemodialysis sessions and was subsequently treated with corticosteroid therapy, leading to complete recovery of renal function after two weeks. The effects of pouffa on the kidneys are devastating. Early diagnosis and prompt management are the key to full recovery of renal function.