Acute renal failure precipitated by Diclofenac in a volume depleted child

Abstract

Anti-pyretic and analgesic usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is commonplace in paediatric practice. The nephrotoxic effects of Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well documented and increasingly cases of Acute Renal Failure (ARF) precipitated in volume-depleted states in children following NSAIDs usage is being recognised. We report a significant case of ARF in a volume depleted child precipitated by a single dose of Diclofenac, highlighting an important clinical message – adequate hydration is essential, prior to administration of any NSAID, in order to prevent acute renal failure.