​Renal Papillary Necrosis

Renal papillary necrosis is a kidney disorder in which a section or the entire renal papillae die. The renal papillae are the areas of kidneys where the openings of the collecting ducts, that transport the urine to the ureter, enter the kidney; while necrosis means tissue death. Due to this disorder, the kidneys are unable to concentrate the urine. It is mostly caused along with analgesic nephropathy in which damage to the kidneys is caused by long-term use of certain medications, especially over-the-counter pain relievers. Other causes leading to renal papillary necrosis include:

• Diabetic nephropathy in which damage to kidneys occur due to diabetes

• Kidney transplant rejection

• Kidney infection

• Sickle cell anaemia in which the red blood cells are crescent shaped. It is a common cause of renal papillary necrosis in children

• Obstruction of urinary tract