Heroin-associated nephropathy. A nationwide problem
E. E. Cunningham, M. A. Zielezny and R. C. Venuto
Heroin-associated nephropathy (HAN) is a common cause of end-stage renal
disease (ESRD) among 18- to 45-year-old patients in the Buffalo area. To
assess the importance of HAN nationwide, a questionnaire was sent to 130
dialysis units or sections of nephrology throughout the United States.
Fourteen metropolitan areas represented by 23 respondents reported 98 cases
of HAN. Ninety-two patients (93.9%) were black. Black men made up the
single largest group, with 77 patients (78.6%). The ESRD had already
developed in 66 (67.3%) of the patients with HAN. The occurrence of HAN was
high in those units that responded to the questionnaire. These figures,
however, do not represent the prevalence of HAN in the United States. The
economic impact of treating HAN may be striking. The estimated cost of
maintaining just the 66 addicted patients with renal failure on dialysis
would be greater than $ 1 million yearly.
