Kidney Diseases

Dr. Lam if possible

05/13/2008 11:02AM

Question:

I wrote to you recently about pain in my kidneys, notably after alcohol. I`m 22 years of age and my medical history:

- Duplex kidneys - Bi-lateral Reflux - Right Kidney 80% Left Kidney 20% - Right Kidney with mild hydronephrosis - Pain in lower back. I have had a lasix renogram which showed no bloackage in my right kidney and no reflux on either even though there is mild hydronephrosis. Could this be `compensatory` to allow for it to cope with large volume loads?
I used to get the pain on my right lower back only after alcohol consumption (starts not before 36 hours after drinking and lasts a few days), but since a heavy drinking session at Christmas, it comes without alcohol consumption. It is frequent and quite intermittant. I have had an ultrasound and renogram since this time and both show up as described above. My GP (General Practioner) has examined my back and thinks it`s too low for kidney pain and is likely to be muscular in origin. My GFR (glomerular filtration rate) is stable (around 80-90ml/min as it has been for years).
My question therefore is: Do you think that I have damaged my kidneys by drinking alcohol? (i.e. do you think that excessive alcohol consumption has caused this pain?) With previous kidney scarring by reflux, do I have to be more careful with alcohol than someone who hasn`t? Thanks.

Answer:

It is unlikely that your kidneys have been damaged by excessive alcohol consumption. However, be aware that other organs in the area, such as the liver and the pancreas, may be damaged by excessive alcohol use and may develop pain as a result.

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Response by:

Mildred Lam, MD
Associate Professor
Nephrology Division
MetroHealth Medical Center
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University