Which organ system is at risk with NSAID use?

Which organ system is at risk with NSAID use?

• A. Cardiovascular system
• B. Respiratory system
• C. Renal system
• D. Nervous system

Answer: (C)

NSAIDs threaten kidney function because they inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins normally help dilate the afferent arteriole in the kidney to maintain glomerular filtration, especially when perfusion is reduced. When NSAIDs block this, afferent arteriolar dilation is blunted, GFR drops, and acute kidney injury can occur. This risk is greatest in dehydration or low-volume states, existing kidney disease, the elderly, or with other nephrotoxic factors. Chronic NSAID use can also lead to analgesic nephropathy and papillary necrosis. So the renal system is the organ system at risk with NSAID use.

NSAIDs threaten kidney function because they inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins normally help dilate the afferent arteriole in the kidney to maintain glomerular filtration, especially when perfusion is reduced. When NSAIDs block this, afferent arteriolar dilation is blunted, GFR drops, and acute kidney injury can occur. This risk is greatest in dehydration or low-volume states, existing kidney disease, the elderly, or with other nephrotoxic factors. Chronic NSAID use can also lead to analgesic nephropathy and papillary necrosis. So the renal system is the organ system at risk with NSAID use.