Patient was educated on NSAIDs and renal disease as follows:
- NSAIDs, by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzymes, inhibit the production of prostaglandins in all the tissues.
- Renal prostaglandins help dilation of blood vessels in the kidneys and thereby, reduce the blood pressure.
- Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the kidneys by NSAIDs, result in vasoconstriction and elevated blood pressure.
- Constriction of the blood vessels in the kidney can contribute to reduced blood flow to the renal tissue.
- Reduced blood flow to the renal tissue can contribute to renal failure overtime. Progressive renal failure can turn an individual dialysis dependent over a period.
- Also, renal prostaglandins help with elimination of sodium in the urine. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the kidneys by NSAIDs leads to sodium retention in the body. Increased levels of sodium in the body lead to elevated blood pressure.
- As the kidneys are not functioning at their optimal level, filtration of blood is compromised, leading to fluid back up in the circulation. Increased fluid volume in the circulation can result in further elevation of blood pressure.
