Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis

Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis (TINU) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys and eyes. It is characterized by the combination of tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN), an inflammation of the kidney's tubules and interstitial tissue, and uveitis, an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. This condition is of unknown etiology and is considered rare, affecting individuals worldwide without a clear predilection for any specific age, gender, or ethnic group.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The symptoms of TINU syndrome can vary significantly between individuals but typically include ocular symptoms such as redness, pain, and blurred vision due to uveitis, and renal symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and abnormal kidney function tests indicative of nephritis. Diagnosis of TINU is challenging due to its rarity and the nonspecific nature of its symptoms. It often involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests including kidney function tests and urinalysis, imaging studies, and sometimes a kidney biopsy to confirm the presence of tubulointerstitial nephritis. Ophthalmologic examination is crucial for diagnosing uveitis.

Treatment and Prognosis

Treatment for TINU syndrome primarily focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Corticosteroids are commonly used to reduce inflammation in both the kidneys and eyes. Immunosuppressive drugs may also be prescribed in cases where steroids are ineffective or to reduce steroid dosage and side effects. The prognosis for individuals with TINU syndrome is generally good, with most patients responding well to treatment and experiencing remission of both renal and ocular symptoms. However, monitoring is essential as relapses can occur, and long-term complications such as chronic kidney disease or permanent vision loss can develop in some cases.

Epidemiology

TINU syndrome is considered a rare disease, with only a few hundred cases reported in the medical literature since its first description in the 1970s. It can occur at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults. There is no clear gender or ethnic predilection.

Pathophysiology

The exact pathophysiology of TINU syndrome remains unclear, but it is believed to involve an autoimmune response that targets both the kidneys and eyes. Genetic factors, environmental exposures, and infections have been proposed as potential triggers, but no definitive cause has been identified.

See Also

• Autoimmune diseases
• Nephritis
• Uveitis
• Kidney diseases
• Immunosuppression

NIH genetic and rare disease info

• NIH info on Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis is a rare disease.