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Abstract
Percutaneous biopsies were performed in 14 unselected addicts, ranging in age from
21 to 52 years, who had no manifest cardiac, hepatic or sickle-cell disorder. Urinary
findings ranged from normal to a trace of protein with a few red blood cells and a
few white blood cells; Australian antigen was negative. All were normotensive and
blood chemistries were within normal range. By light microscopy, 12 cases exhibited
slight nonspecific increase in mesangium. Three cases had, on immunofluorescent studies,
mesangial deposits -predominantly of IGm – and two cases had basement membrane deposits
of IGg. Electron microscopy revealed focal foot process fusion, increase in mesangium
and small electron-dense deposits in six cases. In view of the propensity of addicts
to develop variegated renal disorders, the asymptomatic renal lesions herein described
may represent early manifestation of kidney disease as a consequence of drug usage
and deserve further investigation.