Definition of Renal papillary necrosis:

Renal papillary necrosis is a disorder of the kidneys in which all or part renal papillae die. The renal papillae is the area where the openings of the collecting ducts enter the kidney.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Renal papillary necrosis is most commonly associated with analgesic nephropathy. However, a number of conditions can cause this condition, including:

• Diabetic nephropathy
• Kidney infection
• Kidney transplant rejection
• Urinary tract obstruction
• Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a common cause of renal papillary necrosis in children.