Journal of Clinical Case Reports

Synthetic Cannabinoids and Renal Transplant

Abstract

Kim D, DiBianco JM, Gordhan CG, Bairdain S and Melancon JK

Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as ‘spice’ or ‘K2’, have recently increased in popularity as a drug of abuse among young adults. It has been associated with unexplained acute kidney injury and electrolyte abnormalities in otherwise healthy individuals. The mechanism of this phenomenon is not fully understood although some reports suggest that it may be potentially due to synthetic cannabinoids having increased potency causing an accumulation of harmful levels of toxicity. It is not understood if the use of this drug should preclude deceased donor renal transplantation and currently there are no reports on the use of K2’s effect on donor graft function. Herein, we summarize the first reported case of renal transplantation from a deceased donor in whom K2 was a known mortal factor and outline the similar abnormal graft functions of the two recipients.