Loin Pain-Haematuria Syndrome

• Where are the kidneys?
• What causes kidney pain?
• What is “loin pain-haematuria syndrome”?
• What are the causes of “loin pain-haematuria syndrome”?
• What are the treatments for kidney pain?
• Psychological aspects of kidney pain
• Where can I go for further help?

Where are the kidneys?

The kidneys are in the back, one on each side of the spine. They are about 2 inches (5cm) deep, just behind the lower ribs. Pain in a kidney is usually felt as upper back pain, on one side or the other. The pain can run down into the groin, or further down the back. The kidneys lie next to the muscles of the back, so that it can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between muscle pain, back pain or kidney pain.

What causes kidney pain?

There are many causes of kidney pain. Infection in the kidney and kidney stones are common causes. X-ray tests will detect kidney stones. Samples of urine will be sent to the laboratory for culture tests to see if infection is present. Other conditions which cause some swelling or irritation of the kidneys may also cause pain, and these often fall into the category of “loin pain-haematuria syndrome”.

What is “loin pain-haematuria syndrome”?

Loin pain-haematuria syndrome (also known as LPHS) is a combination of loin (ie kidney) pain and haematuria, which is a medical term for blood in the urine (click here for more details on haematuria and its causes).

The loin pain may be a continuous dull ache, or intermittent, coming on only occasionally.

The blood in the urine may be visible to the naked eye, coming in occasional attacks. There may even occasionally be blood clots. In other cases, the amount of blood is so small that it cannot be seen, but is detected when the urine is tested in the clinic.

What are the causes of “loin pain-haematuria syndrome”?

There are several conditions which can cause this problem. A kidney biopsy, or sometimes an angiogram test, is used in many people to make a clear diagnosis. The conditions are all essentially abnormalities within the tissue of the kidney. The main types of loin pain-haematuria are:-

1. IgA nephropathy. This is a condition in which small amount of a type of normal antibody (called IgA) get stuck in the kidney as it passes through in the bloodstream. This is a chronic condition, which sometimes goes away on its own but occasionally can cause damage to the kidneys. A related condition called IgM nephropathy can sometimes cause pain. (Click on the following links for more information on IgA and IgM ).
2. Thin membrane disease. In this condition the membrane that filters the blood to make urine is too thin, and blood can pass across it in very small amounts. In a few cases of this condition, there is pain in the kidneys, usually occurring in attacks every so often. Although this condition can be painful, kidney failure does not seem to occur in the long term, so that the only real problem is the symptoms.
3. Infection. In some cases, loin pain-haematuria syndrome occurs after a bladder infection with involvement of the kidney. Even when the infection has been treated and bugs can no longer be found in the urine, pain may persist for 6 months, or even longer in some cases. Click here for more information on urine infection.
4. "Classic loin pain-haematuria syndrome". Some patients have none of the above diagnoses. In these cases there may be minor abnormalities on a kidney biopsy. Angiogram tests to look at the blood vessels in the kidney may show abnormal blood flow, perhaps causing a cramp like pain. The cause is not fully understood. It certainly is commoner in women than in men, and there may be hormonal influences. Some women find the pain is worse at different times of their menstrual cycle, or comes on during pregnancy, or if they are taking the oral contraceptive.
   This condition may persist for some years, and can be lifelong. Damage to the kidneys leading to kidney failure does not occur.

What are the treatments for kidney pain?

If infection is suspected, a course of antibiotics may be given. Long term preventative antibiotics may be necessary in some cases.

Loin pain-haematuria syndrome may, in a few people, responds to anticoagulant reatment with warfarin or aspirin - this reduces the tendency for blood flow in the kidney to be interrupted.

In the majority of cases, however, little can be done apart from trying to ensure adequate treatment for the pain itself. The types of treatment that may be effective vary from person to person, and advice from a doctor specialising in pain relief may be needed.

Psychological aspects of kidney pain

Pain that will not go away easily is very unpleasant. Some advice on coping with pain is available on the NKF website, click here to read it.

Where can I go for further help?

A joint approach from the kidney specialist, general practitioner and, if necessary, a pain specialist or psychologist may not always be enough. If you want further advice or treatment, please discuss this with your specialist.

The LPHS International Organisation website is a support group for people with LHPS (a preview of the website is provided for non-members but full access is only allowed to members who can then post messages and add links). There is also a Patient Forum located at http://LPHS.aimoo.com.

NKF Controlled Document No. 25, Loin Pain-Haematuria Syndrome, written (date unknown). Last reviewed 29 November 2010.

The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.

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