Comparison of renal excretion of chloramphenicol in patients with chronic pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis and polycystic kidneys.

In patients with chronic pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis and polycystic kidneys, decrease in renal clearance of chloramphenicol (CCHL) is related to a decrease in the clearance of inulin (Cin). The rate of decrease of CCHL is relatively slower than that of Cin. The findings attest to an increased excretion of chloramphenicol by residual nephrons. The groups investigated did not display any significant differences in the relation between CCHL and Cin. The findings indicate that changes in the excretion of chloramphenicol by residual nephrons are not related to the primary pathological process responsible for the impairment of the renal parenchyma.