by P Jain 2024 Cited by 1[5] Acyclovir crystals are birefringent and needle-shaped[3] [Figure 1], and the abundance of these crystals give urine a silky and opalescent macroscopic
Acyclovir used intravenously in high doses might result in secondary AKI due to crystal precipitation in the tubules of kidney. Microscopy of urine sediments can typically find acyclovir crystals. Birefringent needle-shaped crystals are the most common kind.
Examination of the urine sediment revealed needle-shaped crystals with positive birefringence under polarized light ( Figure 1B) indicating acyclovir
water intake and urine output and decreased specific gravity of urine. These signs were related to transient deposition of acyclovir crystals in the lower nephron. The persistence and accumulation of crystals with re- sultant renal blockage noted in the rat did not occur in the dog.
by NA Peterslund 2024 Cited by 24Abstract. Acyclovir crystals in the urine of a 28-year-old woman are described. The patient received intravenous acyclovir for herpes
Drugs such as acyclovir and methotrexate can cause may form crystals, causing obstruction of urine output and subsequent renal failure.
Patients in a dehydrated state with poor urine output are at risk for precipitation of acyclovir crystals in the renal tubules, which can lead to an
Figure 1. Needle-shaped crystals in the urine sediment of patients with acyclovir-induced nephrotoxicity. Photomicrographs of the urine sediment showing leukocytes and needle-shaped crystals (A and C). The same fields viewed with polarizing light show these crystals to be birefringent (6 and 0).
Acyclovir crystals do not have a unique morphology. However, long needle shaped crystals, with bright birefringence under polarized light microscopy that readily dissolve when diluted by water, saline, acid or base in the urine of patients receiving acyclovir IV is most likely to acyclovir crystalluria.
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Also an interesting side note of the magic crystals and the magic Ria bag. The magic crystals if perfect will recharge slowly from nature. Anything put into Ria’s bag stays in the state it was put in the bag at. So carrying flawless magic crystals in Ria’s magic bag is pointless as they will never recharge.