Rifampicin induced light chain proteinuria and renal failure

Light chain proteinuria is a recognised cause of renal disease and renal failure. In 1973 Grader et al described ligh chain proteinuria occurring in patients given rifampicin and there have since been two case reports of renal failure due to rifampicin induced light chain proteinuria. The authors report a third case, which with that of Warrington and others suggests that dehydration predisposes to this rare complication of rifampicin treatment.