Children as young as 13 referred to specialist clinic for ketamine-induced uropathy

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By Storm Newton, PA Media

Children as young as 13 have been referred to a specialist clinic for a bladder condition linked to sustained use of ketamine, according to new analysis.

The study of the first patients at the service in Liverpool also shows that the majority are girls and from deprived areas.

Understanding more about the youngsters being referred to the clinic “is an important step towards preventing further harm,” experts said.

The UK’s first KIU clinic opened at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in May 2025 in response to a rise in the number of young people presenting with ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU).

Symptoms of the condition include frequent urination, urinary incontinence and haematuria.

Analysis of the first 60 patients by researchers at Alder Hey and Lancaster University showed that their average age was 14, ranging from 13 to 15. In some patients, ketamine use had started at 13.

Around two thirds of patients were girls, and roughly the same proportion lived in the most deprived areas.