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[HEALTH] · United Kingdom · 10 sources

started · updated

Alder Hey hospital reports rise in children with ‘ketamine bladder’

ketamine bladder ketamine-induced uropathy Alder Hey Children’s Hospital drug addiction in children NHS

Medical research from Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Lancaster University has revealed a rise in children suffering from ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU), commonly known as ‘ketamine bladder’. The analysis of the first 60 patients at the UK’s first specialist clinic for this condition shows that the average age of those referred is 14, with some children as young as 12 or 13.

The condition causes severe damage to the bladder, urinary tubes, and kidneys, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, blood in the urine, and loss of bladder control. In extreme cases, the damage can be irreversible, requiring major surgery or dialysis. The study noted that approximately two-thirds of the patients are girls and many reside in deprived areas.

Concurrently, Cheshire Police have issued warnings to university students during freshers’ week regarding the risks of ketamine. Authorities emphasized that the drug is a Class B controlled substance in the UK, where possession can result in up to five years in prison, and supply or production can lead to sentences of up to 14 years.

Entities

Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust · Cheshire Police · Harriet Corbett · Lancaster University · Liverpool

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [● 2 SOURCES] Approximately two-thirds of the patients treated at the clinic were girls and lived in deprived areas. www.standard.co.uk · www.theguardian.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] In the UK, ketamine is a Class B controlled drug; possession can lead to up to five years in prison. www.warringtonguardian.co.uk
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] In 2024/25, 1,465 children in England receiving drug and alcohol treatment reported problems with ketamine. www.gbnews.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] An analysis of the first 60 patients at the specialist clinic showed an average age of 14, with some patients as young as 13. www.standard.co.uk · www.theguardian.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Ketamine use can cause irreversible damage to the bladder wall, including ulceration and fibrosis. www.theguardian.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The UK’s first specialist ketamine-induced uropathy clinic opened at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust in May 2025. www.standard.co.uk · www.theguardian.com

Sources

Children as young as 13 being referred to UK hospital suffering from ketamine bladder [www.formosadeportiva.com.ar]
Cheshire Police issues freshers' week warning to students of ketamine risks [www.warringtonguardian.co.uk]
Children Face Serious Bladder Damage From Ketamine Use [www.digitalnewsreport.com]
Children as young as 12 treated for Class B drug Ketamine amid warnings of devastating damage [www.gbnews.com]
Doctors Sound Alarm as Ketamine Destroys Bladders of Children as Young as 13 | The latest National and International News - upday News [www.upday.com]
There's a ketamine boom among 13-year-olds — how to spot if your child is using [metro.co.uk]
Ketamine-related bladder problems reported among young teenagers [www.news-medical.net]
Ketamine Damaging Bladders Of Children As Young As 13, Reveals Study [www.timesnownews.com]
Children as young as 13 referred to specialist clinic for ‘ketamine bladder’ [www.standard.co.uk]
Children as young as 13 being referred to UK hospital suffering from ‘ketamine bladder’ [www.theguardian.com]