Children as young as 13 are being referred to a specialist UK clinic with serious bladder problems linked to sustained use of ketamine, according to an analysis of the first patients treated at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
First specialist clinic highlights growing concern
Alder Hey opened the UK’s first specialist clinic for young people with ketamine-induced uropathy (KIU), commonly known as “ketamine bladder”, in May 2025 following an increase in referrals.
Analysis of the first 60 patients found their average age was about 14, with ages ranging from 13 to 15. Around two-thirds were girls and a similar proportion came from England’s most deprived communities.
The condition can cause severe pain, frequent urination, incontinence and blood in the urine. Medical experts say prolonged ketamine use can damage the bladder wall and urinary system, with some damage potentially becoming irreversible.
Harriet Corbett, a consultant paediatric urologist at Alder Hey, said severe cases can lead to major surgery or dialysis.
Wider difficulties among young patients
The analysis also found that 72% of the children had experienced emotional trauma during childhood, while 20% had experience of the care system. Sixteen of the 60 patients had autism or ADHD, or both.
On average, the young people had used ketamine for one to two years before being referred. Half reported using other substances alongside ketamine, while 27% reported alcohol use and 48% reported vaping.
Doctors at the clinic stress that ketamine-related bladder damage is preventable. The service takes a non-judgemental approach, combining specialist urological treatment with support aimed at helping young people stop using the drug.
The findings, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, are being used to understand the circumstances surrounding ketamine use among children and identify opportunities for earlier intervention.