Journal article
An unusual cause of hypokalemic paralysis : Aristolochic acid nephropathy with fanconi syndrome
The American journal of the medical sciences, Vol.330(3), pp.153-155
09/01/2005
DOI: 10.1097/00000441-200509000-00012
PMID: 16175002
Abstract
Aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) with Fanconi syndrome presenting as hypokalemic paralysis is extraordinarily rare and may be unrecognized. We describe a 41-year-old man who presented with the inability to ambulate upon awakening in the morning. Physical examination revealed symmetric paralysis of bilateral lower limbs. Laboratory studies showed profound hypokalemia with renal potassium (K+) wasting, hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, hypophosphatemia with hyperphosphaturia, hypouricemia with hyperuricosuria, and glycosuria, consistent with Fanconi syndrome. Mild renal insufficiency was also observed. A meticulous search for underlying causes of Fanconi syndrome was unrevealing. However, a significant amount of aristolochic acid (AA) was detected in the consumed Chinese herb mixture (AA-I, 7 μg/g) for the treatment of his leg edema for the past 2 months. His hypokalemia, renal insufficiency, and Fanconi syndrome completely resolved 2 months after the withdrawal of Chinese herb mixture and the supplementation of potassium citrate and active vitamin D3. AAN with Fanconi syndrome should be considered as a cause of hypokalemia in any patient administered undefined Chinese herbs.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- An unusual cause of hypokalemic paralysis : Aristolochic acid nephropathy with fanconi syndrome
- Creators
- Chih-Sheng Tsai - National Defense Medical CenterYi-Chou Chen - Mackay Memorial HospitalHan-Hsiang Chen - Mackay Memorial HospitalChih-Jen Cheng - National Defense Medical CenterShih-Hua Lin - National Defense Medical Center
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- The American journal of the medical sciences, Vol.330(3), pp.153-155
- Publisher
- Lippincott
- DOI
- 10.1097/00000441-200509000-00012
- PMID
- 16175002
- ISSN
- 0002-9629
- eISSN
- 1538-2990
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/01/2005
- Academic Unit
- Nephrology; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984383318002771
Metrics
17 Record Views