Acquired fanconi syndrome induced by mixed Chinese herbs presenting as proximal muscle weakness

J Chin Med Assoc. 2004 Apr;67(4):193-6.

Abstract

We report a rare case with acquired Fanconi syndrome caused by mixed Chinese herbs, initially presenting as waddling gait and lower limb muscle atrophy. From a series of investigations, proximal renal tubule injury with functional defects and Chinese herb nephropathy were discovered. Hypophosphatemic osteomalacia and type II muscle fiber atrophy shown in muscle biopsy of left quadriceps may be associated with the sequelae of ingestion of mixed crude Chinese herbs. Aggressive and early alkali treatment with supplementation of phosphate and Vitamin D restored the patient's metabolic and musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • Fanconi Syndrome / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Diseases / chemically induced
  • Kidney Diseases / pathology
  • Male
  • Muscle Weakness / chemically induced*
  • Plants, Medicinal / adverse effects*