A Case of Fanconi's Syndrome due to Chinese Herb Nephropathy

A unique type of rapidly progressive interstitial fibrosis of the kidney, the Chinese Herb Nephropathy (CHN) has been reported in Belgian woman after intake of Chinese herbs. CHN contains several characteristics that include variable clinical features from progressive renal failure to Fanconi's syndrome, histologic finding of extensive interstitial fibrosis, high risk of urothelial malignancy. We are reporting a case of33 year-old female patient who was diagnosed as CHN. The patient visited our hospital with symptoms of nausea. Laboratory investigation showed metabolic acidosis with normal anion gap, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, proteinuria, glycosuria consistent with Fanconi's syndrome. She took Chinese herbs for slimming 4 months before. Renal biopsy showed the features of tubular cell injury with interstitial edema, accompanied by interstitial fibrosis on following biopsy, compatible with Chinese Herb Nephropathy. After 5 months, her renal function was progressed rapidly, therefore peritoneal dialysis was started. This case shows that we should consider Chinese herb as a cause of renal failure.