Averrhoa bilimbi ingestion and acute kidney injury: A case series

• Main Authors: Madhura AR, Jayaraj PM
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: KIMS Foundation and Research Center 2021-01-01
• Series: Journal of Medical and Scientific Research
• Subjects: averrhoa bilimbi; irumban puli; oxalate crystals; acute tubular necrosis; aki
• Online Access: http://jmsronline.com/article.aspx?ID=Averrhoa-bilimbi-ingestion-and-acute-kidney-injury

Averrhoa bilimbi (Irumban puli) is commonly used in South India for variety of household preparations and also as a remedy for hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia. The fruit has very high oxalate content which, when consumed in large quantities, forms calcium oxalate crystals in the renal tubules. These crystals get adhered to the tubular cells and cause cell necrosis resulting in acute kidney injury. We describe a series of 4 such cases who presented to us in acute renal failure after consumption of Averrhoa bilimbi in excess. 3 out of 4 patients required hemodialysis. There was recovery of renal function at the end of 2-6 weeks.