Published online Sep 9, 2022. doi: 10.5492/wjccm.v11.i5.330
Peer-review started: January 6, 2022
First decision: March 24, 2022
Revised: May 6, 2022
Accepted: July 18, 2022
Article in press: July 18, 2022
Published online: September 9, 2022
Processing time: 243 Days and 18.1 Hours
This study aims to highlight the potential serious complications of acute kidney injury (AKI) resulting from the consumption of excessive amounts of starfruit, a common traditional remedy.
A 78-year-old male with a past medical history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia without prior nephropathy presented to the emergency department (ED) with hiccups, nausea, vomiting and generalized weakness. In the preceding 1 wk, he had consumed 3 bottles of concentrated juice self-prepared from 1 kg of small sour starfruits. His serum creatinine was noted to be 1101 μmol/L from baseline normal prior to his ED visit. He was diagnosed with AKI secondary to excessive starfruit consumption.
Consumption of starfruit can cause acute renal failure, with a good outcome when promptly identified and treated.
Core Tip: Physicians should have a high index of suspicion on possible interactions and toxicities that may occur with the use of traditional medications in combination with prescription drugs in susceptible patients. This report highlights the toxicity of starfruit when consumed as a traditional remedy for diabetes mellitus resulting in acute kidney injury.