Open Access Journal of Cancer & Oncology (OAJCO)
ISSN: 2578-4625
Case Report
Acute Renal Failure Due to Vitamin C: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Abstract
Background: Vitamin C is an essential dietary nutrient that is necessary for normal growth and development. The endpoint product of vitamin C metabolism, oxalate, is excreted by the kidney and is nephrotoxic. Deposition of oxalate crystals in renal tubules can cause tubular necrosis and result in acute renal injury.
Case Presentation: This article presents an 80-year-old patient with acute renal failure due to oxalate nephropathy associated with oral vitamin C intake and reviews oxalate nephropathy. Our case emphasizes renal function monitoring in patients receiving long-term vitamin C especially with a history of renal disease. Over consumption of vitamin C can lead to acute kidney injury. Patients under nephrotoxic treatments are at risk for acute kidney injury from a high vitamin C diet and should be suspected in unexplained renal insufficiency.
Conclusion: Careful review of diets and all medications is necessary when confronted with unexplained renal insufficiency. Closely monitoring renal function is recommended in patients on high vitamin C.
Keywords: Vitamin C; Acute Renal Failure; Oxalate Nephropathy
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