Korean J Med.  2010 Jun;78(6):761-765.

A case of rapidly progressive renal failure induced by cadmium intoxication

• Lee EY
• Shin HS
• Jung YS
• Chun BK
• Rim H

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd)-induced renal damage primarily affects the cellular and functional integrity of the proximal tubules. Cd intoxication is a rare cause of Fanconi syndrome. We report a 31-year-old woman with Fanconi syndrome confirmed by laboratory findings and a renal biopsy that also showed an elevated urinary Cd. Seven months before admission, the patient had a normal urinalysis and renal function. Six and 3 months before admission, the patient ingested Chinese herbal mixtures. On admission, the blood Cd concentration was normal, and the urine Cd concentration was 58 microgram/g of creatinine, 29-times higher than the normal range. A renal biopsy showed degeneration of the proximal tubules with normal glomeruli. The serum creatinine had increased from 1.2 to 3.2 mg/dL over 8 months. This case of Fanconi syndrome and rapidly progressive renal damage over a short period was associated with elevated urinary Cd levels.

Keyword

Kidney failure; Fanconi syndrome; Cadmium

MeSH Terms

Adult
Asian Continental Ancestry Group
Biopsy
Cadmium
Creatinine
Fanconi Syndrome
Female
Humans
Reference Values
Renal Insufficiency
Urinalysis
Cadmium
Creatinine