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Case Reports
. 2017 Jan 20;7(1):6-12.
doi: 10.1159/000454945. eCollection 2017 Jan-Apr.

Neurotoxicity following the Ingestion of Bilimbi Fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi) in an End-Stage Renal Disease Patient on Hemodialysis

Camille Pereira Caetano  1 , Cinara Barros de Sá  1 , Bruno Antônio Paixão Faleiros  1 , Marcelo Fonseca Coutinho Fernandes Gomes  1 , Edna Regina Silva Pereira  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Neurotoxicity following the Ingestion of Bilimbi Fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi) in an End-Stage Renal Disease Patient on Hemodialysis

Camille Pereira Caetano et al. Case Rep Nephrol Dial. .

Abstract

Introduction: The toxic effects of the ingestion of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) in chronic kidney disease patients are well described in the literature. Recently, the compound caramboxin has been isolated, explaining the mechanisms of its neurotoxicity. Bilimbi fruit belongs to the family Oxalidaceae, Averrhoa bilimbi species, and exhibits similar biochemical characteristics to star fruit.

Objective: To report the case of a patient with chronic kidney disease who developed a seizure disorder after the ingestion of bilimbi fruit.

Case report: A 69-year-old man with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis therapy had intractable hiccups, myoclonus, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures after the consumption of a moderate amount of bilimbi fruit. The electroencephalogram showed a pattern of seizure disorder despite the use of anticonvulsant drugs. Renal replacement therapy was maintained during the whole period and prescribed according to the patient's hemodynamic status. Despite showing clinical resolution of the seizure disorder, the patient died on the 27th day of hospitalization for infectious complications.

Conclusions: The neurologic status without any other known cause and with clear temporal association with the ingestion of the fruit suggests the diagnosis of neurotoxicity. We propose the hypothesis that the bilimbi fruit has neurotoxic effects similar to those exhibited by the star fruit.

Keywords: Averrhoa; Chronic kidney disease; Epileptic status; Foodborne diseases.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Photograph of a bilimbi fruit. Longitudinal and cross section.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Diffuse ecchymosis on the lower limbs.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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