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Case Reports
. 2017 Nov 12:2017:bcr2016218623.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218623.

Orlistat-induced oxalate nephropathy: an under-recognised cause of chronic kidney disease

Laurence Richard Solomon  1 , Andrew Christopher Nixon  1 , Leanne Ogden  1 , Beena Nair  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Orlistat-induced oxalate nephropathy: an under-recognised cause of chronic kidney disease

Laurence Richard Solomon et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Two patients developed kidney failure due to oxalate deposition in the kidney while taking orlistat. Cessation of orlistat was followed by partial recovery of kidney function. The mechanism by which orlistat causes hyperoxaluria and the management of orlistat-induced oxalate nephropathy is reviewed. We suggest that all patients taking orlistat are at risk of this condition, which may develop insidiously and is easily overlooked. Monitoring of kidney function of patients taking orlistat is warranted.

Keywords: Acute Renal Failure; Contraindications And Precautions; Metabolic Disorders; Obesity (nutrition); Renal System.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Case 1 H&E section showing oxalate crystals in a renal tubule with associated inflammatory change. Inset confirms birefringence of refractile material on polarised light microscopy.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Case 1 serum creatinine and eGFR. eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Case 2 H&E section showing oxalate crystals in a renal tubule with associated inflammatory change. Inset confirms birefringence of refractile material on polarised light microscopy.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Case 2 serum creatinine and eGFR. eGFR, estimated glomerular filtration rate.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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