OBJECTIVE:

To understand the clinical and pathological features of patients with Fanconi syndrome associated with renal function damage induced by Chinese herbs.

METHODS:

Six cases with herb-induced renal failure associated with Fanconi syndrome were clinicopathologically analyzed.

RESULTS:

All six patients had kidney insufficiency after ingestion of Chinese herbs. All of them took the herbs containing aristolochia manshuriensis definitely. Four of the six presented with rapidly progressive acute renal failure and one with acute renal failure. All of them had similar clinical features, such as polydipsia, polyuria, anemia, glycosuria, aminoaciduria, increased urine beta(2) microglobin (beta(2)m) excretion and proximal tubular acidosis. Renal biopsies performed in 3 cases showed extensive hypocellular interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy and loss of tubules. Glomeruli were apparently intact.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nephropathy caused by Chinese herbs may be associated with Fanconi syndrome and renal failure.