Secondary oxalosis: a cause of delayed recovery of renal function in the setting of acute renal failure.

Abstract

Oxalosis, or calcium oxalate deposition in the tissues, may develop in patients with inherited disorders of oxalate metabolism or can occur secondary to other diseases. In this study, a case of renal oxalosis probably secondary to excessive parenteral vitamin C administration in a patient with acute post-traumatic oliguric renal failure is reported. Oxalate deposits may have contributed to further worsening and delayed recovery of renal function. The elimination of the source of excess vitamin C and its presumed effect on oxalate production, together with enhanced removal of oxalate during aggressive dialysis, resulted in prompt recovery of renal function. Secondary oxalosis represents a possible cause of delayed recovery of renal function in patients with acute renal failure who are receiving vitamin C supplementation if excess dosage of that supplementation is given. Vitamin C supplementation, if utilized, should be carefully monitored in patients receiving artificial renal replacement therapy.