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

• Published in: BMJ case reports Vol. 2017; p. bcr-2016-218623
• Main Authors: Solomon, Laurence Richard, Nixon, Andrew Christopher, Ogden, Leanne, Nair, Beena
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BMJ Publishing Group LTD 12.11.2017; BMJ Publishing Group
• Series: Case Report
• Subjects: Aged; Anti-Obesity Agents - administration & dosage; Anti-Obesity Agents - adverse effects; Biopsy; Blood pressure; Calcium Oxalate - urine; Case reports; Diabetes; Fecal incontinence; Female; Gastrointestinal surgery; Humans; Hyperoxaluria - chemically induced; Hyperoxaluria - diagnostic imaging; Inflammation; Kidney diseases; Kidney stones; Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute - chemically induced; Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute - diagnostic imaging; Kidney Tubular Necrosis, Acute - pathology; Lactones - administration & dosage; Lactones - adverse effects; Male; Microscopy; Obesity; Obesity - drug therapy; Oils & fats; Proteins; Reminder of Important Clinical Lesson; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic - chemically induced; Rodents; United Kingdom; Urinalysis; Weight control; White; Contraindications And Precautions; Metabolic Disorders; Renal System; Acute Renal Failure; Obesity (nutrition)
• ISSN: 1757-790X; 1757-790X
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218623

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.