Foscarnet-induced crystalline glomerulonephritis with nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure after kidney transplantation.

Abstract

Foscarnet nephrotoxicity has been reported to be associated with acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. Crystals in glomerular capillary lumens have also been observed in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who were treated with foscarnet for cytomegalovirus disease. We describe a kidney transplant recipient who developed a nephrotic syndrome with microscopic hematuria and nonoliguric acute renal failure within 15 days after starting foscarnet therapy for cytomegalovirus infection. A kidney biopsy specimen showed the presence of crystals in all glomeruli and in proximal tubules. Fourier transform infrared microscopy analysis demonstrated that crystals were made from several forms of foscarnet salts: mixed calcium and sodium salts, and unchanged trisodium foscarnet salts. Renal function and proteinuria spontaneously improved, and a second transplant biopsy performed 8 months after the first one revealed fibrotic organization of half of the glomeruli and of interstitial tissue, and crystal vanishing. We were thus able to provide proof of the possible precipitation of foscarnet in a transplanted kidney.

• Authors: G Zanetta, L Maurice-Estepa, C Mousson, E Justrabo, M Daudon, G Rifle, Y Tanter
• Journal: Transplantation (Transplantation) Vol. 67 Issue 10 Pg. 1376-8 (May 27 1999) ISSN: 0041-1337 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10360595 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Foscarnet

Topics

• AIDS-Associated Nephropathy (chemically induced)
• Acute Kidney Injury (complications)
• Antiviral Agents (adverse effects)
• Cytomegalovirus Infections (surgery)
• Foscarnet (adverse effects)
• Glomerulonephritis (chemically induced)
• Humans
• Kidney Transplantation
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nephrotic Syndrome (complications)