Fatal Outcome after Star Fruit (Averrhoa Carambola) Ingestion in Patient with Chronic Renal Insufficiency

Shih-Wen Hung, MD; Aming Chor-Ming Lin, MD; Chee-Fah Chong, MD; Tzong-Luen Wang, MD, PhD; Hon-Ping Ma, MD

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Abstract -- Most of the patients with star fruit intoxication are uremic patient on dialysis and few of them are advanced renal failure patient not yet beginning dialysis. We reported a case of less advanced renal insufficiency (Cr: 2.3 mg/dL) who present vomiting, hiccup and lower limbs numbness after ingesting star fruit and rapid progressed to seizure six hours later. Status epilepticus was noted refractory to medical treatment. Continuous renal replacement therapy was performed on the fourth day but in vain. Patient expired on the fifth day due to status epilepticus and hypotension.