DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i09.004

Pages: 3247-3250

Fish gallbladder is consumed in several developing countries in Asia as part of traditional medicine. It is considered to improve vision, digestion, cure joint pain, skin ailments & asthma. It contains a heat stable toxin which can severely affect gastrointestinal system, renal, liver, central nervous system leading to multiple organ failure.We report two cases with a history of diarrhoea, generalized abdominal pain, repeated vomiting and decreased urine output following the consumption of fish gallbladder. Both underwent urgent hemodialysis (HD) and supportive treatment. Based on thorough history taking and prompt biochemical investigations that showed markedly raised urea and creatinine levels and liver enzymes, a diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) & hepatic injury secondary to fish gallbladder poisoning was made. Kidney biopsies revealed acute tubular injury. Renal & hepatic function improved gradually with continued treatment.General physicians in these countries should be aware of the fact that various types of food poisoning can cause AKI. Proper history taking is important and prompt biochemical investigations are needed for an early diagnosis and treatment.