Chronic interstitial nephritis following parenteral copper sulfate poisoning

Abstract

A 21-year-old male patient was admitted with acute renal failure and intravascular hemolysis following suicidal parenteral copper sulfate poisoning. He developed metabolic acidosis and septicemia; and was treated with intensive hemodialysis, blood transfusions and antibiotics. After remaining anuric for 4 weeks, his urine output gradually increased. However his renal functions improved only partially. Renal biopsy done 8 weeks after the episode showed chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis (CIN). This is the first reported case showing CIN following acute copper sulfate intoxication.