Neurotoxicity following the Ingestion of Bilimbi Fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi) in an End-Stage Renal Disease Patient on Hemodialysis

Abstract

Introduction: The toxic effects of the ingestion of star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) in chronic kidney disease patients are well described in the literature. Recently, the compound caramboxin has been isolated, explaining the mechanisms of its neurotoxicity. Bilimbi fruit belongs to the family Oxalidaceae, Averrhoa bilimbi species, and exhibits similar biochemical characteristics to star fruit. Objective: To report the case of a patient with chronic kidney disease who developed a seizure disorder after the ingestion of bilimbi fruit. Case Report: A 69-year-old man with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis therapy had intractable hiccups, myoclonus, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures after the consumption of a moderate amount of bilimbi fruit. The electroencephalogram showed a pattern of seizure disorder despite the use of anticonvulsant drugs. Renal replacement therapy was maintained during the whole period and prescribed according to the patient’s hemodynamic status. Despite showing clinical resolution of the seizure disorder, the patient died on the 27th day of hospitalization for infectious complications. Conclusions: The neurologic status without any other known cause and with clear temporal association with the ingestion of the fruit suggests the diagnosis of neurotoxicity. We propose the hypothesis that the bilimbi fruit has neurotoxic effects similar to those exhibited by the star fruit.

Case of acute kidney injury due to bilimbi fruit ingestion

“…Averrhoa bilimbi and Averrhoa carambola (starfruit) belong to the family Oxalidaceae and share similar biochemical properties. 6 There are many reported cases of star fruit-induced oxalate nephrotoxicity in those with existing renal impairment. However, the oxalic acid content in star fruit is less than bilimbi (0.8–7.3 mg/g).…”

Is Excessive Intake of Kamias Fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi) Bad for Your Heath? A Case Report and Review

“…It is highly likely that the problem is under-recognized and underreported. Neurotoxicity following ingestion of Averrhoa bilimbi in a patient with end stage kidney failure has also been reported [4], albeit not as frequent as the neurotoxicity caused by its cousin, Averrhoa carambola (balimbing or star fruit) [5]. Symptoms of neurotoxicity include uncontrollable hiccups, mental confusion and seizures [4,5].…”

“…Neurotoxicity following ingestion of Averrhoa bilimbi in a patient with end stage kidney failure has also been reported [4], albeit not as frequent as the neurotoxicity caused by its cousin, Averrhoa carambola (balimbing or star fruit) [5]. Symptoms of neurotoxicity include uncontrollable hiccups, mental confusion and seizures [4,5]. Although majority of the reported cases of AKI recovered with conservative management, many required acute hemodialysis [6,7,8,9].…”

Consumption of bilimbi cause acute kidney injury

“…The various side effects of bilimbi include renal and neurological side effects like muscle weakness, intractable hiccups, mental confusion, seizure. (Caetano et al, 2017). This oxalate-rich fruit, commonly known as bilimbi, cucumber tree, or tree sorrel.…”