Fatal vitamin C-associated acute renal failure.

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Toxicology
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• High-dose vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is often perceived as harmless.
• However, potential risks, including nephrotoxicity, are not always fully disclosed or understood.

Observation:

• A case report details a patient who declined conventional medical interventions.
• The patient's high-dose vitamin C usage was not initially disclosed.
• This led to a fatal outcome attributed to intra-renal oxalate crystal deposition.

Findings:

• Autopsy confirmed intra-renal oxalate crystal deposition as the cause of death.
• Undisclosed high-dose vitamin C intake was identified as the contributing factor.

Implications:

• This case highlights the critical importance of complete patient disclosure regarding supplement use.
• It underscores the potential for severe adverse events, even with substances considered benign.
• Physicians must be vigilant in inquiring about all patient-taken substances, especially when critical care decisions are made.