[Acute kidney failure as a complication of fasting therapy]

Acute urate nephropathy during starvation for weight reduction has been observed in 2 patients. Under these conditions ketoacidosis causes impaired renal uric acid excretion and hyperuricemia. Uricosuric agents or sudden intake of normal calorie diet induces massive uricosuria and kidney damage. Uricosuric agents should be avoided and steps taken to promote abundant diuresis, while allopurinol should be prescribed.