Osteomalacia and Fanconi Syndrome Induced by Adefovir.

A 77-year-old man with a history of taking adefovir at 10 mg/day for 10 years for chronic hepatitis B was referred due to multiple fractures without any trauma. He had mild renal dysfunction (sCr 1.28 mg/dL), hypophosphatemia (iP 1.9 mg/dL), hypouricemia (UA 1.4 mg/dL), phosphaturia, glycosuria without hyperglycemia, non-anion-gap metabolic acidosis, a normal range of vitamin D and intact parathormone, and a high concentration of ALP (922 IU/L), indicating a diagnosis of Fanconi syndrome. A renal biopsy revealed interstitial nephritis and intact glomeruli, compatible with the diagnosis. Bone scintigraphy showed an uptake at multiple points, including the costochondral junction, sternum and pseudofractures, demonstrating osteomalacia caused by Fanconi syndrome (Picture). After switching from adefovir to entecavir and starting alfacalcidol and phosphates, the patient’s incident pain and laboratory findings dramatically improved. Regular monitoring of the renal function, including serum uric acid, serum phosphate, and urinalysis findings, is recommended to avoid Fanconi syndrome associated with the prolonged use of adefovir (1).

Picture.

The authors state that they have no Conflict of Interest (COI).