How are chinese herbs associated with chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis?
Chinese herbs nephropathy was described in a group of Belgian women using Chinese herbs for weight loss. The weight loss tea was contaminated with aristolochic acid, which is also a known carcinogen.
Histopathologically, a hypocellular interstitial fibrosis with marked tubular atrophy is seen.
If untreated, patients may rapidly progress to ESKD. A short course of oral steroids has been shown to slow the progression of kidney failure.