Hiperazoemia transitoria mediada hemodinámicamente por dosis altas de palmito salvaje (Serenoa repens, Saw Palmetto): Reporte de caso

we report the case of a 52-year-old man with hyperazotemia of indeterminate source, who had a history of benign prostatic hypertrophy and chronic prostatitis, which was treated for several months with saw palmetto, a medicine based on extracts from the american dwarf palm fruit. during the last week the patient had received high doses (960 mg/day). laboratory workup revealed a glomerular filtration rate of 60 milliliters per minute; the suspension of this herbal remedy achieved restoration of renal function to normal levels. we discuss the mechanisms through which saw palmetto could cause hyperazotemia.