Tenofovir-induced osteomalacia with hypophosphataemia

Abstract

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is an antiretroviral drug widely used as a first-line treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV. Increasing evidence has emerged associating its use with the development of Fanconi syndrome, renal insufficiency and bone disease. We report a case of a 61-year-old woman with a remote history of liver transplant for cirrhosis due to HBV. Over 1 year, the patient had recurrent falls, generalised myalgias and arthralgias, misdiagnosed as fibromyalgia. We discuss a complication of her transplant treatment regimen with the drug TDF leading to a rare but reversible disorder: tenofovir-induced Fanconi osteomalacia with renal phosphate wasting. Though recognised, this rare disorder was initially likely missed due to clinical unfamiliarity with the diagnosis, concomitant psychiatric symptoms and premature diagnostic closure.