THIS IS AN EMERGENCY

Question 1

Chemo can cause tumour lysis syndrome. What are the findings on investigations suggestive of it? How do you treat it?

Answer 1

2-3 days post chemo;

• increased potassium, phosphate, calcium and uric acid
• increased creatine
• arrhythmias
• can cause renal failure
• IV allopurinol or rasbicurase
• refer to dialysis early

Question 2

How is neutropaenic sepsis defined? how do you treat it?

Answer 2

• less than 0.5 neutrophils in a patient on anti-cancer tx with a T>38 or signs of sepsis
• piperacillin and tazobactam (tazocin)