Tumour Lysis Syndrome

Question 1

What is tumour lysis syndrome?

Answer 1

Potentially deadly condition related to the treatment of high grade lymphomas and leukaemias. It can occur in the absence of chemotherapy but is usually triggered by the introduction of combination chemotherapy. On occasion it can occur with steroid treatment alone.

Question 2

What is given prophylactically to prevent tumour lysis?

Answer 2

IV allopurinol or IV rasburicase

Question 3

What are the blood results in tumour lysis syndrome?

Answer 3

Leads to a high potassium and high phosphate level in the presence of a low calcium. It should be suspected in any patient presenting with an acute kidney injury in the presence of a high phosphate and high uric acid level.

Question 4

Complications of tumour lysis syndrome

Answer 4

Acute renal failure, cardiac arrhythmias and seizures