Tumour lysis syndrome-a case treated using peritoneal dialysis

Abstract

We present a 10 year old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia who inspite of preventative treatment developed an acute tumour lysis syndrome with the administration of chemotherapy. This syndrome is characterized by hyperuricaemia, hyperkalaemia, hyperphosphataemia and oliguria. Conservative treatment was undertaken but it was necessary to initiate peritoneal dialysis because of deteriorating renal function. We choose peritoneal dialysis because of the patients haemodynamic instability and coagulation disorder. Serum uric acid, phosphate, calcium and potassium levels were effectively controlled and urinary volume increased after 3 days of treatment. The pathogenesis and treatment of tumour lysis syndrome are briefly discussed.