MEDizzy
MEDizzy
USMLE
Combined Hematology
A 34-year-old man who is HIV positive is starting treatment for Burkitt's lymphoma. His chemotherapy regime includes cyclophosphamide, vincristine, methotrexate and prednisolone. Around 24 hours after starting chemotherapy he becomes confused and complains of muscle cramps in his legs. Which one of the following is most likely to have occurred?
Explanation
ExplanationD. Burkitt's lymphoma is a common cause of tumor lysis syndrome. Tumor lysis syndrome occurs as a result of cell breakdown following chemotherapy. This releases a large quantity of intracellular components such as potassium, phosphate and uric acid.
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