FWT Cheng, J Xiao, CK Li

Abstract

Tumour lysis syndrome is an oncological emergency and non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the high risk groups to develop this complication before or during chemotherapy. This article provides an overview and evaluates the role of urate oxidase in management of this condition. Retrospective review of forty-four cases in our hospital showed that four patients (9%) developed grade 3 to grade 4 tumour lysis syndrome and two of them required renal replacement therapy. All of them recovered from this acute complication after vigorous supportive therapy. Burkitt's lymphoma with intra-abdominal presentation and huge tumour load with multiple sites involvement are the main risk factors for development of tumour lysis syndrome.