Chemotherapy-induced cell destruction can lead to increased uric acid levels, potentially causing which complications if not managed?

Chemotherapy-induced cell destruction can lead to increased uric acid levels, potentially causing which complications if not managed?

• A. Dehydration
• B. Secondary gout and obstructive uropathy
• C. Anemia
• D. Nausea

Answer: (B)

When chemotherapy causes rapid tumor cell breakdown, a surge of nucleic acids is released and metabolized into uric acid, raising its level in the blood. That hyperuricemia can crystallize in the kidneys, leading to uric acid nephropathy and potentially obstructive uropathy as crystals block urinary flow. It can also deposit in joints, causing gout (often called secondary gout in this setting). These uric acid–related complications are the direct consequences to address. Dehydration can worsen kidney injury but is not a direct uric acid complication; anemia and nausea are general chemotherapy side effects not specific to elevated uric acid.

When chemotherapy causes rapid tumor cell breakdown, a surge of nucleic acids is released and metabolized into uric acid, raising its level in the blood. That hyperuricemia can crystallize in the kidneys, leading to uric acid nephropathy and potentially obstructive uropathy as crystals block urinary flow. It can also deposit in joints, causing gout (often called secondary gout in this setting). These uric acid–related complications are the direct consequences to address. Dehydration can worsen kidney injury but is not a direct uric acid complication; anemia and nausea are general chemotherapy side effects not specific to elevated uric acid.