Serum potassium, calcium and magnesium in patients receiving ESHAP chemotherapy for relapsed lymphomas

Etoposide, methylprednisolone, cytarabine and cisplatin (ESHAP) is one of the mostly widely used chemotherapy regimens for patients with relapsed lymphomas. Cisplatin administration is commonly associated with electrolyte imbalance. Careful monitoring of renal function and serum electrolytes is therefore essential in this setting.

To review the practice of electrolyte monitoring - potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) - in patients receiving ESHAP and the frequency and severity of abnormalities and their management.

Twenty-one consecutive patients received ESHAP. The medical records of 16 patients were retrievable and reviewed retrospectively. Results of serum K, Ca and Mg were collected prior to and after cycles 1, 2 and 3 of ESHAP, if measured.

Serum K levels prior to every cycle did not show any noticeable change. The means were 4.42, 4.34 and 4.43 mmol/l before cycles 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In one patient hypokalaemia was severe, refractory and symptomatic when preceded by hypomagnesaemia. Serum-adjusted calcium levels showed only minimal reduction. The means were 2.46, 2.40 and 2.38 mmol/l before cycles 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Mean serum Mg levels prior to every cycle showed progressive reduction; 0.84, 0.75 and 0.67 mmol/l before cycles 1, 2 and 3, respectively. This was associated with a progressive increase in the amount of required Mg supplementation. Serum K, Ca and Mg was measured prior to 100%, 67% and 35% of administered cycles, respectively.

In patients receiving ESHAP, hypokalaemia can occasionally be seen, especially if preceded by hypomagnesaemia. Mild cumulative hypocalcaemia is recognised. Hypomagnesaemia is a progressive complication and physicians need be aware of its importance. alcaemia is recognised. Hypomagnesaemia is a progressive complication and physicians need be aware of its importance.