High risk and low incidence diseases: Tumor lysis syndrome

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a serious condition that carries with it a high rate of morbidity and mortality.

This review highlights the pearls and pitfalls of TLS, including presentation, diagnosis, and management in the emergency department (ED) based on current evidence.

TLS is a potentially deadly metabolic oncologic emergency. It most commonly occurs in patients with acute leukemia and lymphoma undergoing chemotherapy, but it may also occur in those with solid tumors and in those undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Diagnosis requires clinical suspicion, thorough history and physical examination, laboratory testing, and electrocardiogram. The diagnosis is based on the Cairo-Bishop classification. Patients present with a variety of complications such as electrolyte abnormalities, renal injury, arrhythmias, respiratory failure, and neurological abnormalities such as seizures. ED treatment includes fluid resuscitation, managing electrolyte abnormalities, catalyzing uric acid oxidation with rasburicase, and excluding other life-threatening conditions. Hemodialysis may be necessary.

An understanding of TLS can assist emergency clinicians in diagnosing and managing this potentially deadly disease.