Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Childhood

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a clinical condition that results from rapid destruction of the tumor cells and it is associated with life-threatening metabolic abnormalities. These metabolic abnormalities are hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia and secondary development of hypocalcemia. TLS is seen most frequently in patients with lymphoproliferative malignancies. The most important point of treatment is early identification of patients that are at risk for the development of TLS and its prevention. Nephrology clinics are closely interested in TLS because generally the metabolic abnormalities occur together with the acute renal failure. This review focuses on basic background information, pathogenesis and preventive as well as therapeutic strategies concerning TLS.