Renal metabolic complications of childhood non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The most frequent cause of significant metabolic disturbance in NHL patients is renal insufficiency secondary to urate nephropathy. These may be exaggerated by release of intracellular materials due to cytotoxic therapy. Preventive measures, careful monitoring, and prompt treatment should reduce to a minimum the effect of these problems on overall prognosis. Hypercalcemia may occur in life-threatening proportions in NHL, and warrants specific therapy. Other disturbances of clinical significance include lactic acidosis and hypoglycemia. Anticipation and early treatment are essential for these patients who should be cared for in centers with a full range of supportive functions, including hemodialysis and radiation therapy, readily available.