Potassium-wasting nephropathy secondary to chemotherapy simulating Bartter's syndrome

Abstract

A patient with a potassium wasting nephropathy secondary to chemotherapy simulating Bartter's syndrome is described. A 64-year-old woman with diffuse histiocytic lymphoma developed persistent hypokalemia following a course of Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Adriamycin (doxorubicin), vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)-Bleo. The diagnosis of a functional Bartter's syndrome was concluded following evaluation of serial plasma renins, aldosterone levels, and urinary electrolytes. Evidence is suggestive that a subpopulation of patients receiving chemotherapy may develop a functional Bartter's syndrome, and it is important to consider this diagnosis in patients who develop hypokalemia subsequent to chemotherapy introduction.