Hyponatremia in hospitalized cancer patients and its impact on clinical outcomes

[Electrolyte disorders in oncological patients]

Electrolyte disorders (ED) are common in patients with cancer and in most cases, the etiologies do not differ from the general population. They may also be induced by the cancer, its therapy or paraneoplastic syndromes. ED are associated with poor outcomes, increased morbidity and mortality in this population. Hyponatremia is the most common disorder, often multifactorial, iatrogenic or secondary to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, usually due to small cell lung cancer. More rarely, hyponatremia may reveal adrenal insufficiency. Hypokalemia is generally multifactorial and associated with other ED. Cisplatin and ifosfamide induce proximal tubulopathies with hypokalemia and/or hypophosphatemia. Hypomagnesemia is often iatrogenic, related to cisplatin or cetuximab, but can be prevented by supplementation. Hypercalcemia can impair life quality and be life-threatening in the most severe cases. Hypocalcemia is less common and often of iatrogenic origin. Finally, the tumor lysis syndrome is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency that affects the prognosis of patients. Its incidence tends to increase in solid oncology, related to the improvement of therapies. Prevention and early diagnosis of ED are essential to optimize the overall management of patients with underlying cancer and cancer therapy. The aim of this review is to synthesize most frequent ED and their management.

Effects of Reduced Extracellular Sodium Concentrations on Cisplatin Treatment in Human Tumor Cells: The Role of Autophagy

Hyponatremia is the prevalent electrolyte imbalance in cancer patients, and it is associated with a worse outcome. Notably, emerging clinical evidence suggests that hyponatremia adversely influences the response to anticancer treatments. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how reduced extracellular [Na+] affects the responsiveness of different cancer cell lines (from human colon adenocarcinoma, neuroblastoma, and small cell lung cancer) to cisplatin and the underlying potential mechanisms. Cisplatin dose-response curves revealed higher IC50 in low [Na+] than normal [Na+]. Accordingly, cisplatin treatment was less effective in counteracting the proliferation and migration of tumor cells when cultured in low [Na+], as demonstrated by colony formation and invasion assays. In addition, the expression analysis of proteins involved in autophagosome-lysosome formation and the visualization of lysosomal areas by electron microscopy revealed that one of the main mechanisms involved in chemoresistance to cisplatin is the promotion of autophagy. In conclusion, our data first demonstrate that the antitumoral effect of cisplatin is markedly reduced in low [Na+] and that autophagy is an important mechanism of drug escape. This study indicates the role of hyponatremia in cisplatin chemoresistance and reinforces the recommendation to correct this electrolyte alteration in cancer patients.

Establishment and representativeness of the Stockholm Sodium Cohort: A laboratorial and pharmacoepidemiologic database covering 1.6 million individuals in the Stockholm County

OBJECTIVE

Hyponatremia is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, but causal links have been difficult to establish. Here, we describe the establishment and representativeness of the Stockholm Sodium Cohort (SSC), designed to study etiologies and outcomes of hyponatremia.

STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING

All residents of Stockholm County undertaking at least one serum sodium test between 2005-2018 were included in the SSC. Individual-level test results from over 100 laboratory parameters relevant to hyponatremia were collected and linked to data on demographics, socioeconomic status, healthcare contacts, diagnoses and dispensed prescription medications using national registers.

RESULTS

A total of 1,632,249 individuals, corresponding to 64% of the population of Stockholm County, were included in the SSC. Coverage increased with advancing age, ranging from 32% in children and adolescents (≤18 years) to 97% among the oldest (≥80 years). The coverage of SSC included the vast majority of patients in Stockholm County diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (93%), myocardial infarction (98%), ischemic stroke (97%), cancer (85%), pneumonias requiring inpatient care (95%) and deaths (88%).

CONCLUSION

SSC is the first cohort specifically designed to investigate sodium levels in a large, population-based setting. It includes a wide range of administrative health data and laboratory analyses. The coverage is high, particularly among elderly and individuals with comorbidities. Consequently, the cohort has a large potential for exploration of various aspects of hyponatremia.

Palatability of two different formulations of urea for the treatment of hyponatremia: A double-blind, randomized, cross-over study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hyponatremia (HN) is the most common disorder of electrolytes encountered in clinical practice. Considering that HN is associated with high morbidity and mortality, it is important to identify treatments for these patients. The therapeutic approaches for HN depend on the severity and the character of the pathology (acute vs. chronic). Among intervention strategies, oral urea represents an effective, safe, and well-tolerated therapeutic approach in the management of chronic hyponatremia. Oral ureal is commonly prepared as a galenic formulation that is usually associated with distaste problems. A double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical trial was conducted to evaluate and compare the palatability of two different urea formulations: a commercial urea formulation and a galenic one (trial registered on www.isrctn.com, number: ISRCTN18369035).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six healthy subjects (18 female and 18 male, median age 55 years) were enrolled in the study and randomized to consume 7 g of formulation A (commercial formulation) or formulation B (galenic formulation) twice a day away from meals, solubilizing the products in 125 mL of water (T0). After three days of a wash-out, the formulations were crossed-over and consumed twice a day away from meals (T4). After the consumption of products, both in the morning and the evening, participants completed a specific questionnaire to evaluate the products' palatability.

RESULTS

The commercial formulation was globally more appreciated than the galenic one, in terms of smell, taste, and aftertaste. The commercial formulation was better accepted as a potential treatment in 44 % of subjects compared to 14 % of subjects for galenic formulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical trial confirmed the better palatability of the commercial oral urea formulation, containing citrus flavor, which therefore represents a therapeutic strategy that could improve adherence to the therapy in chronic patients with hyponatremia.

Hyponatremia Promotes Cancer Growth in a Murine Xenograft Model of Neuroblastoma

In cancer patients, hyponatremia is detected in about 40% of cases at hospital admission and has been associated to a worse outcome. We have previously observed that cancer cells from different tissues show a significantly increased proliferation rate and invasion potential, when cultured in low extracellular [Na+]. We have recently developed an animal model of hyponatremia using Foxn1nu/nu mice. The aim of the present study was to compare tumor growth and invasivity of the neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-AS in hyponatremic vs. normonatremic mice. Animals were subcutaneously implanted with luciferase-expressing SK-N-AS cells. When masses reached about 100 mm3, hyponatremia was induced in a subgroup of animals via desmopressin infusion. Tumor masses were significantly greater in hyponatremic mice, starting from day 14 and until the day of sacrifice (day 28). Immunohistochemical analysis showed a more intense vascularization and higher levels of expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen, chromogranin A and heme oxigenase-1 gene in hyponatremic mice. Finally, metalloproteases were also more abundantly expressed in hyponatremic animals compared to control ones. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration in an experimental animal model that hyponatremia is associated to increased cancer growth by activating molecular mechanisms that promote proliferation, angiogenesis and invasivity.

Long-term low-dose tolvaptan efficacy and safety in SIADH

PURPOSE

Tolvaptan, a selective vasopressin V2-receptor antagonist, is approved for the treatment of SIADH-related hyponatremia, but its use is limited. The starting dose is usually 15 mg/day, but recent clinical experience suggests a lower starting dose (<15 mg/day) to reduce the risk of sodium overcorrection. However, long-term low-dose efficacy and safety has not been explored, so far. Aim of our study is to characterize safety and efficacy of long-term SIADH treatment with low-dose Tolvaptan.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 11 patients receiving low-dose Tolvaptan (<15 mg/day) for chronic SIADH due to neurological, idiopathic and neoplastic causes. Plasma sodium levels were measured before and 1, 3, 5, 15 and 30 days after starting Tolvaptan and then at 3-month intervals. Anamnestic and clinical data were collected.

RESULTS

Mean time spanned 27.3 ± 29.8 months (range 6 months-7 years). Mean plasma sodium levels were within normal range 1, 3 and 6 months after starting Tolvaptan as well as after 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 years of therapy. Neither osmotic demyelination syndrome nor overcorrection were observed. Plasma sodium levels normalization was associated with beneficial clinical effects. Neurological patients obtained seizures disappearance, improvement in neurological picture and good recovery from rehabilitation. Neoplastic patients were able to start chemotherapy and improved their general condition. Patients did not show hypernatremia during long-term follow-up and reported mild thirst and pollakiuria.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that long-term low-dose Tolvaptan is safe and effective in SIADH treatment. No cases of overcorrection were documented and mild side effects were reported.

Epidemiology and predictors of hyponatremia in a contemporary cohort of patients with malignancy: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Hyponatremia is associated with worse outcomes among patients with malignancy. However, contemporary cohort data on epidemiology and risk factors are lacking.

Methods

In this single-centre, retrospective cohort study, patients who received intravenous antineoplastic agents from 2018 to 2020 at Nagoya City University Hospital were enrolled. Associations of demographics, antineoplastic agents, types of malignancy and concomitant medications with hyponatremia, defined as serum sodium concentration ≤130 mmol/l, were analysed by mixed-effects logistic regression and the machine learning-based LightGBM model artificial intelligence technology.

Results

Among 2644 patients, 657 (24.8%) developed at least one episode of hyponatremia. Approximately 80% of hyponatremia was due to sodium wasting from the kidneys. Variables associated with hyponatremia both by mixed-effects logistic regression and the LightGBM model were older age, hypoalbuminemia and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate. Among antineoplastic agents, cisplatin {odds ratio [OR] 1.52 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-1.96]}, pembrolizumab [OR 1.42 (95% CI 1.02-1.97)] and bortezomib [OR 3.04 (95% CI 1.96-4.71)] were associated with hyponatremia and these variables also had a positive impact on predicted hyponatremia in the LightGBM model.

Conclusions

Hyponatremia was common among patients with malignancy. In addition to older age and poor nutritional status, novel antineoplastic agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and bortezomib, should be recognized as risk factors for hyponatremia.

Chapter 1: Evaluation of kidney function in patients undergoing anticancer drug therapy, from clinical practice guidelines for the management of kidney injury during anticancer drug therapy 2022

The prevalence of CKD may be higher in patients with cancer than in those without due to the addition of cancer-specific risk factors to those already present for CKD. In this review, we describe the evaluation of kidney function in patients undergoing anticancer drug therapy. When anticancer drug therapy is administered, kidney function is evaluated to (1) set the dose of renally excretable drugs, (2) detect kidney disease associated with the cancer and its treatment, and (3) obtain baseline values for long-term monitoring. Owing to some requirements for use in clinical practice, a GFR estimation method such as the Cockcroft-Gault, MDRD, CKD-EPI, and the Japanese Society of Nephrology's GFR estimation formula has been developed that is simple, inexpensive, and provides rapid results. However, an important clinical question is whether they can be used as a method of GFR evaluation in patients with cancer. When designing a drug dosing regimen in consideration of kidney function, it is important to make a comprehensive judgment, recognizing that there are limitations regardless of which estimation formula is used or if GFR is directly measured. Although CTCAEs are commonly used as criteria for evaluating kidney disease-related adverse events that occur during anticancer drug therapy, a specialized approach using KDIGO criteria or other criteria is required when nephrologists intervene in treatment. Each drug is associated with the different disorders related to the kidney. And various risk factors for kidney disease associated with each anticancer drug therapy.

Association Between Laboratory Values and Adverse Events in Adults Post-Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant During and After Rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between adverse events (AEs) and critical events (CEs) during and after rehabilitation in cancer patients post-hemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) or bone marrow transplant (BMT) and to identify whether particular laboratory values are associated with increased risk of AEs or CEs.

DESIGN

A retrospective chart review (2012-2017) of hospitalized patients ages 18-75 years who received a diagnosis of cancer and BMT or HSCT receiving rehabilitation services SETTING: Urban Midwest tertiary, research and academic hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

In total, 99 hospitalized adults with HSCT or BMT participated in 300 rehabilitation sessions.

INTERVENTIONS

Physical or occupational therapy using a symptom-based approach in which patient symptoms were monitored and therapy was adjusted in real time MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of AEs or CEs occurring during or within 48 hours of rehabilitation.

RESULTS

A total of 300 rehabilitation sessions were carried out where 99.7% had 1 or more laboratory values outside reference range. In only 3.3% of therapy sessions an AE occurred during or within 2 hours of rehabilitation. Within 48 hours postrehabilitation, AEs occurred in 22.3% and CEs in 4%. No laboratory value was significantly associated with increased risk of AEs or CEs during rehabilitation. A hemoglobin <8.0 g/dL conferred an increased risk of AEs (odds ratio [OR], 2.85-6.89) depending on timeframe analyzed and overall risk of CE (OR, 3.75). Lower hemoglobin levels (<7.5 g/dL and <7.0 g/dL) did not increase this risk. Low platelets (<25 k/μL) increased the risk of AEs on day 1, 2 and overall (OR, 2.5-2.72) and overall risk of CEs (OR, 6.62).

CONCLUSIONS

Our research demonstrates a low rate of AEs and CEs during or within 2 hours of rehabilitation but supports the need to monitor patients when hemoglobin is <8 g/dL or platelets are <25 k/μL due to the increased risk of events.

A Conspectus of Euvolemic Hyponatremia, Its Various Etiologies, and Treatment Modalities: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

Hyponatremia is the most prevalent electrolyte imbalance encountered among hospitalized patients, athletes, the elderly, patients with chronic ailments, postoperative patients, and a few asymptomatic individuals. Clinical manifestations of hyponatremia can be diverse, with characteristic neurological symptoms. Depending on in-depth medical history, physical examination (including volume status assessment), laboratory investigation, and drug history, patients can be classified broadly as undergoing hypervolemic, euvolemic, or hypovolemic hyponatremia. However, patients with hypervolemic hyponatremia often present with distinctive signs such as edema or ascites, and the clinical presentation of hypovolemic and euvolemic hyponatremia poses significant challenges for clinicians. The convolution in clinical manifestations of patients is due to the varied etiologies of euvolemic hyponatremia, such as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), adrenocortical insufficiency, hypothyroidism, psychogenic polydipsia, different classes of drugs (chemotherapeutics, antipsychotics, antidepressants), endurance exercise events, and reset osmostat syndrome (ROS). The management of hyponatremia depends on the rate of hyponatremia onset, duration, severity of symptoms, levels of serum sodium, and underlying comorbidities. Over the last decade, the clinical understanding of hyponatremia has been scattered due to the introduction of innovative laboratory markers and new drugs. This article will be a conspectus of all the recent advancements in the field of diagnosis, investigations, management, and associations of hyponatremia, along with traditional clinical practices. Subsequently, a holistic overview has been laid out for the clinicians to better understand and identify knowledge deficiencies on this topic.

Hyponatremia-related liver steatofibrosis and impaired spermatogenesis: evidence from a mouse model of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis

PURPOSE

Hyponatremia is the most frequent electrolytic disorder in clinical practice. In addition to neurological symptoms, hyponatremia, even when mild/moderate and chronic, has been related to other manifestations, such as bone demineralization and increased risk of fractures. To better elucidate tissue alterations associated with reduced serum sodium concentration [Na⁺], we developed an in vivo model of hyponatremia secondary to the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Hyponatremia was induced in Foxn1^nu/nu mice by subcutaneous infusion of the vasopressin analog 1-deamino [8-D-arginine] vasopressin (dDAVP) for 14 days via osmotic mini-pumps. Mice in the control group were infused with isotonic saline solution. Serum [Na⁺] progressively decreased, with a nadir of 123.4 ± 2.3 mEq/L (mean ± SD, dDAVP 0.3 ng/h) and 111.6 ± 4.7 mEq/L (mean ± SD, dDAVP 0.5 ng/h). Evident signs of liver steatofibrosis were observed at histology in hyponatremic mice. Accordingly, the expression of proteins involved in lipid metabolism (SREBP-1, PPARα and PPARγ) and in myofibroblast formation (αSMA and CTGF) significantly increased. Furthermore, heme oxygenase 1 expression was up-regulated in Kupffer and hepatic stellate cells in the liver of hyponatremic mice. Testis alterations were also observed. In particular, the thickness of the seminiferous epithelium appeared reduced. The expression levels of PCNA and PTMA, which are involved in DNA replication and germ cells maturation, were markedly reduced in the testis of hyponatremic mice.

CONCLUSION

Overall, these findings shed new light on the possible consequences of chronic hyponatremia and prompt a more thorough evaluation of hyponatremic patients.

Point of care ultrasonography in onco-nephrology: A stride toward better physical examination

Onco-Nephrology is an emerging subspecialty of Nephrology that focuses on a broad spectrum of renal disorders that can arise in patients with cancer. It encompasses acute kidney injury (AKI), complex fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base disorders, as well as chronic kidney disease caused or exacerbated by cancer and/or its treatment. In many such scenarios including AKI and hyponatremia, objective evaluation of hemodynamics is vital for appropriate management. Point of care ultrasonography (POCUS) is a limited ultrasound exam performed at the bedside and interpreted by the treating physician intended to answer focused clinical questions and guide therapy. Compared to conventional physical examination, POCUS offers substantially higher diagnostic accuracy for various structural and hemodynamic derangements. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the utility of POCUS enhanced physical examination for the Onconephrologist supported by the current evidence and our experience-based opinion.

Nephrotoxicity associated with anticancer agents: perspective on onconephrology from nephrologists

Nephrotoxicity is one of the most important complications in cancer patients. In particular, acute kidney injury (AKI) is known to be associated with discontinuing effective oncological treatments, longer hospitalizations, increased costs, and a higher risk of death. In addition to acute kidney injury, clinical signs associated with nephrotoxicity during treatment with anticancer agents include chronic kidney disease, proteinuria, hypertension, electrolyte abnormalities, and other characteristic manifestations. Many of these signs are caused both by cancer treatment as well as by cancer itself. Therefore, it is important to carefully recognize whether the underlying causes of renal impairment in cancer patients are cancer-related, treatment-related, or both. This review describes the epidemiology and pathophysiology of anticancer agent-induced acute kidney injury, proteinuria, hypertension, and other characteristic manifestations.

Hyponatremia and Cancer: From Bedside to Benchside

Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder encountered in hospitalized patients. This applies also to cancer patients. Multiple causes can lead to hyponatremia, but most frequently this electrolyte disorder is due to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis. In cancer patients, this syndrome is mostly secondary to ectopic secretion of arginine vasopressin by tumoral cells. In addition, several chemotherapeutic drugs induce the release of arginine vasopressin by the hypothalamus. There is evidence that hyponatremia is associated to a more negative outcome in several pathologies, including cancer. Many studies have demonstrated that in different cancer types, both progression-free survival and overall survival are negatively affected by hyponatremia, whereas the correction of serum [Na⁺] has a positive effect on patient outcome. In vitro studies have shown that cells grown in low [Na⁺] have a greater proliferation rate and motility, due to a dysregulation in intracellular signalling pathways. Noteworthy, vasopressin receptors antagonists, which were approved more than a decade ago for the treatment of euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia, have shown unexpected antiproliferative effects. Because of this property, vaptans were also approved for the treatment of polycystic kidney disease. In vitro evidence indicated that this family of drugs effectively counteracts proliferation and invasivity of cancer cells, thus possibly opening a new scenario among the pharmacological strategies to treat cancer.

Risk Factors for Anticancer Drug-Induced Hyponatremia: An Analysis Using the Japanese Adverse Drug Report (JADER) Database

Background and Objectives: Hyponatremia is among the most prevalent electrolyte abnormalities observed in patients with cancer during chemotherapy. Therefore, managing hyponatremia is crucial since it causes a severe electrolyte imbalance that can lead to significant mortality, and this study aimed to investigate the relationship between hyponatremia, anticancer drugs, and cancer types. Materials and Methods: Reported odds ratios were calculated and evaluated based on adverse event reports submitted to the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report (JADER) database. Results: Overall, 2943 patients had hyponatremia. Notably, cisplatin, pemetrexed, and etoposide had marked hyponatremia signals. In addition, significant hyponatremia signals were detected for oesophageal, lung, and renal cancers. Conclusions: Hyponatremia has been reported in women and patients with lung cancer receiving cisplatin, with a growing trend in the number of elderly patients receiving cisplatin. Furthermore, since the onset of hyponatremia during cisplatin administration is frequently reported within 10 days, patient information should be thoroughly examined before and monitored throughout the administration, which can contribute to the early detection and prevention of hyponatremia.

Review of Hematology-Oncology Emergencies for Internal Medicine Residents

The prevalence of cancer continues to grow globally every year. With therapeutic advances over the recent decades, the prevalence of individuals living with cancer continues to increase. Internal medicine residents can see patients admitted to the hospital for cancer-related emergencies. Early identification and appropriate management of these emergencies have been shown to improve mortality and morbidity. In this article, we aim to review the recent updates in the management of commonly encountered oncologic emergencies in the practice of internal medicine residents. This review will cover spinal cord compression, superior vena cava syndrome, tumor lysis syndrome, hypercalcemia, pericardial tamponade, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, bowel obstruction, increased intracranial pressure, leukostasis, hyperviscosity syndrome, neutropenic fever, and hypersensitivity reactions.

Korean Society of Nephrology 2022 recommendations on controversial issues in diagnosis and management of hyponatremia

The Korean Society for Electrolyte and Blood Pressure Research, in collaboration with the Korean Society of Nephrology, has published a clinical practice guideline (CPG) document for hyponatremia treatment. The document is based on an extensive evidence-based review of the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hyponatremia with the multidisciplinary participation of representative experts in hyponatremia with methodologist support for guideline development. This CPG consists of 12 recommendations (two for diagnosis, eight for treatment, and two for special situations) based on eight detailed topics and nine key questions. Each recommendation begins with statements graded by the strength of the recommendations and the quality of the evidence. Each statement is followed by rationale supporting the recommendations. The committee issued conditional recommendations in favor of rapid intermittent bolus administration of hypertonic saline in severe hyponatremia, the use of vasopressin receptor antagonists in heart failure with hypervolemic hyponatremia, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis with moderate to severe hyponatremia, the individualization of desmopressin use, and strong recommendation on the administration of isotonic fluids as maintenance fluid therapy in hospitalized pediatric patients. We hope that this CPG will provide useful recommendations in practice, with the aim of providing clinical support for shared decision-making to improve patient outcomes.

The V2 receptor antagonist tolvaptan counteracts proliferation and invasivity in human cancer cells

PURPOSE

Hyponatremia, the most frequent electrolyte alteration in clinical practice, has been associated with a worse prognosis in cancer patients. On the other hand, a better outcome has been related to serum sodium normalization. In vitro studies have shown that low extracellular sodium promotes cancer cells proliferation and invasiveness. Tolvaptan, a selective vasopressin receptor type 2 (V₂) antagonist, has been effectively used in the last decade for the treatment of hyponatremia secondary to the Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis. A few in vitro data suggested a direct role of tolvaptan in counteracting cancer progression, so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and the mechanism of action of tolvaptan in cell lines from different tumours [i.e. colon cancer (HCT-8), hepatocarcinoma (HepG2), neuroblastoma (SK-N-AS)].

METHODS AND RESULTS

First, we showed that these cell lines express the V₂ receptor. Tolvaptan significantly reduced cell proliferation with an IC₅₀ in the micromolar range. Accordingly, reduced levels of cAMP, of the catalytic α subunit of PKA, and a reduced pAKT/AKT ratio were observed. Tolvaptan effectively inhibited cell cycle progression, whereas it induced apoptotis. Furthermore, it reduced cell invasiveness. In particular, anchorage-independent growth and the activity of collagenases type IV were blunted in the three cell lines. Accordingly, tolvaptan counteracted the RhoA/ROCK1-2 pathway, which has a pivotal role in regulating cell movement.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, these findings indicate that tolvaptan effectively inhibits tumour progression in vitro. Further studies should clarify whether the V₂ receptor might be considered a possible target in anti-cancer strategies in the future.

Hiccups as the first presentation of secondary adrenal insufficiency associated with advanced cervical cancer

Summary

Hiccups are a common symptom characterized by intermittent spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm. Most hiccups are transient, but some are refractory. Patients with intractable hiccups often have abnormalities of the diaphragm, medulla oblongata, and lesions affecting nerve fibers connecting them. Moreover, electrolyte abnormalities, including hyponatremia, are frequently observed in patients with intractable hiccups. Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is one of the causes of hyponatremia. However, hiccups are not commonly the first presentation. Herein, we describe a case of a 45-year-old woman complaining of refractory hiccups. The patient was initially diagnosed with hiccups associated with cervical cancer metastasis to the liver and peritoneum. The administration of chlorpromazine did not have a beneficial effect on her hiccup. Fasting hypoglycemia and hyponatremia were later found. Her serum cortisol level was low without an elevation of adrenocorticotropic hormone level. MRI of the pituitary gland showed metastatic lesion in the pituitary gland and stalk. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with secondary AI due to cervical cancer metastasis to the pituitary gland and stalk. Administration of hydrocortisone improved her hiccups with the normalization of serum sodium level. Therefore, differential diagnosis in advanced cancer patients with hiccups should include AI-induced hyponatremia.

Learning points

Hiccups could be the first manifestation of adrenal insufficiency (AI). Hiccups in patients with AI are often mediated by hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is less frequent in secondary AI than in primary AI. However, hyponatremia can result from increased antidiuretic hormone due to loss of cortisol. The differential diagnosis should include AI-induced hyponatremia if hiccups occur in patients with advanced cancer, as metastasis to adrenal gland or pituitary gland could cause AI.

Korean Society of Nephrology 2022 Recommendations on controversial issues in diagnosis and management of hyponatremia

The Korean Society for Electrolyte and Blood Pressure Research, in collaboration with the Korean Society of Nephrology, has published a clinical practice guideline (CPG) document for hyponatremia treatment. The document is based on an extensive evidence-based review of the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hyponatremia with the multidisciplinary participation of representative experts in hyponatremia with methodologist support for guideline development. This CPG consists of 12 recommendations (two for diagnosis, eight for treatment, and two for special situations) based on eight detailed topics and nine key questions. Each recommendation begins with statements graded by the strength of the recommendations and the quality of the evidence. Each statement is followed by rationale supporting the recommendations. The committee issued conditional recommendations in favor of rapid intermittent bolus administration of hypertonic saline in severe hyponatremia, the use of vasopressin receptor antagonists in heart failure with hypervolemic hyponatremia, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis with moderate to severe hyponatremia, the individualization of desmopressin use, and strong recommendation on the administration of isotonic fluids as maintenance fluid therapy in hospitalized pediatric patients. We hope that this CPG will provide useful recommendations in practice, with the aim of providing clinical support for shared decision-making to improve patient outcomes.

Vandetanib-Induced Hyponatremia and Torsades De Pointes: A Case Report

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor of the parafollicular cells of the thyroid gland. The prognosis is very poor in patients with advanced MTC. Vandetanib was approved for advanced MTC after randomized control trials showed that it had therapeutic efficacy and considerably prolonged progression-free survival. Vandetanib therapy is associated with serious cardiovascular side effects including hypertensive crisis and arrhythmias due to prolonged QTc. We present a case of an 83-year-old female with advanced metastatic MTC who is under treatment with vandetanib 300 mg/day and developed medication-related hyponatremia, QTc prolongation, ventricular fibrillation (VF), and torsades de pointes (TdP). Her vandetanib therapy was held. Subsequently, she did not show recurrences of TdP. This is the second such case report in the literature.

Severe hyponatraemia in two patients with breast cancer caused by low-dose cyclophosphamide and precipitated by aprepitant

Two postmenopausal women with breast cancer developed acute confusion and seizures, less than 24 hours after the first cycle of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with fluorouracil, epirubicin and low-dose cyclophosphamide. They were found to have severe, life-threatening hyponatraemia with sodium levels of 113 and 115 mEq/L, respectively. Both women made a full recovery within 24 hours of admission with slow correction of sodium levels. Following investigational workup, the most likely diagnosis was cyclophosphamide-associated syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). Aprepitant - a commonly used antiemetic and moderate cytochromeP450 3A4 inhibitor was identified as the precipitating factor. Aprepitant was discontinued and both women were successfully re-challenged with full dose cyclophosphamide in an outpatient setting with no subsequent adverse events. This is a typical case of a rare cause of a common medical problem. A systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment of hyponatraemia in an oncology patient requires awareness of toxicities of systemic anticancer agents.

Pretreatment Low Serum Sodium as a Prognostic Factor for Patients with Esophageal Cancer Treated with Radiotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy

Low serum sodium levels have been associated with poor prognoses for several cancers. However, the prognostic value of low serum sodium levels in esophageal carcinoma (EC) has not been well elucidated. We examined the prognostic value of low baseline serum sodium levels before radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for EC patients. A retrospective analysis of data from EC patients who received radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy at a single cancer center was performed. Patients were divided into low serum sodium level (≤140.0 mmol/L) or high serum sodium level (>140.0 mmol/L) groups according to the median pretreatment serum sodium level. The Kaplan–Meier model and Cox proportional hazards model were used for survival analyses. The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates in the whole group were 16.9% and 21.8%, respectively. The PFS and OS rates of patients in the low serum sodium levels group were significantly lower than those in the high serum sodium levels group ( $p<0.001$ ). A similar association between PFS/OS and sodium levels was observed in the treatment subgroups. The univariate analysis showed that low serum sodium levels, Karnofsky performance status (KPS), clinical N stage, tumor site, clinical stage, and treatment mode were the influencing factors of OS. Multivariate analyses indicated that low baseline serum sodium levels were an independent prognostic marker of poor PFS (HR, 1.744; 95% CI, 1.248-2.437; $p=0.001$ ) and OS (hazard ratio (HR), 2.125; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.555-2.904; $p<0.001$ ). Pretreatment levels of low serum sodium could be a new and helpful serum biomarker of the prognosis of EC patients receiving radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

Sodium and Potassium Dysregulation in the Patient With Cancer

Sodium and potassium disorders are pervasive in patients with cancer. The causes of these abnormalities are wide-ranging, are often primary or second-order consequences of the underlying cancer, and have prognostic implications. The approach to hyponatremia should focus on cancer-related etiologies, such as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone, to the exclusion of other causes. Hypernatremia in non-iatrogenic forms is generally due to water loss rather than excessive sodium intake. Debilitated or dependent patients with cancer are particularly vulnerable to hypernatremia. Hypokalemia can occur in patients with cancer due to gastrointestinal disturbances, resulting from decreased intake or increased losses. Renal losses can occur as a result of excessive mineralocorticoid secretion or therapy-related nephrotoxicity. The approach to hyperkalemia should be informed by historical and laboratory clues, and pseudohyperkalemia is particularly common in patients with hematological cancers. Hyperkalemia can be seen in primary or metastatic disease that interrupts the adrenal axis. It can also develop as a consequence of immunotherapy, which can cause adrenalitis or hypophysitis. Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is defined by the development of hyperkalemia and is a medical emergency. Awareness of the electrolyte abnormalities that can befall patients with cancer is vital for its prompt recognition and management.

A Wearable Microneedle-Based Extended Gate Transistor for Real-Time Detection of Sodium in Interstitial Fluids

Sodium is a prominent prognostic biomarker for assessing health status, such as dysnatremia. As of now, detection and monitoring of sodium levels in the human body is carried out by means of laborious and bulky laboratory equipmentand/or by offline analysis of various body fluids. Herein, an innovative stretchable, skin-conformal and fast-response microneedle extended-gate FET biosensor is reported for real-time detection of sodium in interstitial fluids for minimally invasive health monitoring along with high sensitivity, low limit of detection, excellent biocompatibility, and on-body mechanical stability. The integration of the reported device with a wireless-data transmitter and the Internet-of-Things cloud for real-time monitoring and long-term analysis is reported and discussed. This platform would eventually help bringing unlimited possibilities for effecient medical care and accurate clinical decision-making.

Factors affecting prognosis of the patients with severe hyponatremia

INTRODUCTION

Hyponatremia is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities in clinical practice. Data regarding factors that have impact on mortality of severe hyponatremia and outcomes of its therapeutic management is insufficient. The present study aimed to examine the factors associated with mortality and the outcomes of treatment in patients with severe hyponatremia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with serum Na≤115mequiv./L who were admitted to Ordu State Hospital and Ordu University Training and Research Hospital between 2014 and 2018 were included in the study. Demographic and laboratory features, severity of the symptoms, comorbid diseases, medications, and clinical outcome measures of the patients were obtained retrospectively from their medical records. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality, overcorrection and undercorrection were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients (median age 69 years and 58.6% female) met inclusion criteria. Diuretic use was the most common etiologic factor for severe hyponatremia that present in 50 (34.5%) patients. Sixty-seven (46.2%) patients had moderately severe while 8 patients (5.5%) had severe symptoms. The median increase in serum Na 24h after admission in the study population was 8.9mequiv./L (-6 to 19). Nonoptimal correction was seen in 92 (63.4%) patients. Hypertonic saline use was associated with overcorrection (OR, 3.07; 95% CI: 1.47-6.39; p=0.002). Avoidance of hypertonic saline (aOR, 2.52; 95% CI: 1.12-5.66; p=0.029) and having neuropsychiatric disorder (aOR, 2.60; 95% CI: 1.10-6.11; p=0.025) were associated with undercorrection. In-hospital mortality rate was 12.4% and having CKD and cancer, undercorrection of sodium and presence of severe symptoms were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Severe hyponatremia in hospitalized patients is associated with substantial mortality. The incidence of non-optimal correction of serum Na is high; under-correction, presence of severe symptoms, chronic kidney disease and cancer were the factors that increase mortality rate.

Hyponatraemia and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) in cancer

Hyponatraemia is a common electrolyte abnormality seen in a wide range of oncological and haematological malignancies and confers poor performance status, prolonged hospital admission and reduced overall survival, in patients with cancer. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (SIAD) is the commonest cause of hyponatraemia in malignancy and is characterised by clinical euvolaemia, low plasma osmolality and concentrated urine, with normal renal, adrenal and thyroid function. Causes of SIAD include ectopic production of vasopressin (AVP) from an underlying tumour, cancer treatments, nausea and pain. Cortisol deficiency is an important differential in the assessment of hyponatraemia, as it has an identical biochemical pattern to SIAD and is easily treatable. This is particularly relevant with the increasing use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which can cause hypophysitis and adrenalitis, leading to cortisol deficiency. Guidelines on the management of acute, symptomatic hyponatraemia recommend 100 mL bolus of 3% saline with careful monitoring of the serum sodium to prevent overcorrection. In cases of chronic hyponatraemia, fluid restriction is recommended as first-line treatment; however, this is frequently not feasible in patients with cancer and has been shown to have limited efficacy. Vasopressin-2 receptor antagonists (vaptans) may be preferable, as they effectively increase sodium levels in SIAD and do not require fluid restriction. Active management of hyponatraemia is increasingly recognised as an important component of oncological management; correction of hyponatraemia is associated with shorter hospital stay and prolonged survival. The awareness of the impact of hyponatraemia and the positive benefits of active restoration of normonatraemia remain challenging in oncology.

Low sodium and tolvaptan have opposite effects in human small cell lung cancer cells

PURPOSE

Hyponatraemia is frequently observed in cancer patients and can be due to the syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuresis (SIAD), related to ectopic vasopressin secretion, particularly in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Hyponatraemia is associated with a worse outcome in cancer patients. The vasopressin receptor antagonist tolvaptan effectively corrects hyponatraemia secondary to SIAD and there is in vitro evidence that it has also an antiproliferative effect in cancer cells. The purpose of this study was i) to analyse the effect of low serum sodium concentrations ([Na⁺]) in SCLC cells and ii) to determine whether tolvaptan counteracts tumor progression.

METHODS

We evaluated cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, oxidative stress, invasivity in low [Na⁺] as well as after exposure to tolvaptan. We also analysed the intracellular signalling pathways involved.

RESULTS

In reduced [Na⁺] cell proliferation was significantly increased compared to normal [Na⁺] and cells were mostly distributed in the G2/M phase. Apoptosis appeared reduced. In addition, the ability to cross matrigel-coated membranes markedly increased. As observed in other cancer cell models, the expression of the heme-oxigenase-1 gene was increased. Finally, we found that in cells cultured in low [Na⁺] the RhoA/ROCK1/2 pathway, which is involved in the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, was activated. On the other hand, we found that tolvaptan effectively inhibited cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, invasivity and promoted apoptosis. Accordingly, the RhoA/ROCK-1/2 pathway was inhibited.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate for the first time that low [Na⁺] favours tumor progression in SCLC cells, whereas tolvaptan effectively inhibits cell proliferation, survival and invasivity.

Factors influencing the occurrence of electrolyte disorders in cancer patients

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine the magnitude of electrolyte disorders and influencing factors among cancer patients in Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods:

Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma Medical Center (JMC). Eighty-four cancer patients admitted to JMC were recruited for this study. A structured questionnaire and serum electrolyte measurements were used for data collection. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression was employed to determine the association between electrolyte disorders and associated factors among admitted cancer patients. P value ⩽ 0.05 was used as a cut point to declare statistical significance.

Result:

The overall prevalence of electrolyte disorders was 60.7%. The presence or absence of comorbid diseases, age, body mass index (BMI), nutritional status, and current prescribed medication use were associated with electrolyte disorders. Younger patients had lower odds for electrolyte disorders (odds ratio (OR) = 0.128 (P value = 0.05) and OR = 0.08 (P value = 0.033)) for the first and the second quartile, respectively. Underweight patients had a threefold likelihood to develop electrolyte disorders (OR = 3.13 (P value = 0.043)) than having normal BMI. Compared with those in need of nutritional intervention, patients not in need of nutritional intervention had lower odds for the disorders (OR = 0.109 (P value = 0.006)). Medication had increased the likelihood of electrolyte disorders by 5.5 times than with no medication (P value = 0.023). Those who had comorbid disease had 10 times likely to develop electrolyte disorders than those who did not have comorbid diseases (P value = 0.004).

Conclusion:

Electrolyte disorders were prevalent in cancer patients. Age, BMI, nutritional condition, comorbid disease, and prescribed drugs were the predictors of electrolyte disorders in cancer patients. Authors recommend routine screening of electrolyte disorders in cancer patients and special emphasis on controlling and managing risk factors.

Pediatric onco-nephrology: time to spread the word : Part I: early kidney involvement in children with malignancy

Onco-nephrology has been a growing field within the adult nephrology scope of practice. Even though pediatric nephrologists have been increasingly involved in the care of children with different forms of malignancy, there has not been an emphasis on developing special expertise in this area. The fast pace of discovery in this field, including the development of new therapy protocols with their own kidney side effects and the introduction of the CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy, has introduced new challenges for general pediatric nephrologists because of the unique effects of these treatments on the kidney. Moreover, with the improved outcomes in children receiving cancer therapy come an increased number of survivors at risk for chronic kidney disease related to both their cancer diagnosis and therapy. Therefore, it is time for pediatric onco-nephrology to take its spot on the expanding subspecialties map in pediatric nephrology.

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone release as the initial presentation of adenocarcinoma of the colon

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone release (SIADH) is a condition defined by the unsuppressed release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) from the pituitary gland or nonpituitary sources or its continued action on vasopressin receptors. Of the many causes of SIADH, an important one includes tumours that secrete ADH. We describe a rare case of a patient with colonic adenocarcinoma presenting initially as SIADH. A 60-year-old man presented with confusion and vomiting. Over the previous month he had fatigue and loss of weight. Baseline investigations showed a low serum sodium level of 108mmol/l. He was euvolaemic on examination and fulfilled the criteria for SIADH. Further evaluation and imaging tests revealed that the patient had adenocarcinoma of the colon. It is remarkable that our patient did not present with any of the cardinal symptoms/signs suggestive of colorectal carcinoma including haematochezia, change in bowel habits or iron-deficiency anaemia. Initial therapy with hypertonic saline, fluid restriction and salt diet for management of SIADH was unsuccessful. Tolvaptan was added to the treatment regimen and the patient improved dramatically. Oncology consultation was initiated, and chemotherapy for the carcinoma was planned.

Factors affecting prognosis of the patients with severe hyponatremia

INTRODUCTION

Hyponatremia is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities in clinical practice. Data regarding factors that have impact on mortality of severe hyponatremia and outcomes of its therapeutic management is insufficient. The present study aimed to examine the factors associated with mortality and the outcomes of treatment in patients with severe hyponatremia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with serum Na≤115mequiv./L who were admitted to Ordu State Hospital and Ordu University Training and Research Hospital between 2014 and 2018 were included in the study. Demographic and laboratory features, severity of the symptoms, comorbid diseases, medications, and clinical outcome measures of the patients were obtained retrospectively from their medical records. Factors associated with in-hospital mortality, overcorrection and undercorrection were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients (median age 69 years and 58.6% female) met inclusion criteria. Diuretic use was the most common etiologic factor for severe hyponatremia that present in 50 (34.5%) patients. Sixty-seven (46.2%) patients had moderately severe while 8 patients (5.5%) had severe symptoms. The median increase in serum Na 24h after admission in the study population was 8.9mequiv./L (-6 to 19). Nonoptimal correction was seen in 92 (63.4%) patients. Hypertonic saline use was associated with overcorrection (OR, 3.07; 95% CI: 1.47-6.39; p=0.002). Avoidance of hypertonic saline (aOR, 2.52; 95% CI: 1.12-5.66; p=0.029) and having neuropsychiatric disorder (aOR, 2.60; 95% CI: 1.10-6.11; p=0.025) were associated with undercorrection. In-hospital mortality rate was 12.4% and having CKD and cancer, undercorrection of sodium and presence of severe symptoms were significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

Severe hyponatremia in hospitalized patients is associated with substantial mortality. The incidence of non-optimal correction of serum Na is high; under-correction, presence of severe symptoms, chronic kidney disease and cancer were the factors that increase mortality rate.

Efficacy and safety of tolvaptan in patients with malignant ascites: a phase 2, multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation study

OBJECTIVE

This phase 2 study examined the efficacy and safety of tolvaptan, an aquaretic drug, in the treatment of ascites associated with cancer.

METHODS

In the dose-escalation phase, oral tolvaptan was initiated at a dose of 3.75 mg/day, and the dose was increased daily to 7.5, 15 and 30 mg/day. Dose escalation was terminated once the increase from baseline in the daily urine volume reached 500 ml, at which point the patient proceeded to the maintenance phase of 5-7 days. Improvement of ascites was determined primarily by reduction in body weight and ascitic fluid volume.

RESULTS

The mean change from baseline in body weight was maintained below 0 kg throughout the study. The mean change (±standard deviation) from baseline in ascitic fluid volume at the end of treatment (EOT) was 237.45 ± 868.14 ml in 33 evaluable patients. Although an increase from baseline in ascitic fluid volume at the EOT was observed in 23 of 33 patients (maximum: 1589.3 ml, minimum: 3.83 ml), a reduction in ascitic fluid volume was observed in the remaining 10 patients (maximum: -2304.3 ml, minimum: -27.5 ml). The common treatment-emergent adverse events included vomiting (5 of 43 patients, 11.6%), abdominal distension, constipation, thirst, blood osmolarity increased and renal impairment (3 of 43 patients, 7.0% each).

CONCLUSIONS

Tolvaptan seemed to have no definitive effect on reducing ascites; however, it might be effective in at least some cancer patients. No new safety concerns were identified at doses of 3.75-30 mg/day.

Intraoperative Hypotension Increased Risk in the Oncological Patient

Patient safety advocacy involves avoiding, preventing, and amelioration of adverse outcomes or injuries caused by the process of healthcare rather than a patient's underlying medical illness. Intraoperative hypotension (IOH), a common morbid event, reduces perfusion to critical organs and tissues and has a wide incidence, depending on how it is defined. IOH has adverse intraoperative and postoperative consequences, which make its prevention important to improve patient outcomes. Certain populations have even greater consequences related to IOH, and clinicians must understand these risks. In this narrative review, we examine the risk of intraoperative hypotension in the oncological patient population.

Hyponatremia as a prognostic factor in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder in cancer patients and has been evaluated as a negative prognostic factor in several cancer types, especially in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, the prognostic value of hyponatremia is less studied in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the prognostic value of pretreatment hyponatremia in NSCLC patients.

Methods

The review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting checklist. The databases PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on March 26th 2020 without time restrictions. The protocol was submitted to the PROSPERO database (ID 184612). Studies were included if they evaluated sodium level as a prognostic factor in NSCLC patients and contained original data published in English. Hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS) were pooled in a random-effects model.

Results

Of 10,888 identified titles, 14 articles were included in the review including a total of 4,364 NSCLC patients. In 13 of the 14 articles, hyponatremia was found to be significantly correlated to a shorter OS. Ten articles were included in the meta-analysis. Here, patients with hyponatremia had a significantly shorter OS compared with patients with normal sodium level {pooled HR =2.02 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.65-2.47]}. Two out of four studies found hyponatremia to be associated with a reduced progression free survival (PFS). Normalization of the sodium level during treatment was found to be associated with a prolonged PFS and OS in one study.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates that hyponatremia is a relative common condition in NSCLC patients associated with an increased mortality. Hence, sodium level could be a useful biomarker for stratifying NSCLC patients and thereby for preparing individual treatment plans.

Hyponatremia in lung cancer: Incidence and prognostic value in a Danish population-based cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Hyponatremia is a common electrolyte disorder in lung cancer patients, especially in patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). It has been proposed as a prognostic indicator of higher mortality; however, data have been conflicting. Here, we determine the incidence and prognostic impact of pretreatment hyponatremia in a large Danish registry-based cohort of lung cancer patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data on lung cancer patients diagnosed from January 2009 to June 2018 in The Central Denmark Region were extracted from the Danish Lung Cancer Registry and combined with data on the pretreatment sodium level extracted from the clinical laboratory information system. Hyponatremia was defined as a sodium level <135 mmol/l. Cox proportional hazard models assessed the prognostic value of hyponatremia on overall survival (OS) in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and patients with SCLC.

RESULTS

A total of 6995 patients with NSCLC and 1171 with SCLC were included. The hyponatremia incidence was 16 % among patients with NSCLC and 26 % among patients with SCLC. Hyponatremia was associated with an inferior OS in patients with NSCLC (<135 mmol/l: median 0.46 years (95 % CI: 0.41-0.51) vs. ≥ 135 mmol/l: median 1.05 years (95 % CI: 1.00-1.11)), p < 0.001; adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.45 (95 % CI: 1.34-1.56)) as well as in patients with SCLC in (<135 mmol/l: median 0.67 year (95 % CI: 0.58-0.73) vs. ≥ 135 mmol/l: median 0.73 years (95 % CI: 0.67-0.78); p = 0.0035; adjusted HR = 1.21 (95 % CI: 1.04-1.41)).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of pretreatment hyponatremia is high in patients with SCLC as well as with NSCLC. Hyponatremia seems to be an independent predictor of inferior survival in lung cancer patients, especially in patients with NSCLC.

Clinical characteristics of hyponatremia in patients receiving nutrition support : A cross-sectional study evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis

Background & aims : We investigated the contributing factors of hyponatremia in patients on nutrition support using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Methods : Thirty patients administered enteral or parenteral nutrition support for at least 72 hours were studied. We collected nutritional and electrolyte intake, serum biochemical parameters, and body composition measured by BIA. Patients were classified into two groups according to their serum sodium levels : (1) Normanatremia group, 135-145 mEq / L (n = 18) and (2) Hyponatremia group, less than 135 mEq / L (n = 12), and their characteristics were analyzed. Results : There were no significant differences between the Normonatremia and Hyponatremia groups in terms of energy, protein, and sodium intake. Serum biochemical parameters other than serum sodium and chloride levels were comparable between the two groups. On the other hand, the ratio of extracellular water to total body water (ECW / TBW) obtained by BIA was significantly higher in the Hyponatremia group than in the Normonatremia group. Further, an elevated ECW / TBW significantly and negatively correlated with serum albumin level. Conclusions : Regardless of sodium intake, higher ECW / TBW was associated with hyponatremia in patients on nutrition support. ECW / TBW may be an important clinical parameter relevant to the nutritional care of hyponatremia. J. Med. Invest. 68 : 112-118, February, 2021.

Adherence to the Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica (SEOM) Algorithm for the Treatment of Hyponatremia in Oncology Patients in Spain: The ALGA Study

INTRODUCTION

The ALGA study explored adherence of Spanish treatment centers to the Sociedad Española de Oncología Médica (SEOM) treatment algorithm for oncology patients with hyponatremia that requires treatment as the main cause of hospitalization, and evaluated the impact of adherence to this algorithm on patient outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective study recruited patients aged at least 18 years with cancer, treated for at least one episode of hyponatremia secondary to the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). The primary outcome was the proportion of patients whose treatment adhered to the SEOM algorithm, evaluated using a pre-defined decision tree. Secondary outcomes included length of hospitalization, and time to serum sodium level improvement. Perceived center adherence to the SEOM algorithm was also assessed.

RESULTS

Seventy patients from four treatment centers were included. Twenty (28.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 18.0, 39.2) patients on hyponatremia treatment adhered to the SEOM algorithm, with a perceived adherence of 51.0-75.0%. Algorithm adherence in candidates for chemotherapy was 36.4% (n = 8) versus 25.0% (n = 12) for non-candidates for chemotherapy. Median time to serum sodium level improvement in patients managed adherently was 80.5 h (95% CI 38.3, 331.4) versus 134.6 h (33.2, 444.9) in patients managed non-adherently. Median time to hospital discharge was 16.5 days (95% CI 8.0, 27.0) in patients managed adherently versus 9.5 days (7.0, 22.0) in patients managed non-adherently.

CONCLUSION

In Spanish centers, the SEOM algorithm was adhered to in less than one-third of patients, in contrast to higher levels of perceived adherence. This requires further investigation; however, algorithm use could require further clarification, especially in non-candidates for chemotherapy.

Onconephrology: The intersections between the kidney and cancer

Onconephrology is a new subspecialty of nephrology that recognizes the important intersections of kidney disease with cancer. This intersection takes many forms and includes drug-induced nephrotoxicity, electrolyte disorders, paraneoplastic glomerulonephritis, and the interactions of chronic kidney disease with cancer. Data clearly demonstrate that, when patients with cancer develop acute or chronic kidney disease, outcomes are inferior, and the promise of curative therapeutic regimens is lessened. This highlights the imperative for collaborative care between oncologists and nephrologists in recognizing and treating kidney disease in patients with cancer. In response to this need, specific training programs in onconephrology as well as dedicated onconephrology clinics have appeared. This comprehensive review covers many of the critical topics in onconephrology, with a focus on acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, kidney disease in stem cell transplantation, and electrolyte disorders in patients with cancer.

Electrolyte and acid-base disorders in cancer patients and its impact on clinical outcomes: evidence from a real-world study in China

Background: This study aims to delineate the incidence of electrolyte and acid-base disorders (EAD) in cancer patients, to figure out the risk factors of EAD, then to assess the impact of EAD on patients' in-hospital clinical outcomes.Methods: Patients with the diagnosis of malignancies hospitalized during 1 October 2014 and 30 September 2015 were recruited in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University in Shanghai of China. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and clinical data, including survival, length of stay and hospital cost, were extracted from the electronic medical record system. Electrolyte and acid-base data were acquired from the hospital laboratory database.Results: Of 25,881 cancer patients with electrolyte data, 15,000 (58.0%) cases had at least one electrolyte and acid-base abnormity. Hypocalcemia (27.8%) was the most common electrolyte disorder, followed by hypophosphatemia (26.7%), hypochloremia (24.5%) and hyponatremia (22.5%). The incidence of simple metabolic acidosis (MAC) and metabolic alkalosis (MAL) was 12.8% and 22.1% respectively. Patients with mixed metabolic acid-base disorders (MAC + MAL) accounted for 30.2%. Lower BMI score, preexisting hypertension and diabetes, renal dysfunction, receiving surgery/chemotherapy, anemia and hypoalbuminemia were screened out as the major risk factors of EAD. In-hospital mortality in patients with EAD was 2.1% as compared to those with normal electrolytes (0.3%). The risk of death significantly increased among patients with severe EAD. Similarly, the length of stay and hospital cost also tripled as the number and grade of EAD increased.Conclusion: EAD is commonly encountered in cancer patients and associated with an ominous prognosis. Patients with comorbidities, renal/liver dysfunction, and anti-tumor therapy have a higher risk of EAD. Regular monitoring of electrolytes, optimum regimen for intravenous infusion, timely correction of modifiable factors and appropriate management of EAD should not be neglected during anti-tumor treatment.

Supportive Care: An Indispensable Component of Modern Oncology

The advent of new cancer therapies, alongside expected growth and ageing of the population, better survival rates and associated costs of care, is uncovering a need to more clearly define and integrate supportive care services across the whole spectrum of the disease. The current focus of cancer care is on initial diagnosis and treatment, and end of life care. The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer defines supportive care as 'the prevention and management of the adverse effects of cancer and its treatment'. This encompasses the entire cancer journey, and necessitates involvement and integration of most clinical specialties. Optimal supportive care can assist in accurate diagnosis and management, and ultimately improve outcomes. A national strategy to implement supportive care is needed to acknowledge evolving oncology practice, changing disease patterns and the changing patient demographic.

Oncologic Emergencies: Traditional and Contemporary

The recognition and management of oncologic emergencies are becoming increasingly relevant in the intensive care unit, particularly in the era of novel biologic therapies. Early recognition and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential to improving patient outcomes. This article discusses aspects of diagnosis and management for important malignancy-associated emergencies.

Sodium to globulin ratio as a prognostic factor for patients with advanced gastric cancer

Background: Electrolyte disturbance and systemic inflammation contributes to poor prognosis of cancer patients. Levels of serum sodium and globulin can reflect electrolyte homeostasis and inflammatory state, respectively, therefore have potential as prognostic factors for cancer patients. In this study, we hypothesized that sodium to globulin ratio (SGR) could have superior accuracy in predicting cancer patient survival, than sodium and globulin alone. We therefore sought to investigate its efficacy in prognosis of patients with advanced gastric cancer (GC) receiving first-line chemotherapy.

Methods: A total of 265 patients, with advanced GC, were recruited in this retrospective study from January 2014 to January 2019. We first determined SGR cut-off values using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, then analyzed the relationship between pretreatment SGR and clinicopathological features and the effect of chemotherapy. Finally, we evaluated progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of the entire and subgroup populations using univariate and multivariate logistic regressions.

Results: SGR recorded a cut-off value of 5.54, and had a significantly higher area under the curve (AUC) value (0.619, p = 0.001) than fibrinogen (0.575, p = 0.034) and albumin (0.610, p = 0.002) alone. Organ metastasis, and peritoneal invasion ratios, as well as neutrophil and CA72-4 levels varied significantly between the low-SGR (SGR≤ 5.54) and high SGR (SGR> 5.54) groups (all p < 0.05). Specifically, patients in the low-SGR group exhibited significantly lower disease control rates (83.4%) than those in the high-SGR group (97.2%) (p < 0.001). Results from multivariate analysis indicated that high-SGR was an independent risk factor for PFS (Hazard ratio [HR]: 0.539, p < 0.001) and OS (HR: 0.574, p < 0.001). Moreover, patients in the low-SGR group exhibited significantly worse PFS (134 vs. 221 days, p < 0.001) and OS (311 vs. 420 days, p < 0.001) than those in the high-SGR group. Furthermore, subgroup analysis revealed that SGR was still a powerful prognostic indicator in GC patients with good prognosis or normal biochemical indexes, including no peritoneal infiltration, normal neutrophil counts, and normal serum sodium and globulin levels (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Overall, our findings indicate that SGR is a novel and promising prognostic factor for GC patients. It has superior accuracy, to sodium and globulin alone, hence it is a powerful tool for evaluating effects of treatment, PFS, and OS in patients with advanced GC, who receive first-line chemotherapy.

The Significance of Preoperative Serum Sodium and Hemoglobin in Outcomes of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma: Multi-Center Analysis Between China and the United States

Purpose

To analyze the effect of preoperative serum sodium and hemoglobin on oncologic outcomes in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) based on a multi-center cohort from China and the United States (U.S.).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 775 patients with UTUC treated surgically at tertiary care medical facilities in China or the US from 1998 to 2015. We analyzed associations of preoperative serum sodium and hemoglobin with clinicopathological characteristics, overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and intravesical recurrence free survival (IVRFS).

Results

The US patients had comparatively lower serum sodium and similar hemoglobin at baseline. Preoperative low serum sodium value was associated with tumor multifocality, lymph node metastasis (LNM) and lymphovascular invasion (LVI); preoperative anemia was associated with advanced age, tumor multifocality, high tumor grade and LVI. Preoperative low serum sodium was an independent predictor of worse OS in the entire cohort; preoperative anemia was an independent predictor of worse OS and CSS in the US cohort alone, Chinese cohort alone and the combined cohort. We developed a predictive nomogram for OS which exhibited better prognostic value when it included the values of sodium and anemia, and successfully validated it in different cohorts.

Conclusion

Preoperative low serum sodium and anemia could be informative in predicting worse pathologic and survival outcomes in different UTUC patient ethnic groups.

Clinical Characteristics and Analysis of Lung Cancer- Associated Acute Ischemic Stroke

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of lung cancer and acute ischemic stroke remains high in recent years, both of which occur mostly in people over 60 years old. In the present study, we aimed to further clarify the pathogenesis of lung cancer-associated acute ischemic stroke (LCA-AIS) by comparing and analyzing clinical characteristics of stroke patients with or without lung cancer.

METHODS

A total of 51 patients with lung cancer were selected as the case group (LCSG), and 78 patients without cancer history were adopted as the control group (SG). The data collected in this study included sex, age, traditional cerebrovascular disease risk factors (TCDRFs), blood test index, imaging findings, etiological typing, and prognosis evaluation. SPSS21.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Normally distributed data were analyzed by t-test, and count data were analyzed by chi-square test or exact probability method. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

In the case group, the levels of plasma D-dimer, fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs) and NIHSS, as well as the mRS score and mortality of patients, were higher, while the levels of RBC, Hb and Hcy were lower compared with the control group. Imaging findings showed that multivessel involvement was more common in the case group, and the infarcts were more likely to be multiple and involved in both the anterior and posterior circulations. The TOAST classification of LCSG was dominated by stroke of undetermined etiology (SUE) and stroke of other determined etiology (SOE). Statistical analysis showed that the patients were more likely to suffer from acute ischemic stroke within 1 year after the diagnosis of lung cancer (41 cases, 80.39%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hypercoagulability and acute multiple brain infarcts were more common in patients with LCA-AIS, and hypoproteinemia and hyponatremia were more likely to occur in these patients, leading to worse prognosis. Patients were most likely to have a stroke within 1 year after the diagnosis of lung cancer.