What is a common electrolyte abnormality found in tumor lysis syndrome?

Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a significant clinical condition that can occur after the treatment of certain tumors, particularly hematologic malignancies. It results from the rapid breakdown of tumor cells, leading to the release of intracellular components into the bloodstream. This release significantly alters the balance of electrolytes in the body.

Hyperphosphatemia is a hallmark feature of tumor lysis syndrome. As tumor cells break down, they release large amounts of phosphate into the extracellular space, overwhelming the kidney's ability to excrete it, which results in elevated serum phosphate levels. This condition is often accompanied by other electrolyte abnormalities, such as hyperkalemia (increased potassium) and hypocalcemia (decreased calcium), due to the interplay between these electrolytes and the effects on renal function.

In contrast, hypokalemia and normal uric acid levels are not characteristic of TLS. Hypokalemia would suggest a loss of potassium, which is generally not seen in this syndrome since the movement of potassium can often result in hyperkalemia. Similarly, while uric acid levels can be elevated due to the catabolism of nucleic acids from dying cells, it does not pertain to the establishing feature of electrochemical imbalance such as hyperphosphatemia.