Chapter 5: Electrolyte and Acid–Base Disorders in Malignancy

Renal complications in cancer patients include AKI, hypertension, orelectrolyte and acid–basedisorders. Of the latter, there are various types that share the ability to increase morbidity and mortality, delay treatment, and decrease quality of life. Understanding the etiology of electrolyte and acid–base abnormalities in cancer patients is critical to prompt recognition and appropriate treatment so that these complications may be avoided. This section of the Onco-Nephrology Curriculum will review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of electrolyte and acid–base abnormalities in patients with malignancies. Specifically, disturbances in the following will be reviewed: 1) electrolytes: disorders of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous; and 2) acid–base: metabolic acidosis.