Case report

Gitelman-like syndrome after cisplatin therapy: a case report and literature review

Kessarin Panichpisal , Freddy Angulo-Pernett , Sharmila Selhi and Kenneth M Nugent

Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4^th Street, Lubbock, Texas, 79430-79410, USA

author email corresponding author email

BMC Nephrology 2006, 7:10doi:10.1186/1471-2369-7-10

Published:	24 May 2006

Abstract

Background

Cisplatin is a well-known nephrotoxic antineoplastic drug. Chronic hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis with hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria is one of the rare complications associated with its use.

Case presentation

A 42- year-old woman presented with a 20 year-history of hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis with hypomagnesemia and hypocalciuria after cisplatin-based chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. This patient has had chronic muscle aches and fatigue and has had episodic seizure-like activity and periodic paralysis. Only thirteen other patients with similar electrolyte abnormalities have been described in the literature. This case has the longest follow-up.

Conclusion

Cisplatin can cause permanent nephrotoxicity, including Gitelman-like syndrome. This drug should be considered among the possible causes of chronic unexplained electrolyte disorders.