What condition is characterized by hyperuricemia and may occur secondary to chemotherapy?

Tumor lysis syndrome is a condition that occurs when large numbers of cancer cells release their contents into the bloodstream as a result of rapid cell death, often triggered by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This release can cause several metabolic disturbances, including hyperuricemia, which is an elevated level of uric acid in the blood.

In tumor lysis syndrome, the rapid breakdown of cellular components leads to the release of nucleic acids, which are metabolized into uric acid. Elevated uric acid can result in the formation of crystals in the kidneys, leading to potential kidney damage and acute kidney injury. Besides hyperuricemia, tumor lysis syndrome can also manifest with electrolytic imbalances, such as hyperkalemia and hyperphosphatemia, and can cause clinical symptoms that require immediate management to prevent serious complications.

The other conditions mentioned do not directly relate to the metabolic derangements associated with chemotherapy-induced cell lysis that characterize tumor lysis syndrome. For instance, sepsis is an infection leading to systemic inflammatory response syndrome, SIADH refers to inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone affecting water balance, and spinal cord compression pertains to structural changes rather than metabolic disturbances caused by cell lysis.