Thrombotic microangiopathy associated with lenvatinib therapy.

Summary: Systemic thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a serious condition whose early treatment is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. TMA with only renal involvement has been associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including lenvatinib, a drug used for certain advanced neoplasms. To date, TMA with systemic involvement associated with this drug has not been described. We present the case of a patient with progressive metastatic thyroid cancer who developed this complication after starting treatment with lenvatinib. We describe the signs and symptoms that led to the diagnosis and the treatment required for her recovery. Learning points: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is a group of disorders characterized by thrombosis in capillaries and arterioles due to an endothelial injury. Both, localized and systemic forms have been described.TMA with systemic involvement is characterized by hemolytic anemia, low platelets, and organ damage.Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling inhibitors have been associated with TMA, either restricted to the kidney or with systemic involvement.Lenvatinib has been rarely associated with TMA. Although only forms with isolated or predominantly renal involvement had been described so far, a predominantly systemic form can occur.Lenvatinib-induced systemic TMA must be distinguished from primary forms by measuring ADAMTS-13. Treatment includes discontinuation of the drug and supportive measures.When anemia and thrombocytopenia coexist in a patient receiving treatment with lenvatinib, a peripheral blood smear to exclude TMA is recommended.

Hyperphosphatemia during nutrition recovery in patients with severe anorexia nervosa.

INTRODUCTION: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a disorder associated with many medical complications. Regarding phosphorus metabolism, the only recognized alteration is hypophosphatemia associated with refeeding syndrome. However, in our clinical practice, we have observed a high frequency of hyperphosphatemia in late phases of nutrition therapy in severely undernourished AN patients, which has barely been described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study of patients with AN hospitalized for severe decompensation of the disease. RESULTS: Eleven patients were included, all women, with a median age of 23 years [20-46] and a body mass index at admission of 12.2 kg/m2 [11.7-13.1]. Hyperphosphatemia was noted in 9 of the 11 cases (81.8%) with a median time to onset of 53 days [30-75]. The median peak serum phosphorus (P) level was 5.1 mg/dl [4.9-5.4]. An inverse relationship was found between the increase in P levels and phosphorus supplementation at the onset of admission. The magnitude of the P increase was associated with the body weight gain achieved during nutrition therapy. CONCLUSION: Late hyperphosphatemia during nutrition therapy in severely undernourished AN patients affects more than 80% of cases. Body weight gain throughout nutrition therapy is a predictor of increased P levels.