Hypokalemic Paralysis Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy

Introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has led to significant improvements in the treatment of multiple malignancies. Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) are two essential ICIs that have been FDA approved since 2011. As the use...

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Main Authors: Pragathi Balakrishna, Augusto Villegas
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2017-01-01
Series:Case Reports in Oncological Medicine
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/5063405
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author Pragathi Balakrishna
Augusto Villegas
author_facet Pragathi Balakrishna
Augusto Villegas
author_sort Pragathi Balakrishna
collection DOAJ
description Introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has led to significant improvements in the treatment of multiple malignancies. Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) are two essential ICIs that have been FDA approved since 2011. As the use of immunotherapy in melanoma and other malignancies increases, the potential of adverse events also increases. Overall, anti-PD-1 agents are well tolerated. In rare instances, colitis, endocrinopathies, skin, and renal toxicities have been observed. A 58-year-old male with a history of stage 4 cutaneous melanoma presented with quadriplegia while on nivolumab. Routine blood test revealed low potassium, low bicarbonate, and high serum creatinine. Admission diagnosis included hypokalemia, acute kidney injury, and renal tubal acidosis. The offending drug was discontinued, and the patient was started on high-dose corticosteroids. On discharge, paralysis was resolved. Renal function and potassium were normalized. Nivolumab was discontinued, and he was started on pembrolizumab. Literature suggests that, although rare, patients receiving ICE may develop immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction. The mainstay of immune-related adverse event (irAE) management is immune suppression. Hence, given the increasing frequency of immunotherapy use, awareness should be raised in regard to irAEs and their appropriate management.
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spelling doaj-art-cbfd082392a34fe38308dd71a2b033c22025-08-20T02:19:57ZengWileyCase Reports in Oncological Medicine2090-67062090-67142017-01-01201710.1155/2017/50634055063405Hypokalemic Paralysis Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor TherapyPragathi Balakrishna0Augusto Villegas1PGY3 Internal Medicine, Orange Park Medical Center, Orange Park, FL, USADepartment of Hematology and Oncology, Orange Park Medical Center, Orange Park, FL, USAIntroduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has led to significant improvements in the treatment of multiple malignancies. Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) are two essential ICIs that have been FDA approved since 2011. As the use of immunotherapy in melanoma and other malignancies increases, the potential of adverse events also increases. Overall, anti-PD-1 agents are well tolerated. In rare instances, colitis, endocrinopathies, skin, and renal toxicities have been observed. A 58-year-old male with a history of stage 4 cutaneous melanoma presented with quadriplegia while on nivolumab. Routine blood test revealed low potassium, low bicarbonate, and high serum creatinine. Admission diagnosis included hypokalemia, acute kidney injury, and renal tubal acidosis. The offending drug was discontinued, and the patient was started on high-dose corticosteroids. On discharge, paralysis was resolved. Renal function and potassium were normalized. Nivolumab was discontinued, and he was started on pembrolizumab. Literature suggests that, although rare, patients receiving ICE may develop immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction. The mainstay of immune-related adverse event (irAE) management is immune suppression. Hence, given the increasing frequency of immunotherapy use, awareness should be raised in regard to irAEs and their appropriate management.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/5063405
spellingShingle Pragathi Balakrishna
Augusto Villegas
Hypokalemic Paralysis Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
Case Reports in Oncological Medicine
title Hypokalemic Paralysis Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
title_full Hypokalemic Paralysis Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
title_fullStr Hypokalemic Paralysis Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
title_full_unstemmed Hypokalemic Paralysis Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
title_short Hypokalemic Paralysis Secondary to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
title_sort hypokalemic paralysis secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2017/5063405
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