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Electrolyte Imbalance- Myeloma Stem Cell Transplant
The research linked below illustrates a little known but potentially serious side effect of an autologous stem cell transplant- electrolyte imbalances.
Findings are suggestive of a significant link between the magnitude of decline in potassium and phosphorous concentrations and a steep increase in neutrophil counts around the engraftment period after stem cell transplant…
I am a myeloma survivor. I had an autologous stem cell transplant in late 1995. I wish I knew then what I know now…
When I think of electrolyte imbalances I think of sweaty athletes after a competitive game of basketball or soccer. With those sweaty athletes restoring their electrolyte imbalances by drinking Gatorade.
But the electrolyte imbalances caused by an autologous stem cell transplant is potentially more serious than this.
What health problems can occur due to electrolyte imbalances?
1. Muscle Cramps and Weakness
- Potassium, calcium, and magnesium imbalances can cause muscle cramps, spasms, and weakness. Severe imbalances may lead to muscle paralysis.
2. Cardiac Issues
- Potassium and calcium imbalances, in particular, can affect heart function, leading to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), palpitations, or even cardiac arrest.
3. Nervous System Problems
- Sodium, potassium, and calcium levels are crucial for nerve function. Imbalances can lead to confusion, seizures, or altered mental status.
4. Dehydration and Overhydration
- Sodium plays a key role in fluid balance. Low sodium levels (hyponatremia) can cause symptoms of overhydration, while high sodium levels (hypernatremia) can lead to dehydration. Both conditions can cause confusion, seizures, or coma.
5. Fatigue and Weakness
- General electrolyte imbalances can lead to feelings of fatigue, lethargy, and overall weakness.
6. Bone Disorders
- Calcium and phosphate imbalances can affect bone density and lead to conditions like osteoporosis or bone pain.
7. Kidney Problems
- Imbalances in electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium can strain the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney stones, kidney damage, or failure.
8. Respiratory Issues
- Severe imbalances, especially in potassium, can impair respiratory function, leading to difficulty breathing or respiratory arrest.
9. Digestive Issues
- Electrolyte imbalances can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. For instance, low potassium can lead to digestive tract paralysis (paralytic ileus).
10. Altered Blood Pressure
- Sodium and potassium imbalances can significantly affect blood pressure. High sodium can cause hypertension (high blood pressure), while low levels may lead to hypotension (low blood pressure).
11. Severe Neurological Symptoms
- In extreme cases, especially with sodium imbalances, individuals may experience severe neurological symptoms such as hallucinations, convulsions, or even coma.
12. Impaired Acid-Base Balance
- Bicarbonate and chloride are important for maintaining the body’s acid-base balance. Imbalances can lead to conditions like acidosis or alkalosis, which can disrupt normal metabolic processes.
13. Fluid Retention or Edema
- Sodium and potassium imbalances can lead to fluid retention in tissues, causing swelling or edema, particularly in the legs and feet.
Side effect awareness is the myeloma patient’s first step to preventing a health problem caused by the side effect itself, possibly, or undergoing therapy to fix the side effect.
If you are a NDMM patient and are anticipating an autologous stem cell transplant, consider supplementing your electrolytes before, during and after your autologous stem cell transplant.
Email me at David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com if you have questions about the side effects of can ASCT.
Thank you,
David Emerson
- MM Survivor
- MM Cancer Coach
- Director PeopleBeatingCancer
Serum electrolyte dynamics in multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
“Gastrointestinal toxicity concomitant with electrolyte derangement is a primary cause of morbidity from transplant. Here, we assessed the dynamics of electrolyte imbalances and its role in hematologic counts and engraftment…
Engraftment speed (ES) was calculated as the period between the first rise in the absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and full engraftment defined as the first of three consecutive days with ANC > 500 × 106/L.
The defined median ES was 2 days (range 0-5 days) and 40 patients had ES ≤2 days. Engraftment occurred at a median of 10 days. The median time-to-nadir for phosphorus and potassium was 10 and 4.28 days, respectively.
The drop in phosphorus and potassium serum level was statistically greater in patients with an ES ≤2 days compared to patients with ES ≥2 days. Magnesium level were not significantly affected and there was no significant difference between the drop in serum phosphorus and potassium based on severity of nausea or oral mucositis.
Conclusion:
Our results indicate that there is a significant correlation between the magnitude of drop in potassium and phosphorous levels and a steep rise in neutrophil counts around the engraftment period following stem cell transplant.
These events indicate a “genesis syndrome” characterized by a rapid, massive transfer of electrolytes into proliferating cells as has been previously described after HCT for certain highgrade lymphomas and leukemias.
Electrolytes: Definition, Functions, Imbalance and Sources
““Electrolyte” is the umbrella term for particles that carry a positive or negative electric charge (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
In nutrition, the term refers to essential minerals in your blood, sweat, and urine.
When these minerals dissolve in a fluid, they form electrolytes — positive or negative ions in metabolic processes.
Electrolytes found in your body include:
Electrolytes are crucial for body processes like conducting nerve impulses, contracting muscles, hydrating, and regulating pH levels. You need adequate electrolytes from your diet to keep your body healthy…