Tumor lysis syndrome after the administration of corticosteroids in an adolescent without confirmed neoplastic disease. Case report

Tumor lysis syndrome is a potentially lethal complication and constitutes with infections the most frequent oncological emergency. In children, this condition can be secondary to neoplastic diseases, with corticosteroids being a triggering factor. This paper presents the case of an adolescent patient, without known or obvious neoplasms, who developed a tumor lysis syndrome after the administration of corticosteroids due to suspected respiratory infection. The clinical presentation and differential diagnoses are discussed. Special focus is placed on the administration of corticosteroids in clinical conditions with weak scientific evidence. The use of systemic corticosteroidsinacuterespiratory infections should be evaluated in the clinical context and only indicated in situations with proven effectiveness.