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What Causes Sudden Decrease In Kidney Function While On Chemotherapy?
Question: My husband has been found to have a descending kidney function, but CT scan today shows there is no problems with his kidneys. He is on chemotherapy, which has a risk of kidney problems. He has shortness of breath and a slight temperature. The doctors feel he may have an infection somewhere, but it is notclear where this is. It may also be a result of interacting drugs. He takes Verapamil which I understand reacts with many drugs.......what do you think the problem could be? Is a sudden spiral down of kidney function , without an actual kidney problem, unusual?
Brief Answer:
kidney problems don't always show up on CT
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
Decreases in kidney function can occur with many medications and chemotherapy is a common cause. This type of damage can be at a cellular level that would not show up on a CT scan. CT scans and MRI show large changes in kidney structure such as tumors and stones with changes in the architecture of the kidney.
The good news is that this type of decrease in kidney function can be followed closely with blood tests and often resolves once the patient is off the medication causing the problem.
Consulting a nephrologist may also be helpful since they are the experts in kidney function.
The fever and infection need to be carefully followed and all possible sources of infection need to be ruled out. It is true that people can get a fever from certain medications and even cancer can in some cases cause an elevation in body temperature.
I hope your husband makes a rapid and full recovery.
Dr. Robinson
kidney problems don't always show up on CT
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for your question.
Decreases in kidney function can occur with many medications and chemotherapy is a common cause. This type of damage can be at a cellular level that would not show up on a CT scan. CT scans and MRI show large changes in kidney structure such as tumors and stones with changes in the architecture of the kidney.
The good news is that this type of decrease in kidney function can be followed closely with blood tests and often resolves once the patient is off the medication causing the problem.
Consulting a nephrologist may also be helpful since they are the experts in kidney function.
The fever and infection need to be carefully followed and all possible sources of infection need to be ruled out. It is true that people can get a fever from certain medications and even cancer can in some cases cause an elevation in body temperature.
I hope your husband makes a rapid and full recovery.
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your answer, that is a help, and I will definitely see if we can get a consultation with a nephrologist.
Is it unusual for kidney function to go down suddenly, ie within 3 or 4 days ?
Can kidney function problems lead to shortness of breath?
Is it unusual for kidney function to go down suddenly, ie within 3 or 4 days ?
Can kidney function problems lead to shortness of breath?
Brief Answer:
it is not unusual
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for the follow up.
It is not unusual for kidney function to decrease rapidly, especially in people on chemotherapy. That is why they monitor it so carefully.
Kidney function decreasing would not cause shortness of breath but some conditions like heart failure could cause both shortness of breath and a decrease in kidney function. Since he is in the hospital I am sure they are monitoring him for heart conditions so that is not very likely.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
it is not unusual
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thank you for the follow up.
It is not unusual for kidney function to decrease rapidly, especially in people on chemotherapy. That is why they monitor it so carefully.
Kidney function decreasing would not cause shortness of breath but some conditions like heart failure could cause both shortness of breath and a decrease in kidney function. Since he is in the hospital I am sure they are monitoring him for heart conditions so that is not very likely.
Regards,
Dr. Robinson
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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