Hyponatremia and Vincristine Therapy

Abstract

SCHWARTZ et al¹in 1957 described two patients with bronchogenic carcinoma who exhibited hyponatremia and excessive renal sodium loss. Metabolic studies in these patients gave results similar to those described in normal subjects receiving vasopressin (Pitressin). This syndrome has also been described in patients with tuberculosis, meningitis,²myxedema,³acute intermittent porphyria,⁴and various diseases involving the central nervous system (CNS) (tumor, trauma, and vascular disease^5,6). The syndrome was attributed to inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH).¹ The purpose of this report is to describe a patient who manifested hyponatremia and excessive renal sodium loss in conjunction with vincristine therapy for a rhabdomyosarcoma of the spermatic cord. <h3>Report of a Case</h3> The patient was first seen at the Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles in February 1965, at the age of 11 months because of a scrotal mass. The mass was first detected at the age