Which intervention is listed as a measure to prevent uric acid nephropathy in chemotherapy patients?

Which intervention is listed as a measure to prevent uric acid nephropathy in chemotherapy patients?

• A. Administering allopurinol
• B. Administering aspirin
• C. Administering diuretics
• D. Administering vitamin C

Answer: (A)

Preventing uric acid nephropathy during chemotherapy focuses on lowering the amount of uric acid produced after tumor cell breakdown. Allopurinol does this by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that converts purines into uric acid. With less uric acid formed, there’s less chance for it to crystallize in the renal tubules, protecting kidney function as tumor cells die off from treatment. Hydration and, in some cases, agents that metabolize uric acid (like rasburicase) are also used, but the action of allopurinol directly reduces uric acid production, making it the preventive measure described. The other options don’t address uric acid formation in this context: aspirin doesn’t prevent uric acid nephropathy, diuretics can worsen kidney perfusion or uric acid retention, and vitamin C is not a standard preventive therapy for this complication.

Preventing uric acid nephropathy during chemotherapy focuses on lowering the amount of uric acid produced after tumor cell breakdown. Allopurinol does this by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that converts purines into uric acid. With less uric acid formed, there’s less chance for it to crystallize in the renal tubules, protecting kidney function as tumor cells die off from treatment. Hydration and, in some cases, agents that metabolize uric acid (like rasburicase) are also used, but the action of allopurinol directly reduces uric acid production, making it the preventive measure described. The other options don’t address uric acid formation in this context: aspirin doesn’t prevent uric acid nephropathy, diuretics can worsen kidney perfusion or uric acid retention, and vitamin C is not a standard preventive therapy for this complication.