Blood
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Electrolyte disturbances in leukemia can be the result of the disease process or drug therapy. One group of electrolyte abnormalities is related to the stage of the leukemic process. Included in this group are newly diagnosed patients who may show elevated serum potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium--a result of their release from malignant cells after cytotoxic therapy or their accumulation due to urate nephropathy. ⋯ Electrolyte disturbance in leukemia thus have a multifactorial pathogenesis which can best be delineated according to the stage of the leukemic process and the drugs being used. Recognition of the cause or causes in a particular patient is essential for an effective approach to management. This review emphasizes the need for routine measurement of serum electrolytes during all phases of the leukemic process.