Cisplatin nephrotoxicity: symptomatic hypomagnesemia and renal failure.

Cisplatin is an inorganic platinum compound used in the treatment of solid tumors. Clinical trials have proved its efficacy whilst recognising the nephrotoxicity of the drug. We report the case of a 14 1/2 year old female with an epidermoid carcinoma of the lung, who developed acute renal failure following two courses of Cisplatin. The predominant features were symptomatic hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia and hypokalaemia which were corrected following the administration of intravenous magnesium. Renal failure persisted for several months and the patient died due to her primary disease. Electrolyte disturbances should be anticipated when high dose Cisplatin is used.