A patient undergoing chemotherapy experiences tumor lysis syndrome, leading to a sharp increase in uric acid levels. Which mechanism explains why acute kidney injury is a common consequence?

💡 Explanation

The hyperuricemia from tumor lysis overwhelms the kidneys' ability to process uric acid, because uric acid crystal nephropathy occurs when uric acid precipitates in the renal tubules, causing obstruction and direct tubular damage. Therefore, acute kidney injury follows, rather than simply proximal tubule reabsorption changes or GFR increases.

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