5 year old on Methotrexate for ALL with High BUN

leslie :-D · May 14, 2004

I have a question about my small cousin with ALL on methotrexate. Her recent labs showed BUN of 47 and 50. I am not an oncology nurse but work in dialysis and concerned because I know these are very high numbers. Her parents are not familiar with these labs and were concerned that I was concerned. Her Creatnine was 0.2, slightly below normal. Should we be concerned about kidney function or is this a normal byproduct of chemo? She still has very good output.
Thanks
Juanay

hi juanay,

her BUN is elevated can be indicative of several different pathologies and it is not the clearest indicator of renal function. although it is high, it's not considered critical. pretty much all chemo is going to stress the kidneys and/or liver, but i feel safe in saying that your cousin's labs are being closely monitored. my prayers are with this poor little 5 yo....God bless.

leslie

Juanay · May 15, 2004

hi juanay,
her BUN is elevated can be indicative of several different pathologies and it is not the clearest indicator of renal function. although it is high, it's not considered critical. pretty much all chemo is going to stress the kidneys and/or liver, but i feel safe in saying that your cousin's labs are being closely monitored. my prayers are with this poor little 5 yo....God bless.
leslie

Leslie,

Thanks sooo much for the reply. She is being very closely monitored and is loved dearly by all the staff. She brightens any room and is always concerned about other children who are having a hard time. "Little mother hen" It's amazing to see how this little child has so much compassion and wisdom far beyond her years. All prayers are greatly appreciated.

Juanay

...And a little child shall lead them....