Chemotherapy Capillary Leak Syndrome

Also known as Clarkson's disease or SCLS, capillary leak syndrome was first described by medical professionals 45 years ago. In more recent times, a clear tie to anti-cancer drugs such as interleukin-2 and taxotere has been documented by several research studies.

What Is It?

Capillary leak syndrome is a rare, systemic disease in which the walls of blood vessels allow plasma (the fluid component of blood) to seep into the tissues. Although SCLS can appear spontaneously, patients undergoing chemotherapy have a higher propensity towards the disease. If untreated, SCLS leads to complete cardiovascular failure and is potentially fatal.

Symptoms

The symptoms are rapid swelling or weight gain, low blood pressure, thickening of the blood (hemoconcentration), nausea, back pain, and abnormal blood protein called monoclonal gammopathy. Those who survive SCLS tend to have repeat occurrences.

Chemotherapy Link

Chemotherapy agents used to fight cancer have a number of detrimental side effects, among which is the damage they cause to the very delicate capillary and arteriole walls. The mechanism is not clearly understood, but a host of factors from clotting disturbance to increases in growth factors which allow higher tissue permeability have been noted.

Treatments

A systemic capillary leak is a medical emergency. Once hospitalized, intravenous fluids are administered to stabilize blood pressure, steroids are given to assist in repairing vascular walls, and, once the crisis is over, medication is given to help eliminate excess fluid.

Recovery

If detected early and organ damage from fluid overload is averted, many patients can recover in a matter of days. The usual maintenance therapy includes taking oral steroids such as prednisone at the first sign of symptom recurrence. After five years of diagnosis, mortality rates are 76 per cent.

Tags: blood pressure, capillary leak, leak syndrome