Ma et al reported an equation which expresses the severity of an overdose of 5-fluoruracil (5-FU). This can help to identify a patient who may benefit from emergency therapy such as uridine triacetate administration. The authors are from the Mayo Clinic, Tufts University, Emory University, City of Hope Medical Center, Thomas Jefferson University and other institutions in the United States.
Patient selection: 5-FU therapy received
Parameters:
(1) 5-FU dose in mg
(2) infusion rate in mg per hour
severity score =
= SQRT((A^2) + (B^2))
A =
= LOG10(dose)
B =
= LOG10(infusion rate)
Interpretation:
• A score from 4 to 4.5 is associated with severe, life-threatening toxicity.
• A score > 4.5 is associated with a high probability of death. This is usually seen with a high dose given rapidly.
To read more or access our algorithms and calculators, please log in or register.
