Acute, generalised but transient muscle cramping and weakness shortly after first oxaliplatin infusion

Excerpt

Oxaliplatin is a platinum derivative, which is increasingly applied in chemotherapy of various malignancies, most frequently gastrointestinal malignancies [1]. Oxaliplatin may cause a number of adverse reactions, frequently neurological in nature (neurotoxicity), which may be acute or chronic [1‐3]. Acute neurotoxicity manifests as sensory disturbances of the hands, feet, pharynx or larynx, or throat or jaw tightness, triggered or exacerbated by cold [1, 3, 4]. More rare acute neurological side effects include blepharoptosis or neuromyotonia [1, 5]. Repetitive nerve stimulation may show an abnormal decremental response and needle EMG neuromyotonic discharges [6]. Neurotoxicity from oxaliplatin is usually transient and reversible with complete recovery [7]. Chronic neurotoxicity of oxaliplatin includes sensory neuropathy, hyperexcitability syndrome, muscle cramps, dysarthria, ptosis, or visual field defects [4]. …