ABSTRACT
Rapid cell lysis leads to a release of large amounts of nucleic acids, potassium and phosphate. Nucleic acids consist of purines, which are metabolized via xanthine oxidase to hypoxanthine, xanthine and finally uric acid. If the concentration of uric acid increases and the pH decreases, uric acid precipitates in kidney tubules. Renal impairment follows, which may lead to acidosis, further enhancing precipitation of uric acid.
