To reduce nephrotoxicity associated with cisplatin, what practice is recommended?

The recommended practice to reduce nephrotoxicity associated with cisplatin involves hydrating the patient and administering mannitol. Cisplatin is a chemotherapy agent known for its effectiveness in treating various cancers, but it has a significant side effect of causing kidney damage, particularly through acute tubular necrosis.

Hydration plays a crucial role because it helps dilute the concentration of the drug in the renal tubules, therefore potentially decreasing its harmful effects on the renal cells. Administering mannitol, an osmotic diuretic, further aids in maintaining adequate urine flow and increases osmolarity in the renal tubules. This combination of hydration and mannitol can help protect the kidneys during cisplatin administration by enhancing renal perfusion and reducing the likelihood of nephrotoxic effects.

Utilizing only diuretics or minimizing fluid intake does not provide the protective hydration necessary to mitigate nephrotoxicity effectively. Increasing protein intake is unrelated to preventing nephrotoxicity and does not address the renal protection required during cisplatin therapy. Therefore, the practice of hydration along with mannitol administration is essential for safeguarding kidney function in patients receiving cisplatin.