POEMS syndrome is a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by polyradiculoneuropathy (P), organomegaly (O), endocrinopathy (E), clonal plasma cell disorder (M), and skin changes (S). Other features include papilledema, extravascular volume overload, sclerotic bone lesions, thrombocytosis/erythrocytosis, and elevated VEGF levels.

Sudden loss of renal function, as manifested by decreased urine production, and a rise in serum creatinine or blood urea nitrogen concentration (azotemia).