Hyperglycemic side effect of L Asparaginase in the treatment of childhood acute lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Background: Hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis is one of many side effects known for Lasparagenas drug which is use in the induction therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children.Objective: To detect hyperglycemia as side effect of L Asparaginase therapy.Methods: From Jan2004through May2004 25children who was diagnosed as acute lymphocytic leukemia(ALL) and was treated in the oncology unit at central teaching hospital for children,15 children were newly diagnosed and the 10 were in relapsed state ,all those were treated with the drug L asparaginase as part of the of protocol for induction of remission of ALL .Blood glucose level were taken before starting therapy as base line and after the 3rd dose and after the 6th dose by glucometer , urine was examined for any sugar or ketone concamitly ,age ,sex ,body weight ,complete blood picture , and family history of diabetes mellitus of each were taken.Result: There were an increase in blood glucose level in(10%) of the children, that had risk factors for hyperglycemia as age more than ten years, positive family history of diabetes mellitus(DM), only one child who is newly diagnosed leukemia had hypoglycemia.Conclusion: ASP may cause increase or decrease in blood glucose level that needs regular measurement of blood glucose during induction and urine exam for glucoseuria. Key words: hyperglycemia, L ASP, ALL childhood.