The Effects of L-Asparaginase on Blood Triglycerides, Glucose, and Albumin Levels and Coagulation State in ALL Patients in Pediatric Ward.

Asparaginase is one of the most important agents in the treatment of ALL. However, it has some side effects including dislipidemia, hyperglycemia, coagulopathy and hepatotoxicity. We studied its side effects on our patients. The effects of L-asparaginase were assessed on 25 new ALL patients (case group) and 25 patients with known ALL who had completed their treatment before. Sixty two percent of cases were male and remainder was female. The mean age of patients was 7.2 ± 3.8 years. In our patients, there was a rise in triglycerides (TG) was seen following L-asparaginase administration (P = 0.02). Also, PT prolongation (P = 0.02) and hypoalbominemia (P = 0.002) were detected which could PT prolongation and hypoalbuminemia may be seen with L-asparaginase therapy that can be prevented with transfusion of FFP. Hypertriglyceridemia is often asymptomatic with no need for therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]