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Asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis in children
Author(s) -
Raja Raheel Altaf,
Schmiegelow Kjeld,
Frandsen Thomas Leth
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.12016
Subject(s) - pancreatitis , medicine , asparaginase , acute pancreatitis , gastroenterology , chemotherapy , lymphoma , intensive care medicine , leukemia , lymphoblastic leukemia
Summary l ‐asparaginase has been an element in the treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia ( ALL ) and non‐ H odgkin lymphoma since the late 1960s and remains an essential component of their combination chemotherapy. Among the major toxicities associated with l ‐asparaginase therapy are pancreatitis, allergic reactions, thrombotic events, hepatotoxicity and hyperlipidaemia. Acute pancreatitis is one of the most common reasons for stopping treatment with l ‐asparaginase. Short‐term complications of asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis include development of pseudocysts and pancreatic necrosis. Long‐term complications include chronic pancreatitis and diabetes. The pathophysiology of asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis remains to be uncovered. Individual clinical and genetic risk factors have been identified, but they are only weak predictors of pancreatitis. This review explores the definition, possible risk factors, treatment and complications of asparaginase‐associated pancreatitis.