Pediatric hematology and oncology
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Pediatr Hematol Oncol · Feb 2011
Transient hyperammonemia due to L-asparaginase therapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The standard treatment protocol for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in childhood includes intravenous therapy with asparaginase (Asp), which may cause hyperammonemia. In this study, all patients receiving asparaginase therapy at the Hospital for Children and Adolescents of the University of Leipzig between January 2002 and December 2007 were reviewed for the occurrence of hyperammonemia. Fifty-four patients were identified (22 girls, 32 boys; mean age 5.8 years). ⋯ They received specific acute detoxification therapy consisting in protein restriction, administration of benzoic acid, glucose/insulin. All 4 recovered completely. All patients receiving therapeutic regimes that include asparaginase (Asp) should be monitored for the development of transient hyperammonemia.