Bleeding and thrombosis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, treated according to the ALL-BFM-90 protocol

Klin Padiatr. 1999 Jul-Aug;211(4):201-4. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1043788.

Abstract

A multi-center retrospective survey was conducted to evaluate the incidence and types of hemostatic complications occurring in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) during treatment according to the ALL-BFM-90 treatment protocol. All of the BFM-treatment centers (n = 77) were approached and a 95% response rate with information on 1100 patients was obtained. Thrombotic or bleeding episodes occurred in 31 patients (2.8%), 19 of whom had thrombosis and 12 bleeding complications, involving the central nervous system (42%), the subclavian vein (29%), the gastro-intestinal tract, skin, lower extremities or pelvis (29%). Recovery was noted in 28 of 31 patients, while 3 died as a result of hemostatic complications. Bleeding or thrombosis occurred in patients receiving prophylactic substitution with plasma or plasma-derived concentrates (n = 16) as well as in those without substitution (n = 13). The majority of hemostatic complications (90%) occurred during the induction therapy of the treatment protocol, in particular during the period which included simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids and E. coli L-asparaginase. The concurrent administration of E. coli L-asparaginase and glucocorticoids may be an additional risk factor for thromboembolic events during therapy according to the ALL-BFM-90 protocol.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / adverse effects*
  • Asparaginase / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Germany / epidemiology
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects
  • Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Hemorrhage / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thrombosis / chemically induced*
  • Thrombosis / epidemiology

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Asparaginase