title: Changes in the EEG background activity of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during cytotoxic therapy.
abstract: Thirteen children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were investigated before and during cytotoxic therapy. EEG findings were correlated with the clinical course and the therapy protocol and compared with normal data obtained from 295 healthy children. Frequency analysis of the background activity of the EEG revealed an initial slowing of the background activity prior to therapy and further slowing each time a combination of vincristine (VCR), daunorubicin (DAU) or adriblastine (ADR), prednisone (PRED), and L-asparaginase (L-ASP) was administered. The slowing of the background activity correlated only with the administration of these drugs. DAU, ADR, and PRED are not known to influence the EEG; therefore, VCR and L-ASP remain the primary candidates responsible for the central nervous system alteration.
authors.affiliation: University Children's Hospital, University of Heidelberg, F.R.G.
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Lichter-Konecki
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Benninger
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Brandeis
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Matthis
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scheffner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001215:Asparaginase / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D016371:Cranial Irradiation; D003630:Daunorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D011241:Prednisone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D014750:Vincristine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D014750:Vincristine; D004317:Doxorubicin; D001215:Asparaginase; D011241:Prednisone; D003630:Daunorubicin