title: Avascular necrosis of bone in acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
abstract: Avascular necrosis of bone (AVNB) is a known complication of systemic adrenocorticosteroid therapy and is thought to be dose related. However, despite the large amount of prednisolone that has been used in the standard treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), AVNB has rarely been reported with this disease. We have described our experience with an adolescent girl with ALL who developed multifocal AVNB after aggressive chemotherapy, which included high cumulative doses of corticosteroids along with other cytotoxic drugs, some of which have been associated with AVNB. Five similar cases from literature are reviewed. The occurrence of AVNB may become more common in the future with the increasing use of aggressive chemotherapy. Awareness of this possibility will lead to a more rapid diagnosis and early treatment of AVNB.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Giri
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Nair
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Pai
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Kurkure
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gopal
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Advani
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005271:Femur Head Necrosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D007945:Leukemia, Lymphoid / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones