Plasmapheresis in asparaginase-induced hypertriglyceridemia.
BACKGROUND
Asparaginase is an essential component of the chemotherapy regimens during the induction and intensification phases for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma. The administration of asparaginase can cause elevation of the triglyceride levels.


METHODS
This study reports the case of an adult patient presenting with acute pancreatitis secondary to severe hypertriglyceridemia after asparaginase treatment during the consolidation phase of lymphoblastic lymphoma. This condition was successfully treated with plasmapheresis.


CONCLUSIONS
Our case demonstrates that plasmapheresis in severe cases of hypertriglyceridemia offers a safe and efficient treatment option for symptomatic patients.
Kfoury-Baz
Elizabeth M
EM
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.
Nassar
Rabih A
RA
Tanios
Rita F
RF
Otrock
Zaher K
ZK
Youssef
Amira M
AM
Albany
Costantine
C
Bazarbachi
Ali
A
Salem
Ziad M
ZM
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001215:Asparaginase / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015228:Hypertriglyceridemia / Q000097:blood / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D010956:Plasmapheresis / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D014280:Triglycerides; D001215:Asparaginase