title: Asparaginase-Induced Hypertriglyceridemia Presenting as Pseudohyponatremia during Leukemia Treatment.
abstract: Asparaginase is a chemotherapeutic agent used to induce disease remission in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We describe the cases of two females with ALL who developed pseudohyponatremia as a presentation of hypertriglyceridemia following asparaginase treatment. Nine similar published cases of asparaginase-induced hypertriglyceridemia and its complications are also discussed. Possible mechanisms of action include inhibition of lipoprotein lipase, decreased hepatic synthesis of lipoprotein, and increased synthesis of VLDL. Effects of asparaginase-induced hypertriglyceridemia range from asymptomatic to transaminasemia, pancreatitis, and life-threatening thrombosis or hyperviscosity syndrome. All cases of hypertriglyceridemia described resolved following cessation of asparaginase treatment ± further treatments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Box 102382, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Ashley
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-9275-9377
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hinson
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA.
authors.forename: Dorothee
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5618-7677
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Newbern
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Box 102382, Durham, NC 27710, USA ; Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Box 102382, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Corinne M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Linardic