Hypertriglyceridemia associated with anticancer therapy based on asparaginase and steroids: a retrospective single center study of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphoblastic lymphoma

Abstract

Introduction: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is one of the common complications of the regimens based on steroids and asparaginase used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL) in children. The aim of this cross-sectional retrospective study was the analysis of the prevalence, clinical course and management of hypertriglyceridemia following the administration of asparaginase and steroids according to the binding protocols. Material and methods: A cohort of 75 children with ALL or LBL was analyzed with reference to anthropometric and laboratory parameters, clinical symptoms, implemented treatment, and complications. Results: The prevalence of HTG in the analyzed cohort was 29.3%. Risk factors for HTG development were older age, cachexia and lower body mass index, but there was no correlation with high risk group. Patients with HTG presented with elevated lipase acivity and total cholesterol concentration and decreased antithrombin, albumin, sodium and high-density lipoprotein