Abstract

L-ASPARGINASE INDUCED ANGIONEUROTIC EDEMA

Dr. Karthik S Udupa, Dr. Harish Thanusubramanian, Dr. Smita Shenoy and Dr. Navin Patil

Abstract

L-ASPase (L-asparginase) is an important chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Asparagine is required for the malignant growth of tumor cells especially lymphoblastic leukemia cells. An allergic response to L-ASPase is not unusual because it is derived from Escherichia coli and is often recognized as a foreign protein. The hypersensitivity induced by Lasparginase is immediate type of hypersensitivity reaction .We report a 19 year old male with hypersensitivity reaction, angioneurotic edema (immediate type) developed after the second dose of L-asparginase. He had not developed any adverse reaction in the first dose. He was managed with corticosteroid and antihistaminics. The patient recovered and other chemotherapeutic drugs were continued for his present illness of B-cell ALL. This highlights the importance of giving test dose every time we use drugs known to cause hypersensitivity.

Keywords: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, hypersensitivity, angioneurotic edema.