Recurrent Hypoglycemia Following Asparaginase Therapy for Lymphoid
Malignancies in Childhood: The Texas Children’s Hospital Experience
Abstract
Background: Hypoglycemia is a rarely reported complication of
Asparaginase (ASP) therapy in children with lymphoblastic
leukemia/lymphoma (ALL/LLy). We sought to identify risk factors and
outcomes among patients with ASP-induced hypoglycemia (AIH) at our
institution. Methods: Retrospective cohort study using
electronic medical records to identify all patients who received ASP and
had diagnosis of hypoglycemia between 6/1/2017-6/30/2022. Demographic
and clinically relevant data were collected. Results: A total
of 672 patients received ASP, with 8% having AIH–defined by a
measured low blood glucose level within 14 days of ASP administration
and other causes of hypoglycemia excluded. Median age at ALL/LLy
diagnosis was 4.4 years (Interquartile range [IQR]: 2.5 – 7.7)
which was younger than patients without AIH (median 6.9 years, p-value
0.005), and median BMI z-score 0.50 (IQR: -0.46 – 0.95). Initial
hypoglycemia event was during Induction therapy in 71%, with median
time from ASP to hypoglycemia diagnosis of 11 days (IQR: 6-15). Median
duration of the hypoglycemia episode was 11 days (IQR: 7-19). Recurrent
hypoglycemia with subsequent ASP doses occurred in 84% of patients,
with a median duration 14 days (IQR: 8-21). Overall survival of the AIH
cohort was 80% (85% if limited to patients with newly diagnosed
ALL/LLy), with 3 years’ median follow up. In univariate analysis,
hypoglycemia severity was not associated with age, sex, ethnicity, or
weight. Conclusion: AIH is relatively common with no clear risk
factors besides younger age. It can recur and become more severe with
longer duration. AIH screening and management should be implemented.