Enhanced vincristine neurotoxicity from drug interactions: case report and review of literature.

This study reports observed toxicity in a child with acute lymphocytic leukemia who had received vincristine (VCR) with nifedipine and itraconazole. A 5-year-old-child with leukemia developed bilateral cranial nerve palsies, severe peripheral neuropathy involving upper and lower extremities, seizures, hypertension, heart failure, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion after being treated with VCR, nifedipine, and itraconazole. Appropriate management of the above problems including discontinuation of VCR resulted in recovery from neurotoxic manifestations. Concurrent administration of VCR with nifedipine and itraconazole may enhance its neurotoxicity.

Central nervous system involvement of Epstein-Barr virus lymphoproliferative disease in a patient with acute lymphocytic leukemia.

Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphoproliferative disease (EBV-LPD) is a serious and often fatal complication of a variety of immune-suppressed conditions. A 6-year-old boy undergoing chemotherapy for standard-risk acute lymphocytic leukemia experienced separate episodes of EBV-LPD in different organ systems. The patient experienced three separate episodes of EBV-LPD in the cervical lymph node, the central nervous system (CNS), and the liver occurring, respectively, in January 1992, February 1992, and November 1993 after the completion of chemotherapy in May 1993. The EBV presence was confirmed by in situ hybridization in the biopsy samples from each lesion. Several different treatment modalities, including acyclovir, intravenous gamma globulin, and surgery were used to combat the EBV-LPD. The patient has recovered completely, with normal CNS and liver function, and for the past 6 years has experienced leukemia remission while not receiving chemotherapy. Careful monitoring of patients and the use of new immune therapies offer the highest chance for successful outcomes in such patients.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia: case reports and review of literature.

PURPOSE: To report the occurrence of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in children with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), discuss pathogenesis and problems in management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Progressive renal dysfunction developed in two adolescent black girls with high-risk ALL who underwent renal biopsies that were consistent with FSGS. In both patients, no known etiologic factors, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, sickle cell anemia, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, were evident. FSGS induced by Adriamycin (Pharmacia & Upjohn, Columbus, OH) has been observed experimentally in rats. The patients had received anthracyclines and methotrexate, a known nephrotoxic chemotherapeutic agent. RESULTS: One patient progressed to chronic renal failure and required prolonged dialysis followed by renal transplantation, though the leukemia remained in remission. The other patient is also in remission and on maintenance treatment for leukemia. She has persistent proteinuria and is currently undergoing a trial of high-dose steroid therapy. CONCLUSION: The combination of FSGS with leukemia poses a management challenge to the clinician in terms of further treatment with potentially nephrotoxic drugs, complications of nephrotic syndrome (including infections), and timing of renal transplantation. Future studies should address whether FSGS represents a glomerular response to anthracycline-induced injury in susceptible black persons.