Selective deficiency in collagen-induced platelet aggregation during L-asparaginase therapy

Am J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 1980 Fall;2(3):207-12.

Abstract

Platelet aggregation studies were performed on 10 pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) receiving induction therapy with vincristine, prednisone, and L-asparaginase. An isolated abnormality in platelet aggregation in response to collagen was found in all patients during the course of therapy. Platelet aggregation in response to collagen normalized following the discontinuation of L-asparaginase, while patients were still on vincristine and prednisone. In contrast to the abnormal collagen response, platelet aggregation induced by epinephrine, arachidonic acid, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and thrombin were normal both during and following therapy. In the one patient with a normal platelet count before therapy, aggregation induced by all agents was normal. This selective abnormality in collagen aggregation therefore appears to result from therapy, with the use of L-asparaginase in particular being implicated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Asparaginase / adverse effects*
  • Asparaginase / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Collagen / pharmacology*
  • Complement System Proteins / physiology
  • Fibrinogen / physiology
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / blood
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / drug therapy
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects*
  • Prednisone / adverse effects
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Vincristine / adverse effects
  • Vincristine / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Vincristine
  • Fibrinogen
  • Collagen
  • Complement System Proteins
  • Asparaginase
  • Prednisone