Risk Factors of Caruso et al for Thromboembolism in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

 

Patient selection: pediatric patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

 

Key risk factors for thromboembolism:

(1) genetic thrombophilia (family history of thrombosis, evidence of genetic trait)

(2) central venous catheter

(3) use of prednisone (rather than dexamethasone)

(4) therapy with E. coli asparaginase, especially if given at low doses for a long time

 

where:

• Asparaginase is believed to deplete circulating anti-thrombin.

• The risk for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is increased in patients treated with asparaginase.

 

Additional risk factors:

(1) therapy with anthracyclines

(2) period of induction therapy