Lipid profile of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia during L-asparaginase treatment

Background: L-asparaginase is valuable in treating pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), yet its use has been associated with lipid profile disturbances. Methods: : We compared the lipid profile [high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein-alpha 1 (Apo-Alpha 1), apolipoprotein-B100 (Alpha po-B100), lipoprotein-alpha (Lp-alpha), glucose, amylase, and lipase] between newly diagnosed ALL patients, ALL survivors, and healthy controls. We also assessed alterations of the parameters mentioned earlier during induction and consolidation treatment. Results: We recorded significant differences in the lipid profile at diagnosis of children with ALL compared to controls (HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, Apo-A1, and Apo-B100 levels). HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and Apo-Alpha 1 levels increased significantly during induction at most time points. Levels of Alpha po-B100, triglycerides, and Lp-alpha exhibited a downward trend. During re-induction, no change was observed. During the treatment of high-risk patients, we found no statistically significant difference for any of the examined variables. Conclusion: To confirm our preliminary results, the role of the administration of L-asparaginase and other medications in the variations in the lipid profile at diagnosis of children with ALL needs to be further elucidated with larger multicentre studies, including more patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds. HIPPOKRATIA 2023, 27 (2):41-47.