[Acute pancreatitis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with L-asparaginase].

The treatment of the acute lymphoblastic leukemia in childhood includes frequent administration of L-asparaginase by intravenous route. L-asparaginase is an enzyme produced by E. coli and Erwinia chrysanthemi strains. Adverse reactions produced by L-asparaginase are numerous, and pancreatitis is being the most severe. Children with the acute lymphoblastic leukemia were followed up for 2 years. Hyperglycaemia and glycosuria were noted in 10% of them resulting in L-asparaginase cessation or replacement by less toxic agents. The acute pancreatitis was produced in 8% of the patients, and was treated typically.