Coagulopathic side effect of L-asparaginase on fibrinogen level in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia during induction phase.

Background: L-asparaginase is chemotherapeutic agent commonly used in treatment of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Thromboembolic and to a lesser extent bleeding events are serious complications associated with administration of this drug during the induction phase in ALL especially in children resulting from reduced synthesis of proteins such as Antithrombin & fibrinogen.

Objective: Evaluation of the coagulopathic side effect of L-asparaginase during the induction phase in treatment of ALL in children by measuring fibrinogen levels before & after administration of this drug.