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Hammami MB, Qasim A, Thakur R, Vegivinti CTR, Patton CD, Vikash S, Kumar A. Rasburicase-induced hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia: a systematic review of current reports. Ann Hematol 2023:10.1007/s00277-023-05364-6. [PMID: 37468669 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Since the FDA's approval of rasburicase use for treatment of tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), multiple cases of rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia have been reported among patients with G6PD deficiency. This study aims to provide a systematic review of cases reporting such adverse reactions to rasburicase. A literature review of published cases in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Web of Science was conducted. Descriptive studies reporting cases of rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia and/or hemolytic anemia in English were analyzed and summarized in this study. Forty-three cases, including a case from our institution, were included in this study. Most cases (60.5%) received rasburicase for TLS treatment. Almost all patients (93.8%) were tested for G6PD after rasburicase administration. The median time to symptom onset was 24 h. The median methemoglobin level was 10%, peaking after a median of 24 h. The median hemoglobin nadir was 6.1 g/dL, and most patients (n = 32) required blood transfusion. Out of 39 cases with reported outcomes, 35 patients (89.7%) recovered, while four patients (three females and one male) died. The median time to recovery was 4.5 days while the median time to death was 8 days. Screening for G6PD deficiency among high-risk patients is important but not practical in acutely severe settings. When prior screening for G6PD deficiency is not feasible, close monitoring for methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia is recommended. Exchange transfusion is increasingly reported as a potentially successful therapeutic modality. Ascorbic acid may provide limited benefits. Methylene blue should be avoided as it may exacerbate hemolysis among these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Bakri Hammami
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Jacobi Medical Center, 1400 Pelham Pkwy S, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
| | - Asma Qasim
- Department of Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rahul Thakur
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Jacobi Medical Center, 1400 Pelham Pkwy S, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Charan Thej Reddy Vegivinti
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Jacobi Medical Center, 1400 Pelham Pkwy S, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Sindhu Vikash
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Jacobi Medical Center, 1400 Pelham Pkwy S, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Abhishek Kumar
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
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Vidhyashree BH, Zuber M, Taj S, Venkataraman R, Sathish Kumar BP, Jabeen N. Rasburicase induced methemoglobinemia: A systematic review of descriptive studies. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2022:10781552221075239. [PMID: 35119341 DOI: 10.1177/10781552221075239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is an increased number of reports being published on rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia recently. We aimed to identify and critically evaluate all the descriptive studies that described the rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia, its treatment approach, and their outcomes. METHODOLOGY PubMed, Scopus and grey literature databases were searched from inception to January 2022 using search terms "rasburicase" and "methemoglobinemia" without any language and date restriction. A bibliographic search was also done to find additional studies. Only descriptive studies on Rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia were included for our review. Two contributors worked independently on study selection, data abstraction, and quality assessment, and any disagreements were resolved by consensus or discussion with a third reviewer. RESULT A total of 24 reports including 27 patients (23 male, 3 female patients, and 1 study did not specify the gender of the patient) aged from 5 to 75 years were included in the review. Immediate withdrawal of the drug and administering methylene blue, ascorbic acid, blood transfusion, and supportive oxygen therapy are the cornerstone in the management of rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia. CONCLUSION Rasburicase administration should be followed by careful monitoring of patients for any severe complication and treat it as early as possible appropriately. In a patient who presents with rasburicase-induced haemolysis or methemoglobinemia, it is often important to expect a diagnosis of G6PD deficiency unless otherwise confirmed and to avoid administering methylene blue, even though the patient is from a low-risk ethnicity for G6PDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- B H Vidhyashree
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, 75972Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, Adichunchanagiri University, BG Nagara, Nagamangala, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohammed Zuber
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, 75972Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, Adichunchanagiri University, BG Nagara, Nagamangala, Karnataka, India
| | - Shifa Taj
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, 77379Sarada Vilas College of Pharmacy, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajesh Venkataraman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, 75972Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, Adichunchanagiri University, BG Nagara, Nagamangala, Karnataka, India
| | - B P Sathish Kumar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, 75972Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy, Adichunchanagiri University, BG Nagara, Nagamangala, Karnataka, India
| | - Nihala Jabeen
- Markaz Unani Medical College and Hospital, Markaz Knowledge City, Kaithapoyil, Thamarassery, Kerala, India
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Pirrone I, Farruggia P, Cacciatore F, Giambona A, Guarina A, Marcello AP, Mosa C, Scalzo S, D'Angelo P. Rasburicase-induced Methemoglobinemia: A Case Report and Literature Review. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2021; 43:e886-e890. [PMID: 33122582 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000001979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme indicated for tumor lysis syndrome, a potential life-threatening oncologic emergency that occurs most commonly during initial chemotherapy for hematological malignancies. As a result of the defects in the physiological antioxidant pathway, erythrocytes of patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency are not protected against the oxidizing stress exerted by hydrogen peroxide generated with the administration of rasburicase. The authors report a 14-year-old patient, diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, who developed methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia with low oxygen saturation after starting steroids, hyperhydratation, and rasburicase administration. The complications resolved with supportive therapy only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Pirrone
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Pediatric Postgraduate School, University of Palermo
| | - Piero Farruggia
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Pediatric Department, ARNAS Civico, Di Cristina and Benfratelli Hospitals
| | - Francesca Cacciatore
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Pediatric Postgraduate School, University of Palermo
| | - Antonino Giambona
- Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Rare Diseases, Department of Hematology for Rare Diseases of Blood and Blood-Forming Organs, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo
| | - Angela Guarina
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Pediatric Department, ARNAS Civico, Di Cristina and Benfratelli Hospitals
| | - Anna Paola Marcello
- Oncoematology Unit, Physiopathology of Anemia Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Mosa
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Pediatric Department, ARNAS Civico, Di Cristina and Benfratelli Hospitals
| | - Simona Scalzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Pediatric Postgraduate School, University of Palermo
| | - Paolo D'Angelo
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Pediatric Department, ARNAS Civico, Di Cristina and Benfratelli Hospitals
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Kahts MF, Davidson A, Van Eyssen A, Nourse P, McCulloch M, Hendricks M. A cost comparison of rasburicase versus dialysis in the management of children with acute leukaemia and lymphoma at a South African centre. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.4102/sajo.v2i0.50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tumour lysis syndrome is a common complication of haematological malignancies and has historically been managed with hyperhydration, urine alkalinisation and allopurinol with renal dialysis reserved for patients in acute renal failure. Rasburicase has been shown to drastically reduce the need for dialysis; however, its use is limited in developing countries owing to its cost and availability.Aim: This retrospective analysis aimed to compare the cost to state per patient of rasburicase compared to dialysis in the management and prevention of tumour lysis syndrome in paediatric patients presenting with haematological malignancies admitted to Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital (RCWMCH).Setting: Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital.Methods: Patients from two consecutive 35 month periods, before and after the availability of rasburicase at RCWMCH, were grouped according to treatment modality, and the cumulative costs of hospitalisation, dialysis and drug administration were compared.Results: The groups were comparable in mean age and gender. The mean total length of hospital stay was 10.04 days shorter for the rasburicase group than the dialysis group with the average cost per patient in the rasburicase group being R40 989.64 lower than the dialysis group.Conclusion: The use of rasburicase results in a significant per patient cost saving when compared to dialysis, which often requires intensive care admission, and results in extended hospitalisation. The study supports the continued use of rasburicase as an essential adjunct in the management and prevention of tumour lysis syndrome, reaffirming its use as a cost-effective and efficient drug.
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Robinson KM, Yang W, Haidar CE, Hankins JS, Jay DW, Kornegay N, Rubnitz JE, Broeckel U, Cheng C, Pui CH, Jeha S, Relling MV. Concordance between glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) genotype and phenotype and rasburicase use in patients with hematologic malignancies. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2018; 19:305-314. [PMID: 30206300 PMCID: PMC6414283 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-018-0043-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic rather than genotypic tests remain the gold standard for diagnosing glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. However, with increasing use of genomic arrays and whole exome or genome sequencing, G6PD genetic data are increasingly available. We examined the utility of G6PD genetic data in patients with hematologic malignancies and the association of G6PD genotype and phenotype with rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia. We analyzed G6PD activity for 990 patients. Genotype data were available from the Affymetrix DMET array (n=379), whole exome sequencing (n=374), and/or the Illumina exome array (n=634) for 645 patients. Medical records of 341 patients with methemoglobin measures were assessed for the administration of rasburicase. We observed 5 non-synonymous SNPs, 4 of which were known to be associated with deficient G6PD activity (WHO Class I-III). Genotyping 367 males resulted in a positive predictive value of 81.8% (47.8–96.8%), and two males with a Class I-III allele having normal activity both received a red blood cell transfusion prior to the activity assay. However, genotyping males had only 39.1% (20.5–61.2%) sensitivity. Two of the 12 heterozygous females had deficient G6PD activity. Rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia occurred in 6 patients, 5 of whom had at least one Class I-III allele, despite 2 of these having normal G6PD activity. We conclude that although an apparent nondeficient genotype does not necessarily imply a normal phenotype, a deficient genotype result indicates a deficient phenotype in those without transfusions, and may be a useful adjuct to phenotype to prevent adverse drug reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Robinson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Wenjian Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Cyrine E Haidar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jane S Hankins
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Dennis W Jay
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Nancy Kornegay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Rubnitz
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ulrich Broeckel
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Ching-Hon Pui
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Sima Jeha
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mary V Relling
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
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Ibrahim U, Saqib A, Mohammad F, Atallah JP, Odaimi M. Rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia: The eyes do not see what the mind does not know. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2017; 24:309-313. [PMID: 28345492 DOI: 10.1177/1078155217701295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rasburicase is indicated for the prevention and treatment of tumor lysis syndrome which can be a potentially life-threatening emergency. The drug has oxidizing potential and as an adverse effect, it can convert the ferrous form of iron in erythrocytes to its ferric form resulting in the formation of methemoglobin which makes the heme component incapable of carrying oxygen. Patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency are at high risk of methemoglobinemia from oxidizing agents. Symptoms of methemoglobinemia range from none to life-threatening hypoxemia, cyanosis and respiratory compromise. Treatment is indicated at levels above 20% and at lower levels if the patient is significantly anemic. We present a case of a 60-year-old male with diffuse large B cell lymphoma at high risk of tumor lysis syndrome. Rasburicase was administered to prevent renal failure and further rise in uric acid. Twenty-four hours later, a bedside pulse oximetry showed an oxygen saturation ranging from 60 to 65% with minimal cyanosis. Co-oximetry revealed a methemoglobin level of 9.8%. Methylene blue was administered and the methemoglobin level decreased to 2.6%. However, the patient developed hemolysis several hours later, likely secondary to rasburicase and methylene blue, requiring transfusion support. We discuss this potentially fatal and initially asymptomatic adverse effect of rasburicase along with diagnostic and treatment considerations, and review the cases described in the current literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uroosa Ibrahim
- 1 Department of Hematology/Oncology, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Amina Saqib
- 2 Department of Pulmonary/Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Farhan Mohammad
- 2 Department of Pulmonary/Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Jean Paul Atallah
- 2 Department of Pulmonary/Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Marcel Odaimi
- 2 Department of Pulmonary/Critical Care, Staten Island University Hospital, Staten Island, NY, USA
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Experience with the Implementation of Clinical Pharmacy Services and Processes in a University Hospital in Belgium. Drugs Aging 2016; 33:189-97. [PMID: 26922733 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-016-0356-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
This article summarizes the experience with the development of clinical pharmacy services in the Ghent University Hospital in Belgium. Implementation of clinical pharmacy services in Belgian hospitals has not been evident because these activities were initially not structurally financed. The aim is to describe the strengths and weaknesses of the clinical pharmacy development process, and the milestones that enhanced the progress. Furthermore, the organisation of clinical pharmacy in the Ghent University Hospital is explained, including back- and front-office activities, seamless pharmaceutical care and medication safety improvement. Some working methods, procedures and tools are explained for different clinical pharmacy services. In particular, the clinical pharmacy projects for geriatric patients as well as the preparation of clinical pharmacy services for the accreditation process are explained. We also reflect on the organisation model and the future development of clinical pharmacy, taking into consideration facilitators and potential barriers.
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Hauben M, Hung EY. Revisiting the reported signal of acute pancreatitis with rasburicase: an object lesson in pharmacovigilance. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2016; 7:94-101. [PMID: 27298720 DOI: 10.1177/2042098616647955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an interest in methodologies to expeditiously detect credible signals of drug-induced pancreatitis. An example is the reported signal of pancreatitis with rasburicase emerging from a study [the 'index publication' (IP)] combining quantitative signal detection findings from a spontaneous reporting system (SRS) and electronic health records (EHRs). The signal was reportedly supported by a clinical review with a case series manuscript in progress. The reported signal is noteworthy, being initially classified as a false-positive finding for the chosen reference standard, but reclassified as a 'clinically supported' signal. OBJECTIVE This paper has dual objectives: to revisit the signal of rasburicase and acute pancreatitis and extend the original analysis via reexamination of its findings, in light of more contemporary data; and to motivate discussions on key issues in signal detection and evaluation, including recent findings from a major international pharmacovigilance research initiative. METHODOLOGY We used the same methodology as the IP, including the same disproportionality analysis software/dataset for calculating observed to expected reporting frequencies (O/Es), Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities Preferred Term, and O/E metric/threshold combination defining a signal of disproportionate reporting. Baseline analysis results prompted supplementary analyses using alternative analytical choices. We performed a comprehensive literature search to identify additional published case reports of rasburicase and pancreatitis. RESULTS We could not replicate positive findings (e.g. a signal or statistic of disproportionate reporting) from the SRS data using the same algorithm, software, dataset and vendor specified in the IP. The reporting association was statistically highlighted in default and supplemental analysis when more sensitive forms of disproportionality analysis were used. Two of three reports in the FAERS database were assessed as likely duplicate reports. We did not identify any additional reports in the FAERS corresponding to the three cases identified in the IP using EHRs. We did not identify additional published reports of pancreatitis associated with rasburicase. DISCUSSION Our exercise stimulated interesting discussions of key points in signal detection and evaluation, including causality assessment, signal detection algorithm performance, pharmacovigilance terminology, duplicate reporting, mechanisms for communicating signals, the structure of the FAERs database, and recent results from a major international pharmacovigilance research initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Hauben
- New York University School of Medicine, and Pfizer Inc., Safety Sciences Research, 235 East 42nd Street, Mail Stop 219-9-W, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | - Eric Y Hung
- Pfizer Inc., Safety Sciences Research, New York, NY, USA
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Reeves DJ, Saum LM, Birhiray R. I.V. ascorbic acid for treatment of apparent rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia in a patient with acute kidney injury and assumed glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2016; 73:e238-42. [DOI: 10.2146/ajhp150591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David J. Reeves
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, and Department of Pharmacy, St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Lindsay M. Saum
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Butler University, Indianapolis, IN, and Department of Pharmacy, St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis, IN
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Sherwood GB, Paschal RD, Adamski J. Rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia: case report, literature review, and proposed treatment algorithm. Clin Case Rep 2016; 4:315-9. [PMID: 27099716 PMCID: PMC4831372 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Rasburicase for the treatment of tumor lysis syndrome has been associated with hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia, usually in patients with G6PD deficiency. Risks and benefits should be considered prior to use of rasburicase in at‐risk patients. Methylene blue will worsen the hemolytic anemia in G6PD deficiency and should be avoided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett B Sherwood
- Internal Medicine Resident University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham Alabama
| | - Rita D Paschal
- Department of Medicine University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham Alabama
| | - Jill Adamski
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Mayo Clinic Scottsdale Arizona
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Nguyen AP, Ness GL. Hemolytic anemia following rasburicase administration: a review of published reports. J Pediatr Pharmacol Ther 2015; 19:310-6. [PMID: 25762877 DOI: 10.5863/1551-6776-19.4.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) is a potentially lethal complication of anticancer treatment. It is caused by the rapid death of malignant cells after initiation of cytotoxic therapy and is typically observed in patients with bulky or highly proliferative malignancies. Currently, rasburicase is one of the recommended therapies for this oncologic emergency. Although this drug is generally well tolerated among patients, there have been several reports of hemolytic anemia following rasburicase infusions. With drug-induced hemolytic anemia, the condition usually resolves shortly after the offending agent is discontinued. However, anemia that is prolonged or severe can lead to problems such as splenomegaly and rapid heart rate. This paper will review primary literature identified through PubMed, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Embase concerning the incidence of hemolytic anemia with rasburicase use. From the available data, the occurrence of hemolytic anemia will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Genevieve L Ness
- Christy Houston Foundation Drug Information Center, Belmont University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee ; Department of Pharmaceutical, Social and Administrative Sciences, Belmont University College of Pharmacy, Nashville, Tennessee
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12
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Marsh A, Agrawal AK, Feusner JH. Tumor Lysis Syndrome. SUPPORTIVE CARE IN PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-662-44317-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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13
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Bontant T, Le Garrec S, Avran D, Dauger S. Methaemoglobinaemia in a G6PD-deficient child treated with rasburicase. BMJ Case Rep 2014; 2014:bcr-2014-204706. [PMID: 25115783 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-204706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
A 5-year-old boy from the Congo, was admitted for hyperleucocytic acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, with a high risk of tumour lysis syndrome (TLS). He had splenomegaly and mediastinal lymphadenopathy on chest X-ray. We started steroids and hyperhydration with rasburicase to prevent TLS. Respiratory failure with mediastinal enlargement developed rapidly. A few hours after intensive care unit (ICU) admission, he was started on mechanical ventilation. Chemotherapy was started immediately given the strong suspicion of mediastinal compression. Low oxygen saturation with high partial arterial oxygen pressure persisted. Blood tests confirmed 20% methaemoglobinaemia and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. Allopurinol was substituted for rasburicase. The methaemoglobinaemia disappeared rapidly and he was discharged from the ICU after 72 h. In case of rasburicase use, a close clinical monitoring is mandatory, especially in populations where G6PD deficiency is highly prevalent. Methaemoglobinaemia must be suspected in case of low oxygen saturation when all other potential causes have been ruled out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bontant
- PICU, Hopital Robert Debré, AP-HP and Paris Diderot, Paris 7 University, Paris, France
| | - Sophie Le Garrec
- PICU, Hopital Robert Debré, AP-HP and Paris Diderot, Paris 7 University, Paris, France
| | - David Avran
- PICU, Hopital Robert Debré, AP-HP and Paris Diderot, Paris 7 University, Paris, France
| | - Stephane Dauger
- PICU, Hopital Robert Debré, AP-HP and Paris Diderot, Paris 7 University, Paris, France
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Pansy J, Mache CJ, Zobel G, Grangl G, Ring E, Hoffmann KM. Cyanosis in a male Nigerian infant with acute kidney injury: answers. Pediatr Nephrol 2014; 29:1011-3. [PMID: 23989394 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-013-2568-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 06/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Pansy
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34/2, 8036, Graz, Austria,
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15
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Pavo García MR, Núñez-Ramos R, Peralta Salas JE, Vivanco Martínez JL. [Rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia in a patient with leukemia recurrence]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2014; 81:e38-9. [PMID: 24588957 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2014.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2013] [Revised: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/03/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- M R Pavo García
- Unidad de Hemato-Oncología Pediátrica, Hospital 12 de Octubre, Madrid, España
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Luzzatto L, Seneca E. G6PD deficiency: a classic example of pharmacogenetics with on-going clinical implications. Br J Haematol 2014; 164:469-80. [PMID: 24372186 PMCID: PMC4153881 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
That primaquine and other drugs can trigger acute haemolytic anaemia in subjects who have an inherited mutation of the glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) gene has been known for over half a century: however, these events still occur, because when giving the drug either the G6PD status of a person is not known, or the risk of this potentially life-threatening complication is under-estimated. Here we review briefly the genetic basis of G6PD deficiency, and then the pathophysiology and the clinical features of drug-induced haemolysis; we also update the list of potentially haemolytic drugs (which includes rasburicase). It is now clear that it is not good practice to give one of these drugs before testing a person for his/her G6PD status, especially in populations in whom G6PD deficiency is common. We discuss therefore how G6PD testing can be done reconciling safety with cost; this is once again becoming of public health importance, as more countries are moving along the pathway of malaria elimination, that might require mass administration of primaquine. Finally, we sketch the triangular relationship between malaria, antimalarials such as primaquine, and G6PD deficiency: which is to some extent protective against malaria, but also a genetically determined hazard when taking primaquine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Luzzatto
- Istituto Toscano Tumori and Department of Haematology, University of FlorenceFirenze, Italy
| | - Elisa Seneca
- Department of Haematology, University of Naples Federico IINapoli, Italy
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Bucklin MH, Groth CM. Mortality Following Rasburicase-Induced Methemoglobinemia. Ann Pharmacother 2013; 47:1353-8. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028013501996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Harpaz R, Vilar S, Dumouchel W, Salmasian H, Haerian K, Shah NH, Chase HS, Friedman C. Combing signals from spontaneous reports and electronic health records for detection of adverse drug reactions. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2013; 20:413-9. [PMID: 23118093 PMCID: PMC3628045 DOI: 10.1136/amiajnl-2012-000930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Data-mining algorithms that can produce accurate signals of potentially novel adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a central component of pharmacovigilance. We propose a signal-detection strategy that combines the adverse event reporting system (AERS) of the Food and Drug Administration and electronic health records (EHRs) by requiring signaling in both sources. We claim that this approach leads to improved accuracy of signal detection when the goal is to produce a highly selective ranked set of candidate ADRs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our investigation was based on over 4 million AERS reports and information extracted from 1.2 million EHR narratives. Well-established methodologies were used to generate signals from each source. The study focused on ADRs related to three high-profile serious adverse reactions. A reference standard of over 600 established and plausible ADRs was created and used to evaluate the proposed approach against a comparator. RESULTS The combined signaling system achieved a statistically significant large improvement over AERS (baseline) in the precision of top ranked signals. The average improvement ranged from 31% to almost threefold for different evaluation categories. Using this system, we identified a new association between the agent, rasburicase, and the adverse event, acute pancreatitis, which was supported by clinical review. CONCLUSIONS The results provide promising initial evidence that combining AERS with EHRs via the framework of replicated signaling can improve the accuracy of signal detection for certain operating scenarios. The use of additional EHR data is required to further evaluate the capacity and limits of this system and to extend the generalizability of these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rave Harpaz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA.
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Sonbol MB, Yadav H, Vaidya R, Rana V, Witzig TE. Methemoglobinemia and hemolysis in a patient with G6PD deficiency treated with rasburicase. Am J Hematol 2013; 88:152-4. [PMID: 22573495 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.23182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/27/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hemang Yadav
- Division of Internal Medicine; Mayo Clinic; Rochester; Minnesota
| | - Rakhee Vaidya
- Division of Hematology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester; Minnesota
| | - Vishal Rana
- Division of Hematology; Mayo Clinic; Rochester; Minnesota
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Cheah CY, Lew TE, Seymour JF, Burbury K. Rasburicase causing severe oxidative hemolysis and methemoglobinemia in a patient with previously unrecognized glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Acta Haematol 2013; 130:254-9. [PMID: 23860572 DOI: 10.1159/000351048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Rasburicase is frequently used in tumor lysis syndrome (TLS). Although it is very well tolerated, it can cause severe oxidative hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia in patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. We report another case of rasburicase-induced methemoglobinemia in a patient with previously unrecognized G6PD deficiency and review the cases of methemoglobinemia and oxidative hemolysis reported in the literature to date. Patients from ethnicities in which G6PD deficiency is prevalent at high risk of TLS should be screened for G6PD deficiency prior to administration of rasburicase where practical. Asymptomatic decrease in oxygen saturation by oximetry and cyanosis are signs of methemoglobinemia; patients recover with conservative measures including supplemental oxygen and packed red cell transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan Y Cheah
- Department of Haematology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Current World Literature. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2012; 24:237-44. [DOI: 10.1097/bor.0b013e3283513e33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Ng JS, Edwards EM, Egelund TA. Methemoglobinemia induced by rasburicase in a pediatric patient: A case report and literature review. J Oncol Pharm Pract 2011; 18:425-31. [DOI: 10.1177/1078155211429385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme indicated for tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), a potential life-threatening oncologic emergency that occurs most commonly during chemotherapy for hematological malignancies. As a result of the defects in the physiological antioxidant pathway, erythrocytes of patients with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency are not protected against the oxidating stress exerted by hydrogen peroxide generated with the administration of rasburicase. Therefore, rasburicase is contraindicated in patients with known G6PD deficiency and the manufacturer recommends screening all patients with high risk for G6PD deficiency before initiating rasburicase therapy. However, it is logistically difficult in clinical settings because of the high risk of morbidity and mortality associated with TLS if treatment is delayed and the long turnaround time of the G6PD deficiency screening. Therefore, administering rasburicase to patients developing TLS before confirming a patient’s G6PD status is practically inevitable. Methemoglobinemia, and/or hemolysis, may result from the oxidative stress. Descriptions of the clinical course should it happen are limited in the literature. There are eight reported cases of rasburicase-related methemoglobinemia, with or without hemolytic anemia, in the literature of which five are pediatric patients. Six reports (including three pediatric patients) had detailed descriptions of the event and management. The recent reports of methemoglobinemia observed in patients with probable G6PD activity further complicated the picture. We are reporting a 16-year-old patient diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma who developed methemoglobinemia after receiving one dose of rasburicase. He was managed by transfusion and oxygen support. The patient recovered well and the observed methemoglobinemia was reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Ng
- Department of Pharmacy, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Elisa M Edwards
- Department of Pharmacy, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Tosha A Egelund
- Department of Pharmacy, Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Jacksonville, USA
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Lopes da Silva R. Distinct mechanisms for rasburicase induced hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia in tumor lysis syndrome. Int J Clin Pharm 2011; 33:471-2. [DOI: 10.1007/s11096-011-9511-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2011] [Accepted: 04/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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