Children With Asparaginase-associated Pancreatitis Present Elevated Levels of Insulin, Total Cholesterol, and HOMA-IR Before Starting Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment

Asparaginase-associated pancreatitis frequently occurs in children with cancer. It is unknown if other factors can influence the development of pancreatitis. A total of 33 pediatric patients with a confirmed diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia were included in this study. Before acute lymphoblastic leukemia drug treatment, the metabolic parameters (glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance, total cholesterol, triglycerides) and body mass index percentile were compared. Children who had acute pancreatitis had higher levels of insulin, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance, and total cholesterol, compared with children who did not develop acute pancreatitis. These metabolic alterations could play a role in the development of pancreatitis.