Thromboembolic complications associated with L-asparaginase therapy. Etiologic role of low antithrombin III and plasminogen levels and therapeutic correction by fresh frozen plasma.

A case of an 18-year-old woman with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who developed L-asparaginase-associated stroke and subclavian vein thrombosis is presented. The latter was also associated with a Hickman central venous catheter. Thrombotic complications occurred when plasma levels of plasminogen and antithrombin III were still markedly reduced as a result of L-asparaginase therapy, although the fibrinogen had recovered from its lower levels. The stroke was treated with fresh frozen plasma and the subclavian vein thrombosis was treated with streptokinase and fresh frozen plasma. L-asparaginase and Hickman-associated coagulopathy is reviewed and the treatment is discussed.