Hypersensitivity reaction to high-dose methotrexate and methotrexate-induced acral erythema in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2022 Jun;60(6):264-268. doi: 10.5414/CP204143.

Abstract

A 9-year-old boy with acute lymphoblastic leukemia experienced a hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) and acral erythema upon receiving high-dose methotrexate (HDMTX). Both HSR and acral erythema are uncommon adverse events of MTX therapy, and MTX has not been reported to cause HSRs in specific ethnic groups. We assessed the severity of each symptom and were successful in managing these adverse events for continuing subsequent HDMTX therapies. HSR appeared during the first and second HDMTX courses. Acral erythema occurred after the second and fourth courses. Desensitization by reducing the infusion rate and premedication allowed the continuation of HDMTX. Acral erythema improved with supportive care without dose reduction or interval lengthening. HSRs to MTX should be considered even during the first course. MTX-induced acral erythema is a self-limited reaction; therefore, the chemotherapeutic regimen should not be modified unless necessary.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Erythema / chemically induced
  • Erythema / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity*
  • Male
  • Methotrexate
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Methotrexate