A Case of L-Asparaginase-Induced Severe Hepatic Steatosis With Decreased Serum Cholinesterase Levels

Cureus. 2023 Dec 1;15(12):e49787. doi: 10.7759/cureus.49787. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Abstract

L-asparaginase (L-Asp) is a useful antileukemic agent for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); however, it often causes severe liver injury with marked fatty liver. Here, we present a case of L-Asp-induced fatty liver disease in a 21-year-old female patient with ALL. Serum cholinesterase levels, which are usually elevated in fatty liver, decrease at the onset of liver injury. After treatment with L-carnitine and vitamin B complex, the liver injury rapidly improved, resulting in the patient being able to continue subsequent chemotherapy.

Keywords: acute lymphoblastic leukemia; hepatic steatosis; l-asparaginase; l-carnitine; serum cholinesterase; vitamin b.

Publication types

  • Case Reports