Vincristine and intestinal pseudo-obstruction in children: report of 5 cases, literature review, and suggested management

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2010 May;32(4):e126-30. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0b013e3181d7742f.

Abstract

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a rare complication resulting from a variety of disorders. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and malnutrition. Vincristine-related pseudo-obstruction has been reported in the literature, but its description in children and recommendations for management are lacking. A review of the literature revealed 21 reported pediatric cases of vincristine-related pseudo-obstruction. Most have, however, been attributed to a drug interaction with itraconazole, accidental vincristine overdose, or liver failure. Potential genetic causes are rarely addressed. We present here 5 cases of pseudo-obstruction related to vincristine without any identifiable predisposing factors, and a suggested algorithm for management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Algorithms
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Hodgkin Disease / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / chemically induced*
  • Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction / therapy
  • Kidney Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Precursor B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vincristine / adverse effects*
  • Wilms Tumor / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Vincristine