Risk factors of vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia children

Objective: This study analysed Vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) risk factors in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) children. Method: This cross-sectional study design was performed at Dr. Soetomo Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia, from August to October 2019. It included ALL children, aged 4–18 years, undergoing the 2013 or 2018 ALL Indonesian Protocol of Chemotherapy, with a cumulative vincristine dose ≥ 12 mg / m². VIPN diagnosis is based on complaints, the Total Neuropathy Score Pediatric Vincristine (TNS-PV), and nerve conduction studies (NCS). The examined risk factors were sex, age, ALL classification, nutritional status, impaired liver function, and cumulative vincristine dose. Results: There were 52 ALL children: median age 7 years, 59.6% boys, 59.6% ALL standard risk, 44.2% experienced impaired liver function at initial ALL di-agnosis. Based on a single parameter for diagnosis, 26.9% had VIPN based on complaints, 76.9% had it based on the TNS-PV, and 100% had it based on NCS. VIPN was diagnosed in 25% of children, with predominantly motor impairment and located in lower extremities. Impaired liver function is a risk factor for VIPN in ALL children (p = 0.046, prevalence ratio (PR) 2.84). Conclusion: Impaired liver function is a significant risk factor for VIPN in ALL children. J. Med. Invest. 68: 232-237, August, 2021.