Epileptic seizures after octreotide administration in a 6.5-year-old female with ALL and L-asparaginase associated pancreatitis: a possible drug interaction.

BACKGROUND

Octreotide is a synthetic somatostatin analogue which has been suggested for use in the management of acute pancreatitis, though its safety and effectiveness in the pediatric setting has not been extensively studied.

METHODS

we present a rare case of a 6.5-year-old female with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and L-asparaginase (L-asp) induced pancreatitis, who developed epileptic seizures, possibly associated with octreotide administration. Her imaging and laboratory findings ruled out a leukemic involvement or infection of CNS. The EEG revealed repetitive sharp waves maximal on the frontal and temporal areas of the right hemisphere. The child was treated with diazepam and she continued with systemic anticonvulsant treatment with levetiracetam. After 2 weeks of conservative treatment, pancreatitis resolved and she continued her chemotherapy protocol. Levetiracetam treatment lasted 8 months. 7 months after the first episode, EEG was reported as normal, and the child completed the chemotherapy protocol without any further severe complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Larger and well designed studies are needed to warrant the safety of octreotide in pediatric population.