3.3 Facts and perception about Asparaginase usage
Though the most common side effect observed was hypersensitivity
reaction, 58% (n=47) of responders were willing to re-challenge
L-Asparaginase. In 67% of instances, participants opted to re challenge
with PEG Asparaginase, and 16% with native E coli Asparaginase.
Forty-four responders (55%) re challenged the drug under premedication.
When participants were asked whether they are willing to re-challenge
patients who developed pancreatitis to native L-Asparaginase in the
past, during re-induction/delayed intensification, 61 responders
(76.3%) were against re challenging Vs. 19 who are willing to
re-challenge.
Though more than 50% of participants are utilising the drug within 24
hours of opening the vial, nearly 45% of responders are storing the
leftover drug for future use. Most (n=75, 94%) clinicians neither
measured serum fibrinogen level routinely nor did they give fresh frozen
plasma transfusion for replacing plasma factor.
Participants were given a dichotomous question stating do you monitor
serum Asparaginase activity (SAA) level in your practice, about 73
responders (91 %) did not do it routinely, whereas about 9% of
participants were doing it in their practice. Further to this when
participants were asked whether monitoring SAA level help in their
clinical decision, 46% perceived it will benefit whereas 48% were not
sure about the clinical benefit of the same.