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.