Steroid-induced glaucoma in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a possible complication.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular hypertensive response to repetitive cycles of high-dose systemic corticosteroid in young patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Five patients up to 6 years of age with ALL who received chemotherapy between November 2003 and March 2005 were examined. As maintenance therapy, they received oral or intravenous dexamethasone 6 to 12 mg/m²/day for 2 weeks, followed by 1-week taparing and 5 weeks break were used in 1 cycle. The duration of maintenance therapy was 15 cycles for 2.5 to 3 years. Comprehensive ophthalmic check-up, including best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and slit-lamp and fundus examinations, were performed.

RESULTS

All patients were followed up until final cycle. Symmetrical IOP rise >21 mm Hg was observed in all patients. Right IOP increased to a maximum of mean 39.6 ± 7.2 mm Hg. (range: 28 to 47). The range of cycle to reach a maximal IOP was 5th to 11th. All patients were maintained IOP control with antiglaucoma medications. However, 1 patient already had severe glaucomatous optic atrophy at the time of consultation.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic corticosteroid in childhood-ALL treatment has a risk for IOP elevation. Periodical and careful ophthalmic check-up is necessary, especially in patients with dexamethasone.