Catalase deficiency may complicate urate oxidase (rasburicase) therapy.

Author(s): Goth L, Bigler NW

Affiliation(s): Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Pathology and Clinical Analytical Chemistry, Medical College, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary. goth@dote.hu

Publication date & source: 2007-09, Free Radic Res., 41(9):953-5.

Publication type:

Patients with low (inherited and acquired) catalase activities who are treated with infusion of uric acid oxidase because they are at risk of tumour lysis syndrome may experience very high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. They may suffer from methemoglobinaemia and haemolytic anaemia which may be attributed either to deficiency of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase or to other unknown circumstances. Data have not been reported from catalase deficient patients who were treated with uric acid oxidase. It may be hypothesized that their decreased blood catalase could lead to the increased concentration of hydrogen peroxide which may cause haemolysis and formation of methemoglobin. Blood catalase activity should be measured for patients at risk of tumour lysis syndrome prior to uric acid oxidase treatment.