Elsevier

The Journal of Pediatrics

Volume 103, Issue 3, September 1983, Pages 477-480
The Journal of Pediatrics

Acute psychosis complicating induction therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3476(83)80432-6Get rights and content

Two adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed acute psychotic episodes shortly after induction therapy, which included prednisone, was begun. Symptoms included regressive behavior, incontinence, fluctuating levels of activity, and delusions. Both patients regained normal mental status after a number of weeks. Treatment included tapering of steroid dosage, introduction of a highly structured environment, and early use of chlorpromazine. Psychosis persisted beyond discontinuation of steroid therapy, but both patients subsequently received steroids after return of normal mentation, and in neither did psychosis recur.

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Dr. Ducore is a Junior Faculty Clinical Fellow of the American Cancer Society.

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