Factors influencing delayed high-dose methotrexate excretion and its correlation with adverse reactions after treatment in children with malignant hematological tumors.

BACKGROUND: High-dose methotrexate (HDMTX) is crucial in treating pediatric malignant hematological tumors. However, its use is often complicated by delayed excretion and associated adverse reactions, which can significantly affect treatment outcomes and patient safety. Identifying risk factors is essential for safer, more effective therapy. This study aimed to investigate the influencing factors for delayed excretion and their correlation with adverse reactions in children with malignant hematological tumors after receiving HDMTX chemotherapy.

METHODS: From April to October 2021, the clinical information of children who had undergone HDMTX chemotherapy and had their blood tested for drug concentration was gathered by the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Shanghai Children's Medical Center. Via univariate and multivariate logistic regression, the factors affecting the delayed excretion of HDMTX were examined, and the relationship between delayed excretion and unfavorable effects in children was determined.

RESULTS: This study included 99 patients comprising 199 courses of HDMTX. The occurrence rate of HDMTX delayed excretion was 20.1%. Age ≥9 years and a 24-hour methotrexate (MTX) concentration of 64 µmol/L were independent risk factors for delayed MTX excretion according to multivariate logistic regression analysis (P<0.05). Negative side effects, such as fever, infection, mucositis, gastrointestinal response, and decreased platelet count in children with delayed excretion were statistically significant when compared to those of children with normal excretion. White blood cell reduction, hemoglobin levels below 65 g/L, MTX excretion delay, and concomitant etoposide treatment were all independent risk factors for infection in children.

CONCLUSIONS: To estimate the risk of delayed MTX excretion during HDMTX therapy, patient laboratory data should be scrutinized, especially for patients ≥9 years or those with a 24-hour MTX concentration of greater than 64 µmol/L.