A Double Blind Randomised Clinical Trial to Prevent Serious Side Effects of Dexamethasone During Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment

Background/Objectives: Dexamethasone is highly effective in the treatment of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), but can induce serious metabolic and neuropsychological side effects. Recent studies have led to the hypothesis that neuropsychological side effects could be due to cortisol depletion of the cerebral mineralocorticoid receptor. We therefore studied whether adding a physiological dose of hydrocortisone to dexamethasone treatment reduces neuropsychological and metabolic side effects in children with ALL.