homoharringtonine and Insulin-Resistance

Homoharringtonine (HHT) has been reported to induce hyperglycemia. This report describes a study conducted to characterize the effect of HHT on insulin production and action. Our data indicate that HHT-induced hyperglycemia results from the development of insulin resistance. A review of the literature suggests that patients receiving HHT continuous infusions of 5 mg/m2/d or greater and patients greater than 10 years of age may be at increased risk for the development of HHT-induced hyperglycemia. We recommend that patients with these risk factors, as well as diabetic patients and patients concurrently receiving asparaginase and/or prednisone, have their blood glucoses routinely monitored for hyperglycemia.

Topics: Acute Disease; Alkaloids; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; Blood Glucose; C-Peptide; Drug Evaluation; Harringtonines; Homoharringtonine; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Infusions, Intravenous; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Leukemia; Risk Factors; Time Factors