Vincristine neurotoxicity with residual equinocavus deformity in children with acute leukemia

Abstract

Vincristine has been demonstrated to be a neurotoxic agent with distal axonal degeneration progressing proximally. Five children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia developed bilateral peroneal nerve palsies with equinocavus deformities. Three developed fixed contractures requiring surgical correction. One patient was braced prior to development of fixed deformity and the other had physical therapy preventing fixed deformities and did not require surgery. All of the children obtained complete return of peroneal nerve function. Proper bracing and/or physical therapy at the time of diagnosis of neurologic deficit will prevent fixed contractures and the necessity for surgery. Copyright © 1983 American Cancer Society