CAPILLARY LEAKAGE SYNDROME COMPLICATING CHEMOTHERAPY IN AN INFANT WITH WILMS-TUMOR

We report an infant with Wilms' tumor who developed capillary leakage syndrome after dactinomycin therapy, a complication that has not previ ously been described. The capillary leakage syndrome was characterized mainly by bilateral pleural effusions, ascites, and weight gain and w as accompanied by markedly increased plasma levels of gamma-interferon and of the anaphylatoxin C5a. C1 esterase inhibitor (C1 INH) was give n (240 U/kg over 3 days), and the child recovered completely within 6 days. We conclude that C1 esterase inhibitor may be an effective treat ment for this unusual complication.