Pegaspargase, sold under the brand name Oncaspar, is a medication used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Often it is used together with anthracycline, vincristine, and corticosteroids (for example prednisone and dexamethasone). Pegaspargase can be administered either via an intravenous infusion or a intramuscular injection.Known side effects include allergic reactions, coagulopathy, high blood sugar, affected liver function, pancreas inflammation, and blood clots in the brain. There is no data regarding the usage of pegaspargase during pregnancy. Therefor caution should be observed and pegaspargase should only be used during pregnancy when the benefits outweigh the possible risks. Pegaspargase is a modified version of the enzyme asparaginase which has undergone PEGylation. It works by breaking down the amino acid asparagine that are circulating in the bloodstream. The circulating asparagine is essential for the cancer cells to enable growth since they cant produce their own, in contrast to normal cells. The normal cells are therefor less affected by pegaspargase. Pegaspargase was approved for medical use in the United States in 1994. It is on the World Health Organizations List of Essential Medicines. It is made by Sigma-Tau. References
External links
"Pegaspargase". Drug Information Portal. U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Hypochondroplasia (HCH) is a developmental disorder caused by an autosomal dominant genetic defect in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3) that results in a disproportionately short stature, micromelia and a head that appears large in comparison with the underdeveloped portions of the body. It is classified as short-limbed dwarfism. Signs and symptoms
Individuals affected by this disorder appear normal at birth. As the infant grows, however, their arms and legs do not develop properly, and their body becomes thicker and shorter than normal. The following are characteristics consistent with this condition:
Brachydactyly
Short stature
Micromelia
Skeletal dysplasia
Abnormality of femur

Cause
Hypochondroplasia is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait affecting the FGFR3 gene on chromosome 4p16.3. There is currently no cure for this condition. Pathophysiology
This disorder results from mutations in the proximal tyrosine kinase domain of the FGFR3 gene. This gene plays an important role in embryonic development, playing a part in regulating activities such as cell division, migration and differentiation.Hypochondroplasia can result from p. Lys650Asn as well. In FGFR3, some 20 different mutations have been associated to hypochondroplasia, and it seems to have a role in skeletal dysplasia. Diagnosis
The diagnosis of this condition can be done via X-rays (with lack of normal distance L1 to L5), and additionally genetic testing is available to ascertain hypochondroplasia. However, the physical characteristics are one of the most important in determining the condition. Treatment
Treatment of hypochondroplasia usually takes the form of orthopedic surgery and physical therapy. Genetic counseling is advised for individuals and their families.