Article 170

Background and objectives:the use of anthracycline antineoplastic agents has conducted to improved pediatric malignancies’ outcomes, yet their use is limited by their potential cardiotoxic effects. Thus, children who have received anthracyclines require cardiac evaluation periodically. The serum levels of cardiac troponins have been shown to be elevated in response to severity of cardiac dysfunction. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of serum levels of cardiac troponin and echocardiography as sensitive markers for anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in children with malignancy. Methods:we carried out this study at Nanakali Hospital, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology unit. We measured plasma high sensitive cardiac troponin T in 24 patients who received anthracyclines for their malignancy at cumulative doses of 75-310mg/m2, between Feb 2017 and Feb 2018. Evaluation of the patients for cardiac functions included physical examination, chest X-ray and echocardiography in addition to cardiac troponins. Results: Of the 24 patients, 3 (12.5%) had abnormal cardiac functions by echocardiography. Serum troponin level in two of them was significantly elevated. Physical findings of the patients were significant. Chest X-ray in 2 (8.3%) showed radiological findings. Conclusions: Serum troponin concentration and Echocardiography may be practical and sensitive indicator of abnormal cardiac function in children receiving anthracycline therapy.