Why the study?
Does doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy cause early and late arrhythmias in patients receiving treatment?
Does doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy cause early and late arrhythmias in patients receiving treatment?
Doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy frequently induces early and late arrhythmias, which are generally not life-threatening but can occasionally require interventions such as pacemaker implantation.
Arrhythmias occur frequently with doxorubicin but are mostly benign; leaves open whether routine monitoring or dedicated trials are warranted.
BACKGROUND: To determine the incidence of early and late arrhythmogenic effects of doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy regimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study including 29 patients who were treated with doxorubicin-containing regimens. Cardiac evaluation was based on 24-hour electrocardiographic monitorization (Holter), which was performed during the first cycle of doxorubicin-containing regimens, as well as after the last cycle of chemotherapy. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45.8 +/- 15.1 (range 18-69). Holter records obtained during the first cycle of treatment revealed varying arrhythmias in 19 patients (65.5%) and in 18 (62.1%) patients after completion of therapy. One patient presented with syncope and both Mobitz Type 2 atrioventricular block and complete atrioventricular block were demonstrated. The patient subsequently underwent permanent pacemaker implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Doxorubicin may result in arrhythmias both in early and late periods of treatment. These arrhythmias are rarely life threatening.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kılıçkap et al. (2007) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: