Abstract Background Cardio-oncology (CO) as a subspecialty has evolved over the last two decades, paralleling advancements in oncology drug development. Cardiovascular risk stratification and patient monitoring have become pivotal. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the demographics, clinical characteristics, and baseline assessments of patients referred to the newly established CO clinic in UAE. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients referred to the CO clinic between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Data included demographics, clinical features, cardiovascular risk factors, primary oncology/hematology diagnoses, and cardiovascular evaluations using imaging, biomarkers, and blood tests at baseline. The primary analysis focused on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and baseline evaluations. Results During the study period, 244 patients were referred, with a mean age of 56.34 years (± 15.68); and 135 (55.33%) were females. 47.35% were aged 60 years or older, 40.16% were UAE nationals, and 38.93% were Arabs. Referrals were nearly balanced between hematology (115 patients) and oncology (120 patients), with 55.4% of oncology patients having metastatic disease at referral. The most common reasons for referral were pre-chemotherapy risk assessment (33.33%) and cardiotoxicity (28.5%). Prevalent comorbidities included hypertension (50.42%), dyslipidemia (47.03%), and diabetes mellitus (42.37%). Other conditions included obesity (30.93%), heart failure (16.88%), and thyroid disorders (15.61%) (see Figure 1). Most patients (93.1%) had sinus rhythm on ECG, with a mean heart rate of 75.66 bpm (±15.85). Left ventricular systolic function was preserved (50% ejection fraction) in 83.51% of patients, with a mean global longitudinal strain (GLS) of -17.58 (± 2.94). Cardiac MRI, performed in 16.6% of patients, showed no late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in 81.58%. Baseline biochemical markers showed elevated NT-proBNP levels in 53.44% (100 pg/ml) and 30.16% (300 pg/ml). The mean hemoglobin level was 120.26 g/L (± 20.34), mean troponin T level was 0.18 ng/L and the mean creatinine level was 88.63 µmol/L (± 91.03). Beta-blockers and statins were prescribed to 35.59% of patients. Other medications include calcium channel blockers (25%), angiotensin receptor blockers (22.03%), and anticoagulants (20.76%). Among hematology and oncology patients, anthracyclines were the most commonly used treatment (25.75%), followed by radiation therapy involving the heart (12.02%), HER2-targeted therapies (11.16%), second- and third-generation BCR-ABL TKIs (11.16%), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (11.16%). Conclusion Patients referred to the UAE’s first cardio-oncology clinic exhibit a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors despite a relatively low mean age. These findings emphasize the importance of timely referrals and robust collaboration between specialties to manage and monitor cardiotoxicity risks effectively.Figure 1:Prevalence of Comorbidities
Mesmar et al. (Fri,) studied this question.