title: Symptomatic cardiotoxicity associated with 5-fluorouracil.
abstract: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 35 hospitals with oncology units to determine the incidence of symptomatic cardiotoxicity in patients receiving continuous infusions of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and to identify risk factors that could contribute to the development of 5-FU-associated cardiotoxicity. A sample of 483 patients [197 (41%) women, overall average age +/- SD 60.9 +/- 11.9 yrs] were followed for one cycle of 5-FU infusion. Thirty-eight (7.9%) patients had abrupt termination of the infusion. There were 9 (1.9%) cases of suspected or documented cardiotoxic events. Cardiotoxicity occurred in 7 (3.35%) of 209 patients receiving their first course of 5-FU and in 2 (0.73%) other patients (p=0.044). Based on univariate analysis, the following patient groups were at elevated risk of cardiotoxicity: those with preexisting cardiac disease (RR=6.83, p=0.0023); patients receiving calcium channel blockers (RR=4.75, p=0.014); those receiving nitrates (RR=9.18, p=0.007); and patients receiving concomitant etoposide (RR=10.32, p=0.022). Patients with underlying cardiac disease require close monitoring while receiving continuous infusions of 5-FU. They should be observed for signs and symptoms of cardiotoxicity, and vital signs should be measured frequently. Continued reporting of 5-FU-associated cardiotoxicity is necessary to identify other patients at risk.
authors.affiliation: Drug Information Center, Division of Pharmacy Practice, University of Missouri-Kansas City, USA.
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Meyer
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Calis
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Burke
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Walawander
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Grasela
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D005472:Fluorouracil