Hot flashes, core body temperature, and metabolic parameters in breast cancer survivors.
OBJECTIVE
To examine core body temperature, energy expenditure, and respiratory quotient among breast cancer survivors experiencing hot flashes and compare these data to published studies from healthy women.


METHODS
In an observational study, nine breast cancer survivors with daily hot flashes who met specified criteria spent 24 hours in a temperature- and humidity-controlled whole-room indirect calorimeter (ie, metabolic room). Demographic and disease/treatment information were obtained and the following were measured: hot flashes via sternal skin conductance monitoring (sampled every second); core body temperature via an ingested radiotelemetry pill (sampled every 10 seconds); and energy expenditure and respiratory quotient via a whole-room indirect calorimeter (calculated every minute).


RESULTS
Circadian analysis of core temperature indicated wide variability with disrupted circadian rhythm noted in all women. Core temperature began to rise 20 minutes pre-flash to 7 minutes pre-flash (0.09 degrees C increase). Increases in energy expenditure and respiratory quotient increased with each hot flash.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings are comparable to published data from healthy women and warrant replication in larger, more diverse samples of women treated for breast cancer.
Carpenter
Janet S
JS
Indiana University School of Nursing, 1111 Middle Drive NU 340D, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5107, USA. carpentj@iupui.edu
Gilchrist
Janet M
JM
Chen
Kong
K
Gautam
Shiva
S
Freedman
Robert R
RR
D000368:Aged; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001831:Body Temperature; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D019584:Hot Flashes / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000502:physiology; D013629:Tamoxifen / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D013629:Tamoxifen; D002245:Carbon Dioxide