Early and late arrhythmogenic effects of doxorubicin.
BACKGROUND
To determine the incidence of early and late arrhythmogenic effects of doxorubicin-containing chemotherapy regimens.


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.
Kilickap
Saadettin
S
Hacettepe University, Institute of Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Sihhiye 06100, Ankara, Turkey. skilickap@yahoo.com
Barista
Ibrahim
I
Akgul
Ebru
E
Aytemir
Kudret
K
Aksoy
Sercan
S
Tekuzman
Gulten
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001146:Arrhythmia, Sinus / Q000139:chemically induced; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001281:Atrial Fibrillation / Q000139:chemically induced; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D005117:Cardiac Complexes, Premature / Q000139:chemically induced; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006321:Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D006327:Heart Block / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013575:Syncope / Q000139:chemically induced; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000139:chemically induced
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D004317:Doxorubicin