An Assessment of Cardiac Dysfunction in Cancer Patient Receiving Chemotherapy: A Hospital-Based Non-Invasive Study

Abstract

Objectives: To assess cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients receiving anthracycline based chemotherapy and to detect cardiac dysfunction in the initial stage. Materials and Methods: An open labelled prospective single site study of assessment of cardiac dysfunction in patient receiving chemotherapy. Results: Post chemotherapy, more number of patients had evidence of cardiac dysfunction on the basis of history and physical examination but statistically significant association was found only in fatigability, pallor, oedema and rales. Among the users or Doxorubicin and Epirubucin based chemotherapy, cardiac dysfunction was observed in 19.56% (n = 9) and 4.3% (n = 2) respectively. Among those on Doxorubicin, in the cumulative dose range of 510-600 mg, two patients (20%) had clinical cardiac dysfunction and one patient (10%) had subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Conclusion: Cardiac dysfunction is one of the dreaded complications of chemotherapy agent anthracycline. It adds to the co morbidity of cancer. Small increase in the risk of common and serious adverse health events, such as cardiac disease, has important public health implications. Effective steps have taken at proper time; can prevent the onset or exacerbation of these complications.