Life-Threatening Complications During Superselective Ophthalmic Arterial Chemotherapy for Retinoblastoma: Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Background. Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular malignant tumor in children. Substantial advances have been made in field of local treatment, in particular, through the development of selective intraarterial chemotherapy (SIAC). Life-threatening cardio-respiratory disorders were reported during the course of SIAC at the moment of a.ophthalmica catheterization. Objective. Our aim was to improve the safety and effectiveness of anesthetic management in children with retinoblastoma. Methods. The retrospective study included patients (n=203) who underwent SIAC (517) under general anesthesia in 2013–2018. Results. Hemodynamic parameters in patients who underwent SIAC procedure for the first time (211) were analyzed, in 186 (88%) cases, smooth anesthesia was observed, the deviations of blood pressure and heart rate did not exceed 20% of the baseline values. In 25 (12%) cases, patients who underwent the first SIAC procedure developed bronchospasm with a decrease in respiratory volume of up to 30% from the initial values 10–20 seconds after catheterization of a.ophthalmica with microcatheter. When analyzing hemodynamic parameters in patients who underwent repeated SIAC procedures (2nd, 3rd sessions, etc.) (306), in 177 (58%) cases, a clinical picture of the trigemino-pulmonary reflex of varying severity manifested. Conclusion. Severe cardio-respiratory complications are often observed during SIAC in children with retinoblastoma. These reactions occur predominantly during the second or subsequent procedures and can be potentially life-threatening. All patients with retinoblastoma who undergo SIAC should be considered at high risk.