The relationship between chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and heart rate variability.

Abstract

820 Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common complication related to chemotherapeutic agents and dose accumulation. Initial symptoms are known to be sensory including numbness and pain whereas autonomic symptoms are the latest. Autonomic dysfunction is related to heart rate variability (HRV) change which may precede the symptoms. But, the relationship between CIPN and heart rate variability is not fully evaluated. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the HRV with CIPN-related questionnaires in patients underwent chemotherapy. Methods: Fifty-five patients with gastrointestinal cancers were enrolled in this cross-sectional cohort study. Patients have received chemotherapeutic agents such as paclitaxel, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin. CIPN was diagnosed using National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Event (NCI-CTCAE version 4.03). We evaluated the quality of life, CIPN symptom scale, and HRV. Results: Forty-two patients were male (76.4%) and mean age was 63.2 years old. Thirty-nine patients (71.0%) had CIPN of more than grade I according to NCI-CTCAE. Patients with CIPN represented lower physical and role functions. The standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals (SDNN) was decreased in the CIPN group. Parasympathetic tone (high frequency band) were decreased, but sympathetic activity (low frequency band/high frequency band) were increased in CIPN. Conclusions: CIPN affected the quality of life in gastrointestinal cancer patients underwent chemotherapy. HRV was related to CIPN. Further study may be needed to check the feasibility of HRV as early biomarkers for detecting CIPN. [Table: see text]