Abstract
Background:
Although 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-related cardiotoxicity is well known, atrial arrhythmia, as a potentially serious complication has not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to determine the P max and Pd in the electrocardiograms (ECG) of patients receiving 5-FU treatment.
Methods:
Twenty-five patients (mean age: 62 years) receiving a 5-FU bolus plus continuous infusion with calcium leucovorin over 48 h and with normal pre-treatment cardiac physical examinations, ECG and echocardiography were enrolled. P maximum (P max), P minimum (P min) and P dispersion (Pd) (maximum minus minimum P wave duration) were measured from the 12-lead ECG at the 0th and 48th hour of the first chemotherapy cycle. Echocardiography was also obtained in all patients at the same times.
Results:
Clinical cardiotoxicity was observed in two patients. P max and Pd were both significantly longer after 5-FU treatment at the 48th hour (P < 0.001). P min did not change (P > 0.05).
Conclusion:
Treatment with 5-FU based regimens may increase Pd and prolong the P max in cancer patients. These alterations may be predictive of patients at risk of atrial arrhythmias during 5-FU treatment.
MeSH terms
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Aged
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology
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Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
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Carcinoid Tumor / complications
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Carcinoid Tumor / diagnosis
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Carcinoid Tumor / drug therapy
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Carcinoma / complications
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Carcinoma / diagnosis
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Carcinoma / drug therapy
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Colorectal Neoplasms / complications
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Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis
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Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Coronary Artery Disease / complications
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Coronary Artery Disease / diagnosis
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Coronary Artery Disease / drug therapy
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Coronary Vasospasm / chemically induced
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Coronary Vessels / drug effects
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Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
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Drug Administration Schedule
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Echocardiography / methods
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Electrocardiography / drug effects*
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Electrocardiography / methods
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Female
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Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
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Fluorouracil / adverse effects
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Fluorouracil / therapeutic use*
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Humans
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Infusions, Intravenous
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Injections, Intravenous
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Leucovorin / administration & dosage
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Leucovorin / adverse effects
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Leucovorin / therapeutic use*
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Male
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Stomach Neoplasms / complications
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Stomach Neoplasms / diagnosis
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Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Time Factors