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. 2007 Mar;100(3):262-5.
doi: 10.1097/01.smj.0000257382.89910.fe.

Early and late arrhythmogenic effects of doxorubicin

Saadettin Kilickap  1 , Ibrahim Barista, Ebru Akgul, Kudret Aytemir, Sercan Aksoy, Gulten Tekuzman
Affiliations

Early and late arrhythmogenic effects of doxorubicin

Saadettin Kilickap et al. South Med J. 2007 Mar.

Abstract

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

Patients and 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.

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