Cardiac Function in Long-Term Survivors of Childhood Lymphoma. (11th January 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Friedberg, Mark K.; Solt, Ido; Weyl-Ben-Arush, Myriam; Braver, Yulia; Lorber, Avraham
• Other Names: Westermann Dirk Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Cardiology research and practice. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-01-11
• Subjects: Cardiology -- Research -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Cardiology; Cardiology; Cardiology -- Research; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.4061/2011/316927
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-8016

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives . We studied long-term effects of therapy for childhood lymphoma on cardiac function. Design and patients . We prospectively evaluated 45 survivors of childhood lymphoma, using clinical parameters, electrocardiography and echocardiography. Further comparisons were made between lymphoma subgroups and between males and females. Results . Mean age at diagnosis was 9.1 years. Mean followup duration was 10.9 years. The NYHA functional class was I in 43 patients and II in 2 patients. A prolonged QTc interval (>0.44 msec) was found in 8 patients. Left ventricular (LV) systolic function and compliance were normal (LV shortening fraction40 ± 5.6 %; cardiac index2.84 ± 1.13 L/min/m 2 ; E/A wave ratio2.5 ± 1.3 ; mean ± S.D.), LV mass was normal (97 ± 40 grams/m 2, mean ± S.D.). Mitral regurgitation was observed in 7/45 patients (16%). Asymptomatic pericardial effusions were found in 3/45 (7%) patients. Conclusions . Long-term follow-up shows that most parameters of cardiac function are normal in survivors of childhood lymphoma. This is likely due to relatively low doses of anthracyclines in modern protocol modalities. Abnormalities in mitral valve flow, QTc prolongation and in a small proportion of survivors, and functional capacity necessitate long-term cardiac follow-up of these patients.