Original scientific paper
Increased Arterial Stiffness in Children Treated with Anthracyclines for Malignant Disease
Vesna Herceg-Čavrak
Vladimir Ahel
Maja Batinica
Lana Matec
Danijel Kardoš
Abstract
Survivors of childhood cancer have a significantly higher late morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases.
The aim of this study was to determine whether anthracyclines used in childhood could increase arterial stiffness, a
well-known independent predictor of cardiovascular diseases. The study included 53 children and adolescents aged
6–20 years having completed anthracycline treatment for a malignant disease according to various protocols at least a
year before. The patients were free from clinical or laboratory signs of the underlying disease or cardiac disease. Control
group consisted of 45 age- and sex-matched healthy children. Arterial stiffness was determined by measuring aortic
pulse wave velocity (PWVao) using oscillometric method (Arteriograph TensioMed device). PWVao value was significantly
increased (6.24±1.34 m/s vs. 5.42±0.69 m/s; p<0.001) in patients having received anthracyclines as compared to
control group. Increased arterial stiffness was present irrespective of the following parameters: age, sex, body mass index,
systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and heart rate. It is possible that the effect of anthracycline
on increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in long-term childhood cancer survivors is associated not
only with cardiotoxicity, but also with increased arterial stiffness.
Keywords
anthracyclines; arteries; drug effects; child; neoplasms; drug therapy; oscillometry
Hrčak ID:
68950
URI
Publication date:
24.6.2011.
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