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Risk factors for cardiac dysfunction in children on treatment for cancer at Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi


M Shiroya-Wandabwa
C Yuko-Jowi
R Nduati
J Githang'a
D Walmalwa

Abstract

Objective: To determine the point prevalence of abnormal cardiac function and to assess the risk factors for cardiac dysfunction in paediatric oncology patients on treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study with a nested case control. Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital between February and April 2006. Main outcome measures: Left ventricular dysfunction if ejection fraction (EF) <55% or fractional shortening (FS) <29% defined cases. Controls had EF >55% or FS >29%. Results: One hundred and eleven patients were enrolled of whom 32 had abnormal cardiac function and were classified as cases while 79 had normal cardiac function. About a third, point prevalence 29% (95% CI 21.2-37.9), had cardiac dysfunction. Cumulative anthracycline dose was a risk factor for cardiac dysfunction in this population. Above 200mg/m2 the attributable risk percentage of cardiac dysfunction was 77%. Conclusions: Serial echocardiography should be performed to identify patients at risk. Alternative treatment protocols should be used when the cumulative anthracycline dose exceeds 200mg/m2 due to the high attributable risk. Studies to further assess the other associated risk factors and long term effects of anthracycline are recommended.


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eISSN: 0012-835X