Prolonged veno-arterial extracorporeal life support for cardiac failure

2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 437-444 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabina PW Guenther ◽  
Yasuhiro Shudo ◽  
William Hiesinger ◽  
Dipanjan Banerjee
Keyword(s):  
Cardiogenic Shock ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Cardiac Failure ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Extracorporeal Life Support ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Objectives: In intractable cardiogenic shock, extracorporeal life support frequently is the last treatment option. Outcomes of prolonged veno-arterial extracorporeal life support for cardiac failure are poorly defined. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 10 patients (4 females, age = 36 ± 16 years) who underwent prolonged extracorporeal life support (≥7 days) from December 2015 to March 2017 for cardiogenic shock. The primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge. Results: Etiologies included ischemic cardiomyopathy with non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (n = 1), dilated (n = 3), hypertrophic (n = 1), postpartum cardiomyopathy (n = 1), and others (n = 4). Heart failure was left or biventricular in 80.0% (left ventricular ejection fraction = 15.6 ± 5.5%). Among the 10 patients, 80.0% underwent femoral and 20.0% central cannulation, 40.0% required changes in the cannulation strategy, and 80.0% underwent left ventricular venting. No technical malfunctions occurred, but 50.0% required circuit exchanges for thrombus formation. 80.0% suffered from infections. 60.0% could be decannulated after 717 ± 830 (168–2301) h of support, and survival to hospital discharge was 40.0%. Longest follow-up available is 160 ± 175 (12–409) days after discharge, with 30.0% alive and in satisfying functional condition. Conclusion: Prolonged veno-arterial extracorporeal life support for cardiac failure is feasible with low technical complication rates. Survival rates are acceptable, yet inferior to short-term support. We observed a shift from initial shock-related complications to infections during prolonged support. Since recovery and thus weaning is rather unlikely after a prolonged need for extracorporeal life support, this form of support should be limited to centers offering the full spectrum of interdisciplinary cardiac care including ventricular assist device implantation and transplantation.

scholarly journals Extracorporeal life support for phaeochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock: a systematic review

Perfusion ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (1_suppl) ◽  
pp. 20-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matteo Matteucci ◽  
Mariusz Kowalewski ◽  
Dario Fina ◽  
Federica Jiritano ◽  
Paolo Meani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Cardiogenic Shock ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Extracorporeal Life Support ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Circulatory Support ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Phaeochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumour associated with clinical presentation ranging from paroxysmal hypertension to intractable cardiogenic shock. Extracorporeal life support, in veno-arterial mode, application in refractory acute heart dysfunction is sharply increasing worldwide. However, its clinical utility in phaeochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock remains still unclear. Methods: A systematic review of published reports was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Statement. Searches were accomplished on PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar to identify articles describing the use of extracorporeal life support in the setting of phaeochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock (PROSPERO: CRD42019125225). Results: Thirty-five reports, including 62 patients supported with extracorporeal life support because of intractable phaeochromocytoma crisis, were included for the analysis. Almost all the subjects underwent peripheral cannulation for extracorporeal life support. The median duration of the mechanical circulatory support was 5 days, and most of the patients recovered normal myocardial function (left ventricular ejection fraction ⩾50%). In-hospital survival was 87%. Phaeochromocytoma was removed surgically during extracorporeal life support in 10 patients (16%), while in the remaining after haemodynamic stabilization and weaning from the mechanical support. Conclusion: Successful management of phaeochromocytoma-induced cardiogenic shock depends on prompt recognition and immediate treatment of shock. In this scenario, extracorporeal life support may play a significant role allowing cardiac and end-organ recovery and giving time for accurate diagnosis and specific treatment.

scholarly journals Flow manipulation and the association with myocardial contractility during extracorporeal life support (FLAME)

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
SKT Ma ◽  
WC Sin ◽  
CW Ngai ◽  
ASK Wong ◽  
WM Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Flow ◽  
Cardiogenic Shock ◽  
Myocardial Contractility ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Extracorporeal Life Support ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Contractility ◽  
Left Ventricular Contractility ◽  
Extracorporeal Blood

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V-A ECMO) is an advanced technique in extracorporeal life support (ECLS) used to support extreme circulatory failure including patients with cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock refractory to conventional support. It is a long-standing belief that peripheral V-A ECMO poses increased afterload to the inured heart, but conventional echocardiographic measurements are often insensitive in detecting subtle changes in loading conditions. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying blood flow during peripheral V-A ECMO on intrinsic myocardial contractility, using detailed echocardiographic assessment including speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Methods Adult patients with acute cardiogenic shock who were supported by peripheral V-A ECMO from April 2019 to September 2020 were recruited. Serial hemodynamic and cardiac performance parameters were measured by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) within 48 hours after implementation of V-A ECMO, at different levels of extracorporeal blood flow – 100%, 120% and 50% of target blood flow (TBF). Results A total of 30 patients were included. 22 (71%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 54 (13) years. The major indications for V-A ECMO were myocardial infarction (19, 63% patients), and myocarditis (5, 17%). With a decrease in extracorporeal blood flow from 100% to 50% of TBF, mean arterial pressure (MAP) dropped from 76+/-3 to 64+/-3mmHg (p <0.001), and cardiac index (CI) increased from 0.89+/-0.13 to 1.27+/-0.18L/min/m2 (p < 0.001). All indices of left ventricular contractility improved at a lower extracorporeal blood flow: the myocardial contractility measured by global longitudinal peak systolic strain (GLPSS) improved from -3+/-0.7% to -5+/-0.8% (p < 0.001); left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased from 21.5+/-2.6% to 30.9+/-2.7% (p < 0.001) and 19.7+/-3.1% to 28.4+/-3.2% (p < 0.001) by biplane and linear methods, respectively; left ventricular index of myocardial performance (LIMP) improved from 1.51+/-0.12 to 1.03+/-0.09 (p < 0.001). Similar findings were reproduced when comparing left ventricular contractility at extracorporeal blood flows of 120% and 50% of TBF. Conclusions The ECMO blood flow rate in peripheral V-A ECMO is inversely related to myocardial contractility, and is quantifiable by myocardial strain measured by STE.

Multiple Organ Failure and Refractory Cardiogenic Shock due to Venlafaxine Intoxication, Successfully Treated with Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Life Support

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Painvin B ◽  
◽  
Le Balc’h P ◽  
Gicquel T ◽  
Camus C ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiogenic Shock ◽  
Multiple Organ Failure ◽  
Organ Failure ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Extracorporeal Life Support ◽  
Multiple Organ ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Prolonged Release ◽  
Refractory Cardiogenic Shock

Venlafaxine has critical side effects from arrhythmias to cardiogenic shock after toxic dose ingestion. We report a case of venlafaxine intoxication with Multiple Organ Failure (MOF) treated with Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Life Support (VA-ECLS). A 60-year old male with a history of chronic depression ingested 72 tablets of prolonged-release venlafaxine hydrochloride 75 mg (total 5400 mg). Initial EKG showed broadened QRS complexes and Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE) revealed diffuse ventricular hypokinesia with Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction (LVEF) of 15% for which dobutamine infusion was started. Due to persistent refractory cardiogenic shock and MOF, a Medos® Deltastream® VA-ECLS was surgically implanted in our intensive care unit. On day 1, toxicology analysis found plasma concentrations of venlafaxine 3.2mg/L and its metabolite desmethylvenlafaxine at 0.92 mg/L. At day 6, we performed a weaning trial, enabling ECLS removal. Motion defect of anteroseptal and inferolateral walls was also noticed. EKGs showed a shorten R wave in the anteroseptal territory leading to the potential diagnosis of underlying ischemic cardiomyopathy. The patient was extubated at day-10 and discharged for cardiology unit at day-17. At day-20, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed no sign of ischemia and TTE parameters were normalized. This is the first report of refractory cardiogenic shock and MOF due to venlafaxine intoxication treated with VA-ECLS. The main objective of ECLS is to restore cardiac output especially when ventricular failure is refractory to inotropes. Our experience suggests that MOF secondary to refractory cardiogenic shock should quickly prompt the implantation of a VA-ECLS in venlafaxine critical overdose.

scholarly journals Successful treatment of cardiogenic shock with an intraaortic balloon pump following aluminium phosphide poisoning

2014 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid Mehrpour ◽  
Ahmad Amouzeshi ◽  
Bita Dadpour ◽  
Zohreh Oghabian ◽  
Nasim Zamani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiogenic Shock ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Myocardial Dysfunction ◽  
Gastric Lavage ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Aluminium Phosphide ◽  
Refractory Cardiogenic Shock ◽  
Intentional Ingestion

Summary Aluminium phosphide (AlP) is a highly toxic pesticide that inhibits cytochrome oxidase c and causes oxidative stress. Death results from refractory cardiogenic shock due to myocardial dysfunction. There is very little information regarding extracorporeal life support in severe AlP poisoning. Although several therapies are available, none are curative. We report on the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in a 24-year-old woman brought to our hospital after an intentional ingestion of a tablet of AlP (3 g), which caused refractory AlP-induced cardiogenic shock and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The patient underwent gastric lavage with potassium permanganate, received sodium bicarbonate intravenously, and was admitted to the intensive care unit. Echocardiography at 36 h post ingestion showed a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of <20 %. An IABP was inserted and the patient’s vital signs stabilised. After eight days, the IABP was removed and on day 20, the patient’s LVEF increased to 50 %. IABP was successfully used and may improve future prognoses for severely poisoned AlP patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. We encourage clinical toxicologists to examine this new treatment.

scholarly journals New onset of atrial fibrillation in cardiogenic shock

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Santos ◽  
T Vieira ◽  
J Fernandes ◽  
AR Ferreira ◽  
M Rios ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Cardiogenic Shock ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Coronary Syndrome ◽  
The Impact ◽  
New Onset

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction The development of cardiogenic shock (CS) is associated with worse prognosis, and can produce several hemodynamic manifestations. Then, is not surprised the manifestation of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in these patients. Purpose Evaluate the impact of cardiovascular previous history, clinical signs and diagnosis procedures at admission as predictors of new-onset of AF in CS. Methods Single-centre retrospective study, engaging patients hospitalized for CS between 1/01/2014-30/10/2018. 222 patients with CS are included, 40 of them presented new onset of AF. Chi-square test, T-student test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare categorical and continuous variables. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of new-onset AF in CS patients. Results CS patients without AF had a mean age of 61.08 ± 13.77 years old, on the other hand new-onset of AF patients in the setting of CS had a mean age of 67.02 ± 14.21 years old (p = 0.016). Nevertheless, no differences between the two groups was detected regarding the sex cardiovascular history (namely arterial hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, smoker status, alcohol intake, previous acute coronary syndrome, history of angina, previous cardiomyopathy), neoplasia history, cardiac arrest during the CS, clinical signs at admission (like heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate), blood results (hemoglobin, leukocytes, troponin, creatinine, C-Reactive protein), left ventricular ejection fraction and the culprit lesion. New-onset of AF in CS patient had not impact in mortality rates. Multiple logistic regression reveals that only age was a predictor of new onset of AF in CS patients (odds ratio 1.032, confident interval 1.004-1.060, p = 0.024). Conclusions Age was the best predictor of new-onset AF in CS patients. The presence of this arrhythmia can have a hemodynamic impact, however, seems not influenced the final outcome.

scholarly journals Incidence and predictors of left atrial thrombus development in patients scheduled for repeat catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: Is transesophageal echocardiography always mandatory?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satoshi Yanagisawa ◽  
Yasuya Inden ◽  
Shuro Riku ◽  
Kazumasa Suga ◽  
Koichi Furui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Catheter Ablation ◽  
Transesophageal Echocardiography ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
Thrombus Formation ◽  
Imaging Modality ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Imaging Evaluation ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Introduction: The risk of developing left atrial (LA) thrombi after initial catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) and requirements for imaging evaluation for thrombi screening at repeat ablation is unclear. This study aimed to assess the occurrence of thrombus development and frequency of any imaging study evaluating thrombus formation during repeat ablation for AF. Methods: Of 2,066 patients undergoing initial catheter ablation for AF with uninterrupted oral anticoagulation, 615 patients underwent repeat ablation after 258.0 (105.0-882.0) days. We investigated which factors were associated with safety outcomes and requirements for thrombi screening. Results: All patients underwent at least one imaging examination to screen for thrombi in the first session, but the examination rate decreased to 476 patients (77%) before the repeat procedure. The frequency of imaging evaluations was 5.0%, 11%, 21%, 84%, and 91% for transesophageal echocardiography and 18%, 33%, 49%, 98%, and 99% for any imaging modality at repeat ablation performed ≤60 days, ≤90 days, ≤180 days, >180 days, and >1 year after the initial procedure, respectively. Three patients (0.5%) developed LA thrombi at repeat ablation due to identifiable causes, and no patients had thromboembolic events when no imaging evaluation was performed. Multivariate analysis revealed that repeat ablation >180 days, non-paroxysmal atrial arrhythmias, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction were predictors of the risk of thrombus development. Conclusions: The risk development of thrombus at repeat ablation for AF was low. There needs to be a risk stratification for the requirement of imaging screening for thrombi at repeat ablation for AF.

Extracorporeal life support with an integrated left ventricular vent in children with a low cardiac output

2013 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 654-660 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stany Sandrio ◽  
Wolfgang Springer ◽  
Matthias Karck ◽  
Matthias Gorenflo ◽  
Alexander Weymann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Output ◽  
Cardiac Failure ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Extracorporeal Life Support ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Neurological Dysfunction ◽  
Left Heart ◽  
Low Cardiac Output ◽  
Cardiac Thrombus ◽  
The Right

AbstractBackground: The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience in central extracorporeal life support with an integrated left ventricular vent in children with cardiac failure. Methods: Eight children acquired extracorporeal life support with a left ventricular vent, either after cardiac surgery (n = 4) or during an acute cardiac illness (n = 4). The ascending aorta and right atrium were cannulated. The left ventricular vent was inserted through the right superior pulmonary vein and connected to the venous line on the extracorporeal life support such that active left heart decompression was achieved. Results: No patient died while on support, seven patients were successfully weaned from it and one patient was transitioned to a biventricular assist device. The median length of support was 6 days (range 5–10 days). One patient died while in the hospital, despite successful weaning from extracorporeal life support. No intra-cardiac thrombus or embolic stroke was observed. No patient developed relevant intracranial bleeding resulting in neurological dysfunction during and after extracorporeal life support. Conclusions: In case of a low cardiac output and an insufficient inter-atrial shunt, additional left ventricular decompression via a vent could help avoid left heart distension and might promote myocardial recovery. In pulmonary dysfunction, separate blood gas analyses from the venous cannula and the left ventricular vent help detect possible coronary hypoxia when the left ventricle begins to recover. We recommend the use of central extracorporeal life support with an integrated left ventricular vent in children with intractable cardiac failure.

Abstract 14109: Basic Life Support With Reperfusion Injury Protection Improves 24 Hour Survival Outcomes in a Porcine Model of Prolonged Cardiac Arrest

Circulation ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 132 (suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Debaty ◽  
Keith G Lurie ◽  
Anja Metzger ◽  
Michael Lick ◽  
Jason Bartos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiac Arrest ◽  
Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Basic Life Support ◽  
Life Support ◽  
Coronary Perfusion Pressure ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Adverse Outcomes ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Coronary Perfusion ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Introduction: Ischemic postconditioning (PC) using 3 intentional short pauses at the start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves outcomes after cardiac arrest in pigs when epinephrine (epi) is used before defibrillation. Hypothesis: Basic life support (BLS) with PC will protect against reperfusion injury and enhance 24 hour functional recovery in the absence of epi. Methods: Female pigs (n=46; wt ~ 40 kg) were anesthetized (isoflurane). PC was delivered using 3 cycles alternating between automated CPR for 20 sec and no CPR for 20 sec at the start of each protocol. Protocol A: After 12 minutes of ventricular fibrillation (VF), 28 pigs were randomized in 4 groups: A/ Standard CPR (SCPR), B/ active compression-decompression with an impedance threshold device (ACD-ITD), C/ SCPR+PC (SCPR+PC) and D/ ACD-ITD+PC. Protocol B: After 15 min of VF, 18 pigs were randomized to ACD-ITD CPR or ACD-ITD + PC. The BLS duration was 2.75 min in Protocol A and 5 min in Protocol B. Following BLS up to 3 shocks were delivered. Without return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) CPR was resumed and epi (0.5 mg) and defibrillation delivered. The primary end point was the incidence of major adverse outcomes at 24 h (defined as death or coma, refractory seizures and cardio-respiratory distress leading to euthanasia). Hemodynamic parameters and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were also measured. Data are presented as mean ± standard error of mean. Results: Protocol A: ACD-ITD CPR + PC (group D) provided the highest coronary perfusion pressure after 3 min of BLS compared with the 3 other groups (28 ± 6, 35 ± 7, 23 ± 5 and 47 ± 7 for groups A, B, C, D respectively, p= 0.05 by ANOVA). ROSC with BLS was achieved in 0, 3, 0, and 3 pigs in groups A, B, C and D, respectively (p=0.22) with no significant differences in 24-hour survival between groups. Protocol B: Four hours post ROSC, LVEF was significantly higher with ACD-ITD+IPC vs ACD-ITD alone (52.5 ± 3% vs. 37.5 ± 6.6%, p = 0.045). There was a significantly lower incidence of major adverse outcomes 24 hr after ROSC with ACD-ITD+PC compared with ACD-ITD alone (Log-rank comparison, p=0.027). Conclusion: BLS using ACD-ITD + PC mitigates post resuscitation cardiac dysfunction and facilitates neurological recovery after prolonged untreated VF in pigs.

Abstract 13534: Reduced Hospitalizations, Emergency Room Vists and Death Among Patients Seen Once in a Heart Failure Bridge Clinic (HFBC) Program

Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Addison Upton ◽  
Laura Sleater ◽  
Kaitlyn Bankieis ◽  
LaVone Smith ◽  
Benjamin Trichon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Failure ◽  
Emergency Room ◽  
Hospital Discharge ◽  
Clinical Pharmacist ◽  
Emergency Room Visit ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Chart Abstraction ◽  
Recurrent Hospitalization

Introduction: Multidisciplinary clinics established in the care of heart failure patients are particularly impactful after hospital discharge. Clinical pharmacist integration with HFBC allows focused attention to optimizing guideline directed medical therapies (GDMT). The clinical impact of pharmacist inclusive HFBC requires further evaluation. Hypothesis: Patients with a HFBC encounter within 30 days after index heart failure hospitalization have reduced recurrent hospitalization, emergency room visits and mortality. Methods: All patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 40% obtained within 90 days prior to hospital discharge from Mission Memorial Hospital between 8/2018 and 7/2019 were screened. Patients included in the HFBC arm had a clinic encounter within 30 days of hospital discharge and the remainder of patients comprised the control arm. Electronic and manual chart abstraction was used to assess and follow patients. Baseline characteristics were compared for differences using descriptive statistics. HFBC included clinical assessment, detailed heart failure education, medication reconciliation and adjustment with an emphasis on optimization of GDMT. Patients were followed for 90 day for the primary endpoints of hospitalization, emergency room visit and death Results: A total of 1,463 patients (HFBC 307, Control 1156) comprised our final cohort. After accounting for baseline variables associated with endpoints the cumulative rates of hospitalization, emergency room visit or death still favor HFBC compared with controls at 90 days (HFBC 26% vs Control 32%, p=0.03). The 30 and 90 day frequencies of individual endpoints are represented in figure 1. Conclusions: Clinical pharmacist integrated HFBC program allows for focused medication review and optimization is associated with 19% risk reduction in hospitalization, emergency room visit and death at 90 days.

A randomized comparison of single-agent doxorubicin and epirubicin as first-line cytotoxic therapy in advanced breast cancer.

1991 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 2148-2152 ◽  
Author(s):  
D J Perez ◽  
V J Harvey ◽  
B A Robinson ◽  
C H Atkinson ◽  
P J Dady ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction ◽  
Ejection Fraction ◽  
Advanced Breast Cancer ◽  
Cardiac Failure ◽  
Response Duration ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
Advanced Breast ◽  
Left Ventricular Ejection ◽  
Ventricular Ejection Fraction

One hundred forty-one patients with advanced breast cancer who had not received prior chemotherapy were randomly assigned to receive doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 or epirubicin 90 mg/m2 every 3 weeks. These doses were selected to produce equivalent toxicities. All patients were assessed for toxicity, and 138 patients were assessable for response. After a median of five treatment cycles, 47% (32 of 68) of doxorubicin-treated patients achieved a partial or complete response. Response duration and survival were 10 and 12 months for doxorubicin and 8 and 10 months for epirubicin, respectively. Noncardiac toxicities were similar for both drugs. Of 41 patients receiving doxorubicin who had serial left ventricular ejection fraction assessments, seven sustained a fall of 10% or more, and one patient developed congestive cardiac failure at a cumulative doxorubicin dose of 489 mg/m2. Of 39 patients receiving epirubicin who had serial cardiac assessments, five sustained left ventricular ejection fraction falls of 10% or more and two patients developed congestive cardiac failure at cumulative doses of 178 mg/m2 and 833 mg/m2. These data indicate that an epirubicin dose of 90 mg/m2 produces toxicity equivalent to doxorubicin 60 mg/m2 but does not improve response rates, response duration, or survival in advanced breast cancer.

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