Abstract

This is a prospective cross-section and analytical hospital base study was conducted to assess Electrocardiogram changes in cancer patients treated with 5-flurouracil chemotherapy at national Cancer institute- university of Gezira in the period between Septembers to December 2018. One hundred patients were diagnosed as having a cancer on 5FU base chemotherapy treatment was included in this study. A structured questionnaire was designed, included the most personal data of the patient and other medically important points, the notes were taken and reviewed through questionnaire which was made. Then twelve lead ECGs were recorded before, and 24 hours after the beginning of the administration of chemotherapy of 5FU then the ECG was interpreted by a cardiologist. The study showed that ECG records changed post 5 FU in 29% of the patients. The pattern of ECG changes was 4% of the patents have left axis deviation. 5% have right bundle branch block, 3% have inverted T wave, 5% had corrected QT interval between 0.471- 0.50 second and 3% more than 0.50 second also 2% of them developed left ventricular hypertrophy and 7% have a low voltage compared with normal ECG records before taking of 5FU. However, the study does not show any change in rhythm or ST segment. Also, the study found that no relation between the mode of administration of the drug and ECG changes. There was a relation between number of cycles and the heart rate after the treatment, there is a high relation between number of cycles and T wave inversion after the treatment. The study concludes that the 5-flurouracil chemotherapy cause electrocardiogram changes as an indicator of cardio toxicity effect of the drug.

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