Electrocardiogram Changes in Cancer Patients Taking 5-Flurouracil Chemotherapy at National Cancer Institute - University of Gezira (2018)

Objective: To assess electrocardiogram changes in cancer patients taking 5-flurouracil chemotherapy at national Cancer institute- University of Gezira 2018.

Methods: This is a prospective, cross-section and analytical study, conducted to assess Electrocardiogram changes in cancer patients taking 5-flurouracil chemotherapy at national Cancer institute- university of Gezira in period between Septembers to December 2018. 100 patients diagnosed with cancer and on 5FU chemotherapy were included in the study.

Results: ECG records changed post 5 FU in 29% of patients. 4% have left axis deviation. 5% have right bundle branch block, 3% have inverted T wave, 5% have corrected QT interval between 0. 471-0.50 second and 3% more than 0.50 second, 2% developed left ventricular hypertrophy, 7% have a low voltage compared with ECG records before taking 5FU. No change in rhythm or ST segment. No relation between mode of administration and ECG changes. There was a relation between number of cycles and the heart rate after the treatment and between number of cycles and T wave inversion after the treatment.

Conclusions: 5-flurouracil chemotherapy cause electrocardiogram changes as an indicator of cardio toxicity effect of the drug.