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Electrocardiographic findings after 5‐HT 3 receptor antagonists and chemotherapy in children with cancer
Author(s) -
Pınarlı F. G.,
Elli M.,
Daǧdemir A.,
Baysal K.,
Acar S.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
pediatric blood and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.116
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1545-5017
pISSN - 1545-5009
DOI - 10.1002/pbc.20639
Subject(s) - medicine , granisetron , qt interval , antiemetic , ondansetron , chemotherapy , qrs complex , anesthesia , cancer , nausea
Background The antiemetic efficacy of serotonin‐type 3 (5‐HT 3 ) receptor antagonists has been found to be superior to older antiemetic drugs in cancer patients. Following the administration of these agents, changes in ECG parameters and increased or decreased heart rates have been demonstrated, but there is no sufficient data in children with cancer who are treated with cytotoxic agents. The objective of this study is to evaluate the ECG changes after administration of 5‐HT 3 receptor antagonists and chemotherapeutic agents in children with cancer. Procedure Thirty‐eight patients with an age range between 2 and 19 years receiving chemotherapy for solid tumors were included in the study. The patients received 5‐HT 3 receptor antagonists 30 min before antineoplastic agents in 83 chemotherapy days. Antiemetic therapy consisted of ondansetron in 43 and granisetron in 40 chemotherapy days. Twelve‐leads ECGs were obtained four times at the first day of each chemotherapy: just before 30, 90 min, and 24 hr after 5‐HT 3 receptor antagonists were given. Rate, rhythm, PR interval, QRS duration, ST segment, the shortest (QTc a ) and the longest (QTc b ) QTc intervals with QT c dispersion (QTcd) were all evaluated. Results We found a significant shortening of the PR interval and QRS complex durations in the granisetron group at 90th min and at 24th hr, respectively. Also, granisetron infusion caused a significant prolongation of the QTc a interval at 90 min. Conclusion Although we observed minor ECG changes after 5‐HT 3 receptor antagonists and chemotherapy, neither dangerous rhythm disturbances nor serious ECG changes were seen. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006; 47:567–571. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.