Reported Signs, Symptoms, and Diagnostic Tests Before Cardiotoxicity Among Women With Breast Cancer: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background Cardiotoxicity after cancer treatment is a potentially preventable life-threatening complication among women with breast cancer. There is no algorithm to identify women with breast cancer at risk of cardiotoxicity. Objectives We quantified signs and symptoms as well as selected laboratory values among women with breast cancer who developed cardiotoxicity. Methods The clinical characteristics (n = 15) were collected from electronic health records. Spearman correlation coefficients and a nonparametric statistical test were used to analyze data. Results Significant statistical differences were detected in the laboratory values comparing the first and second half of 6 months before cardiotoxicity including alanine aminotransferase (U/L) (30.67 ± 26.27 and 42.31 ± 35.65, respectively; P =.03, Cohen's d = 0.37). A negative correlation was found between estimated glomerular filtration rate and new onset of more than 1 sign or symptom (Spearman's ρ = -0.5, P =.06). Conclusions Investigating clinical characteristics before cardiotoxicity may determine the mechanism(s) and identify high-risk patients.