[Effect of epirubicin on left ventricular function in patients with malignant lymphoma]

The effect of epidoxorubicin (epiDX) on contractility of left ventricle was followed up in patients treated according to protocols containing the drug. The examined group comprised 30 pts with Hodgkin's disease. 16 women and 14 men, aged 17-70 years, and 9 pts with high grade malignant lymphoma, 3 females and 6 males in the age of 21-64 years. Using Hewlett-Packard echocardiograph diastolic and systolic diameter of left ventricle in typical place was evaluated, 24 hrs before and after 40 mg of epiDX application as well as after completing therapy (total dose epiDX 80-480m mg). The percentages of fractional shortening of the left ventricle dimension (FS%) and ejection fraction (EF%) were calculated from the above parameters. There were no changes in measurements of cardiac function after the first dose of the drug. The fractional shortening of left ventricle dimension and EF in patients who have completed therapy were statistically significantly lower in comparison with those before therapy and control group. Heart failure was not observed. Decreased indices of heart muscle contractility and ejection fraction found in our patients may be connected with the epiDX therapy, though in dosis lower than 50% of the cumulative one, and may express the late toxicity of the drug.