Cardiac changes with cyclophosphamide

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Abstract
Serial echocardiographic (ECHO) studies were obtained on 40 pediatric patients (pts) treated with ≥ 80 mg/kg cyclophosphamide (CPM) (range 80–200 mg/kg) in 1 week. Patients were treated for solid tumors and prior to marrow transplant. Echo changes ocurred in 10/13 pts who received CPM ≥ 170 mg/kg over four days, and in 11/19 pts who received 120–140 mg/kg dose over two days and who had previously received ≥ 100 mg/m2 anthracyclines with or without radiation. No changes were seen in eight pts who had 80–160 mg/kg CPM and < 100 mg/m2 anthracyclines. The observed changes occurred approximately 1 week after CPM and persisted for days to weeks. Pericardial effusion seen in 15 pts was successfully treated with furosemide in 13. Two died with hemorrhagic pancarditis. Other changes seen were increased end diastolic left ventricular diameter, decreased fractional shortening and abnormal left ventricular preejection period/ejection time ratios. Thus, cardiac effects of high dose CPM are not rare in children. Patients receiving ≥ 170 mg/kg CPM in 1 week or 120 mg/kg in 1 week after ≥ 100 mg/m2 anthracyclines are at particular risk.