Purpose: To determine the cumulative incidence of anthracycline induced
cardiotoxicity (AIC), its predictors, and associated
electrocardiographic and echocardiographic manifestations in adult
cancer patients at Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). Methods: We enrolled
160 participants between June 2013 and April 2014 and followed them up
for a median of 146 days. Data on clinical, electrocardiographic and
echocardiographic findings was obtained at baseline, and at completion
of chemotherapy. The Pearson chi square test was used to identify the
predictors associated with cardiotoxicity. Results: Of the 64 patients
who were accessible for follow-up electrocardiography (ECG) and
echocardiography (ECHO), fourteen participants developed cardiotoxicity
hence a cumulative incidence rate of 21.9% with 95% CI 13.5%- 33.43%.
The predictors of AIC were female gender (p=0.025), LVEF (p=0.014) and
LVFS (P=0.019). Anthracycline therapy was associated with shortening of
the QRS duration (84.3\ub17.9 Vs 82.1\ub111.8 ms, p=0.005),
prolongation of the QTc interval (411.9\ub130.7 Vs 447.2\ub139.4
ms, p=<0.001) and reduction in the LVEF (66.4\ub17.7 Vs
63.9\ub18.4%, p=0.026) and LVFS (36.9\ub16.2 Vs 35.1\ub16.6%,
p=0.03). Conclusion: The cumulative incidence of AIC in this study
cohort was high. Our findings emphasize the need for early monitoring
for AIC. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v19i1.40 Cite as: Kibudde
S, Mondo CK, Kibirige D, Walusansa V, J O. Anthracycline induced
cardiotoxicity in adult cancer patients: a prospective cohort study
from a specialized oncology treatment centre in Uganda. Afri Health
Sci. 2019;19(1). 1647-1656. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ahs. v19i1.4