The aim of the study: We followed late effect of anthracycline therapy on 24-hour profile of blood pressure in young oncological patients.

Methods: We examined 100 subjects. Former oncological patients (OP, number of subjects n=45) after anthracycline treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (the mean follow-up period – end of the treatment to ambulatory blood pressure measurement: 9.7±3.1years; a total cumulative dose of anthracyclines 227±42mg/m2) were compared with the healthy subjects of an appropriate age (Co, n=55). All subjects were divided into 3 groups according to the age: children (13-15 years) - OP:n=10, Co:n=9; adolescents (16-18 years) - OP:n=20, Co:n=23; and young adults (19-21 years) - OP:n=15, Co:n=23.
The ABP measurements were taken by an oscillometric portable automatic monitor system (Space Labs Medical, 90207). The device was programmed to take blood pressure measurements every 15 min (day-time) or every 20 min (night-time). The mean values and standard deviations from each hour were further evaluated.

Results: The statistical significant difference between OP and Co was found during the night hours (20 p.m.–2.a.m.) in the group of 19-21 years old only. The mean values of systolic blood pressure from this period were 104.6±9.3 mmHg in OP and 117.8±12.3mmHg in Co (p<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure were 58.2±7.2 mmHg in OP and 67.7±10.4 mmHg in Co (p<0.01).

Conclusion: It is concluded that several years after anthracycline treatment, the values of blood pressure at night are lower than in healthy subjects. This indicates an impairment of the sympathetic nervous system activity.

Supported by grants: VVZ MSMT No. 0021622402.