Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients received complex treatment for cranial and craniospinal tumors in childhood

Aim. To study the traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), indicators of endothelial function and exercise tolerance in patients received complex treatment for cranial and craniospinal tumors in childhood, including radiation therapy.

Material and methods. We compared examination data of 48 patients who underwent treatment for brain tumors using cranial and craniospinal irradiation in childhood (mean age, 21,7±4,3 years, mean period after the end of treatment, 6,9±5,4 years), and 20 healthy volunteers. Examination methods included assessment of lipid profile, vascular stiffness and endothelial function using the Photoplethysmography and occlusion test, cardiopulmonary test, and in patients who underwent craniospinal irradiation, also echocardiography and duplex ultrasound of extracranial arteries.

Results. Compared to healthy individuals, patients after a brain tumor were found to have lower blood pressure, higher heart rate (HR), significantly lower exercise performance (peak oxygen consumption, 19,8±6,4 ml×min-1×kg vs 30,3±5,8 ml×min-1×kg, p<0,0001) and a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (56% vs 5%, p<0,0001), as well as an increase in the augmentation index, indicating higher stiffness of large vessels (-7,3±16,3 vs -20,3±7,9, p=0,001), and a trend towards a decrease in the occlusion index (p=0,051). Echocardiography and duplex ultrasound revealed no radiation-associated abnormalities.

Conclusion. Determining the mechanisms and prognostic significance of the identified risk factors for CVD (dyslipidemia, decreased exercise tolerance, increased heart rate and vascular stiffness) in this category of patients requires further research. Regular monitoring of risk factors, primarily the lipid profile, and the use of preventive measures for individuals with an increased risk of CVD should be recommended.

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