An Ignored Population in Emergency Department: Cardio-Oncology Patients

TL;DR

This study highlights the high risk of cardiac issues and mortality in cancer patients admitted to the emergency department with heart-related symptoms.

Contribution

The study identifies specific risk factors like low LVEF and high NTproBNP levels in cardio-oncology patients, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring.

Findings

Acute coronary syndromes were the most common diagnosis among cancer patients in the emergency department.

Mortality rate was 14.5% among these patients, with elevated NTproBNP levels linked to higher risk.

Patients with low LVEF and high HEART/TIMI scores are at increased risk for cardiac toxicity and mortality.

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze cancer patients who were admitted to the emergency department with cardiac symptoms and hospitalized in the cardiology service or cardiology intensive care unit. Methods: One hundred and thirty-one cancer patients who were hospitalized in the period of 5 years were included in the study. Age, sex, type of cancer, treatment, emergency department diagnosis, laboratory parameters, and in-hospital outcomes were evaluated. Results: The most common hospitalization diagnosis was acute coronary syndromes (69.5%, n = 91). The mortality rate was 14.5% (n = 19). The NTproBNP levels were found to be higher in all patients, and especially high in patients with LVEF < 40%. Conclusions: Cancer patients with low LVEF and elevated NTproBNP levels and increased HEART and TIMI scores have increased risk for cardiac toxicity and mortality. This patient group should be treated and followed-up with great care.