Association between comorbidity burden and subclinical cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients prior to chemotherapy.

Hong Kong physiotherapy journal : official publication of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association Limited = Wu li chih liao · 2026 · Other · PT
Dian Paramita Kartikasari, Budi Susetio Pikir, Achmad Lefi, Tri Widiandani, Desak Gede Agung Suprabawati, Aditea Etnawati Putri, Azril Okta Ardhiansyah, Emildha Dwi Agustina

Among 110 cancer patients before their first chemotherapy, higher comorbidity scores and lower functional status were weakly but significantly associated with early heart muscle impairment. These routine scores may help prioritise who gets a baseline echo.

Key findings

1

68 patients (61.8%) already had reduced global longitudinal strain before receiving any chemotherapy, meaning subclinical systolic impairment was common even in treatment-naive patients.

2

Higher comorbidity burden was modestly associated with worse global longitudinal strain and higher E/e' ratio, while better functional status correlated with more preserved strain; age was also linked to higher filling pressures.

3

In the multivariable model, age remained an independent predictor of E/e' ratio, while the comorbidity index showed only borderline significance, and cancer type and sex were not associated with any cardiac parameter.

MethodologyResultsClinical Relevance

Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Sixty-four participants were randomized across two intervention arms and assessed at twelve weeks for the primary outcome…

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