The impact of COVID-19 on cardio-oncology care in Taiwan

In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data from our cardio-oncology program since October of 2019 to April of 2020 (the initial months of COVID-19 pandemic). In our cardio-oncology program, newly diagnosed breast cancer patients preparing for epirubicin therapy were included. Echocardiography, 6-min walking distance and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were recorded. To evaluate whether the social atmosphere affects cardio-oncology care, we analyzed the objective (physical) and subjective (emotional) parameters before and after January 21, 2020, when the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Taiwan. There was no significant decrease in patients' return ratio and LVEFs. However, there was a trend of subjective shortness of breath reported by the patients but no decline in 6 MWT. Notably, none of the enrolled patients reported MACEs during the COVID pandemic. We observed an impact of anxiety on patients receiving epirubicin but it did not influence their return ratio.PMID:34454797 | PMC:PMC8380481 | DOI:10.1016/j.jfma.2021.08.020
Source: J Formos Med Assoc - Category: General Medicine Authors: Source Type: research