Increased arterial stiffness in children treated with anthracyclines for malignant disease.

Survivors of childhood cancer have a significantly higher late morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether anthracyclines used in childhood could increase arterial stiffness, a well-known independent predictor of cardiovascular diseases. The study included 53 children and adolescents aged 6-20 years having completed anthracycline treatment for a malignant disease according to various protocols at least a year before.