Autonomic cardio-respiratory reflex reactions and superselective ophthalmic arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma.

Objective: To describe our experience with superselective ophthalmic artery chemotherapy (SOAC) in retinoblastoma and to report the serious adverse cardio-respiratory reactions we have observed.

Methods: SOAC was performed using a standardized protocol for general anesthesia, ophthalmic artery catheterization, and pulsed infusion of melphalan. Adverse reactions were defined as those in which the patient required active treatment to maintain cardio-respiratory stability.