Optimal Glycated Hemoglobin Cutoff for Diagnosis of Diabetes and Prediabetes in Chinese Breast Cancer Women.

Purpose: Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is widely used in diabetes management and now recommended for diagnosis and risk assessment. Our research focused on investigating the optimal cutoff points of HbA1c for diagnosis of diabetes and prediabetes in Chinese breast cancer women, aiming to enhance early detection and tailor treatment strategies. Patients and Methods: This study involved 309 breast cancer women without diabetes history in China. Patients were categorized into groups of newly diagnosed diabetes, prediabetes, and normal glucose tolerance using oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) according to the 2010 ADA criteria. HbA1c data were collected from all patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of the HbA1c screening. Results: Among the 309 breast cancer women without diabetes history, 96 (31.0%) were identified with diabetes and 130 (42.1%) had prediabetes according to OGTT, and the incidence of normal glucose tolerance was only 26.9% (83). ROC curve analysis, using OGTT as a reference, revealed that the area under the curve of 0.903 (P<0.001, 95% CI, 0.867-0.938) for HbA1c alone, indicating high accuracy. The optimal HbA1c cutoff for identifying diabetes was determined to be 6.0%, with a sensitivity of 78.1% and specificity of 86.4%. For prediabetes, the ROC curve for HbA1c alone showed that the area under the ROC curve of 0.703 (P<0.001, 95% CI, 0.632-0.774), with an optimal cutoff of 5.5% (sensitivity of 76.9% and specificity of 51.8%). Conclusion: The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes is very high in breast cancer women without diabetes history in China. The optimal cutoff points of HbA1c for identifying diabetes and prediabetes are 6.0% and 5.5% in Chinese breast cancer women, respectively.

Prevalence and risk factors of thyroid nodules in breast cancer women with different clinicopathological characteristics: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Association between breast cancer (BC) and thyroid nodules (TNs) is still unclear. This research was to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of TN in Chinese BC women at initial diagnosis. METHODS: 1731 Chinese early-stage BC women at initial diagnosis underwent thyroid ultrasound and 1:1 age-matched Chinese healthy women underwent health examination in corresponding period were enrolled for analysis. RESULTS: Prevalence of TN and TI-RADS ≥ 4 TN in BC patients (56.27% and 9.76%) were higher than healthy people (46.04% and 5.49%), respectively, P < 0.001. Among BC patients, prevalence of TN and TI-RADS ≥ 4 TN in hormone receptor (HR)-positive patients (59.57% and 11.81%) were higher than HR-negative patients (48.77% and 5.10%), respectively, P < 0.001, while without difference between HR-negative patients and healthy people. After adjusting for age and BMI, HR-positive patients had higher risk of TN (OR = 1.546, 95%CI 1.251-1.910, P < 0.001) and TI-RADS ≥ 4 TN (OR = 3.024, 95%CI 1.943-4.708, P < 0.001) than HR-negative patients. Furthermore, the risk of TI-RADS ≥ 4 TN was higher in patients with estrogen receptor (ER) positive (OR = 2.933, 95%CI 1.902-4.524), progesterone receptor (PR) positive (OR = 1.973, 95%CI 1.378-2.826), Ki-67 < 20% (OR = 1.797, 95%CI 1.280-2.522), and tumor size < 2 cm (OR = 1.804, 95%CI 1.276-2.552), respectively, P < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of TN, especially TI-RADS ≥ 4 TN, in Chinese early-stage BC women was higher than healthy people. HR-positive patients had higher prevalence and risk of TN, while without difference between HR-negative patients and healthy people. The increased risk of TN was correlated with ER-positive, PR-positive, lower Ki-67 expression, and smaller tumor size.

Effect of chemotherapy and different chemotherapy regimens on bone health among Chinese breast cancer women in different menstrual status: a self-control study.

PURPOSE: Although the therapy-related bone loss attracts increasing attention nowadays, the differences in chemotherapy-induced bone loss and bone metabolism indexes change among breast cancer (BC) women with different menstrual statuses or chemotherapy regimens are unknown. The aim of the study is to explore the effects of different regimens of chemotherapy on bone health. METHOD: The self-control study enrolled 118 initially diagnosed BC women without distant metastasis who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) screening and (or) bone metabolism index monitoring during chemotherapy at Chongqing Breast Cancer Center. Mann-Whitney U test, Cochran's Q test, and Wilcoxon sign rank test were performed. RESULTS: After chemotherapy, the BMD in the lumbar 1-4 and whole lumbar statistically decreased (- 1.8%/per 6 months), leading to a significantly increased proportion of osteoporosis (27.1% vs. 20.5%, P < 0.05), which were mainly seen in the premenopausal group (- 7.0%/per 6 months). Of the chemotherapeutic regimens of EC (epirubicin + cyclophosphamide), TC (docetaxel + cyclophosphamide), TEC (docetaxel + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide), and EC-T(H) [epirubicin + cyclophosphamide-docetaxel and/or trastuzumab], EC regimen had the least adverse impact on BMD, while the EC-TH regimen reduced BMD most (P < 0.05) inspite of the non-statistical difference between EC-T regimen, which was mainly seen in the postmenopausal group. Chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (estradiol 94 pg/ml vs, 22 pg/ml; FSH 9.33 mIU/ml vs. 61.27 mIU/ml) was proved in premenopausal subgroup (P < 0.001). Except the postmenopausal population with calcium/VitD supplement, the albumin-adjusted calcium increased significantly (2.21 mmol/l vs. 2.33 mmol/l, P < 0.05) after chemotherapy. In postmenopausal group with calcium/VitD supplement, ß-CTX decreased significantly (0.56 ng/ml vs. 0.39 ng/ml, P < 0.05) and BMD were not affected by chemotherapy (P > 0. 05). In premenopausal group with calcium/VitD supplement, PTH decreased significantly (52.90 pg/ml vs. 28.80 pg/ml, P = 0. 008) and hip BMD increased after chemotherapy (0.845 g/m2 vs. 0.952 g/m2, P = 0. 006). As for both postmenopausal and premenopausal group without calcium/VitD supplement, there was a significant decrease in bone mass in hip and lumbar vertebrae after chemotherapy (0.831 g/m2 vs. 0.776 g/m2; 0.895 g/m2 vs. 0.870 g/m2, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy might induce lumbar vertebrae BMD loss and spine osteoporosis with regimen differences among Chinese BC patients. Calcium/VitD supplementation could improve bone turnover markers, bone metabolism indicators, and bone mineral density. Early interventions on bone health are needed for BC patients during chemotherapy.

Impact of Thyroid Function on the Prevalence and Mortality of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

CONTEXT: Thyroid function variation within the thyroxine reference range has negative metabolic effects. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a recently proposed definition. OBJECTIVE: We aim to explore the effects of thyroid function status on prevalence and mortality of MAFLD. METHODS: Data of 10 666 participants from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) were used. MAFLD was diagnosed based on the new definition. Thyroid function variation within the thyroxine reference range was defined based on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels: subclinical hyperthyroidism, <0.39 mIU/L; strict-normal thyroid function, 0.39-2.5 mIU/L; and low thyroid function, >2.5 mIU/L, which comprised low-normal thyroid function (2.5-4.5 mIU/L) and subclinical hypothyroidism (> 4.5 mIU/L). Logistic and Cox regression were used in multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Low thyroid function is independently associated with MAFLD (odds ratio: 1.27). Compared with strict-normal thyroid function, subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly associated with increased risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the total population (hazard ratio [HR] for all-cause: 1.23; cardiovascular: 1.65) and MAFLD population (HR for all-cause: 1.32; cardiovascular: 1.99); meanwhile, in the low-normal thyroid function group, an increasing trend in mortality risk was observed. Furthermore, low thyroid function also showed significant negative impact on mortality in the total and MAFLD population. Among thyroid function spectrum, mild subclinical hypothyroidism showed the highest HRs on mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Low thyroid function is independent risk factor of MAFLD and is associated with increased risk for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the MAFLD population. Reevaluation of TSH reference range should be considered.

Population-specific cut-off points of fatty liver index: a study based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.

BACKGROUND: Fatty liver index (FLI) is the most recognized blood biomarker for diagnosis of hepatic steatosis (HS), but lacks the reliable specific cut-off points (COPs). Therefore, we aim to investigate the population-specific COPs of FLI based on the results of liver ultrasound transient elastography (LUTE) and conventional ultrasonography in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS: 5948 participants who underwent LUTE from the NHANES 2017-2018 and 14,797 participants who underwent conventional ultrasonography from the Third NHANES (NHANES III) were recruited. FLI was calculated by using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), triglyceride, and gamma-glutamyl transferase, and its optimal COPs in a specific population (stratified by sex, BMI, and WC) were obtained from receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve with ultrasonic-diagnosed HS as the reference standard. RESULTS: Based on LUTE in NHANES 2017-2018, the prevalence of HS and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) were 58.7% and 56.2%, respectively, and the optimal COP of FLI for HS diagnosis in the overall population was 45.60, with an area under ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.833 (0.822-0.844). Based on conventional ultrasonography in NHANES III, the prevalence of HS and MAFLD were 34.4% and 27. 9%, respectively, and the optimal COP of FLI for HS was 59.5, with an AUROC of 0.681 (0.671-0.691). With the increase of BMI and WC, the COPs increased gradually with significant differences between different groups. Compared with conventional ultrasonography, the COPs of FLI based on LUTE were much more precise, with higher diagnostic ability. The population-specific COPs of FLI stratified by gender, WC, and BMI were tabulated. CONCLUSION: In the United States, the incidences of HS and MAFLD were high, especially when assessed by LUTE. The FLI based on LUTE is well capable of predicting HS when stratified by gender, WC, and BMI.

An Observational and Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence of Breast Lesions and Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and their Relationship in China.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has been proposed to replace the concept of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The relationship between MAFLD and breast lesions has not been reported. Therefore, we aimed to explore their prevalence and relationship among general population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. After considering the exclusion criteria, 46,547 consecutive women who synchronously accepted breast and abdominal ultrasonography during one physical check-up between January 2015 and September 2018 were enrolled in this study. Prevalence of breast masses (BM), BI-RADS categories breast lesions and MAFLD in general population were revealed and the association between MAFLD and breast mass, BI-RADS categories breast lesions was analyzed by conducting logistic regression models. RESULTS: Of 46,547 participants, 8,020 (17.23%) had BM, 6,345 (13.63%) had MAFLD. Women with MAFLD had a lower BM prevalence than those without MAFLD (11.87% vs.18.08%; p<0.001). Overall, women with MAFLD had a lower risk of BM compared to those without MAFLD (adjusted OR=0.849, 95%CI: 0.775-0.930, p<0.001). Analysis based on BI-RADS categories breast lesions demonstrated that MAFLD is negatively related to BI-RADS 2/3 categories breast lesions (BI-RADS 2 category adjusted OR=0.980, 95%CI: 0.906-1.061, p=0.626; BI-RADS 3 category adjusted OR=0.736, 95%CI: 0.641-0.845, p=0.001), while associated with higher risk of BI-RADS ≥4 categories breast lesions (adjusted OR=1.220, 95%CI: 1.005-1.480, p=0.044). Subgroup analysis across age (18-44, 45-54 and≥55 years old) and body mass index (<25 and ≥25kg/m2) demonstrated that MAFLD was negatively associated with BI-RADS 2/3 categories breast lesions in premenopausal and perimenopausal women, and positively associated with BI-RADS ≥4 categories breast lesions in postmenopausal women, whether in obese or not. CONCLUSIONS: MAFLD was inversely associated with BM and BI-RADS 2/3 categories breast lesions in premenopausal and perimenopausal women, irrespective of obesity presence; MAFLD increased the risk of BM and BI-RADS ≥4 categories breast lesions in postmenopausal women.

Relationship between the Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Endometrial Thickness in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-sectional Study in China.

Objectives: To determine the relationship between the endometrial thickness (ET) and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in the postmenopausal women who have a comprehensive health examination. Methods: This was a population-based, retrospective observational study of the prevalence of MAFLD in 8594 postmenopausal women with different ET in the Quality Control Center of Health Examination in Chongqing, China. Binary and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to obtain odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for patients of different ET with MAFLD after adjusting for age. Results: The incidences of MAFLD were 28.6% (1352), 30.3% (1058), 34.9% (133) in postmenopausal women with ET of < 3 mm, 3 mm ≤ & < 5 mm, and ≥ 5 mm, respectively. Compared with a baseline ET of less than 5.0 mm, the risk of MAFLD in patients with ET of ≥5.0 mm is higher (OR=1.291, 95% CI: 1.041-1.603, P<0.05). After adjustment for age, a statistically significant positive correlation was still observed. The increased prevalence of MAFLD in patients with ET of 3 mm ≤ &<5 mm (OR=1.110, 95% CI: 1.008-1.223) and ≥5 mm (OR=1.383, 95% CI: 1.109-1.724) achieved statistical significance, respectively. In addition, multiple logistic analyses controlling for age also confirmed the finding of positive correlation among body mass index (BMI) and ET. Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is a positive correlation between MAFLD and ET in postmenopausal women. In addition, increased BMI is also associated with an increased risk of thickened endometrium.

Prevalence of and risk factors for metabolic associated fatty liver disease in an urban population in China: a cross-sectional comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new definition for liver disease associated with known metabolic dysfunction. Based on new diagnostic criteria, we aimed to investigate its prevalence and risk factors in Chinese population. METHODS: We conducted this study in a health examination population who underwent abdominal ultrasonography in China. The diagnosis of MAFLD was based on the new diagnostic criteria. The characteristics of the MAFLD population, as well as the associations between MAFLD and metabolic abnormalities, were explored. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test were performed to compare different variables. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors for MAFLD. RESULTS: Among 139,170 subjects, the prevalence of MAFLD was 26.1% (males: 35.4%; females: 14.1%). The prevalence based on female menopausal status, that is, premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal, was 6.1%, 16.8%, and 30.2%, respectively. In different BMI groups (underweight, normal, overweight and obese), the prevalence was 0.1%, 4.0%, 27.4% and 59.8%, respectively. The proportions of abnormal metabolic features in the MAFLD group were significantly higher than those in the non-MAFLD group, as was the proportion of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (42.5% vs. 11%, P < 0.001). In nonobese individuals with MAFLD, the proportions of abnormal metabolic features were also all significantly higher than those in nonobese individuals without MAFLD. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), dyslipidaemia, and hyperuricaemia, respectively, in the MAFLD group (53.2%, 80.0%, and 45.0%) was significantly higher than that in the non-MAFLD group (10.1%, 41.7%, and 16.8%). Logistic regression revealed that age, BMI, waist circumference, ALT, triglycerides, fasting glucose, uric acid and platelet count were associated with MAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: MAFLD is prevalent in China and varies considerably among different age, sex, BMI, and female menopausal status groups. MAFLD is related to metabolic disorders, especially obesity, while metabolic disorders also play important roles in the occurrence of MAFLD in nonobese individuals. MAFLD patients exhibit a high prevalence of MS, dyslipidaemia, hyperuricaemia, and elevated liver enzymes. MAFLD tends to coexist with systemic metabolic disorders, and a deep inner relationship may exist between MAFLD and MS. Metabolic disorders should be considered to improve the management of MAFLD.

Advances in Ultrasound-Guided Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy of Breast Microcalcifications.

Microcalcification is one of the significant indications for or can even be the sole mammographic feature of breast cancer, especially occult breast cancer. Biopsy and pathologic examination are the most important methods used to identify the nature of suspicious microcalcifications. Stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (S-VAB) is the most commonly used biopsy method for microcalcifications currently because of the high detection rate of mammography for microcalcifications. However, in recent years, several clinical studies have gradually found that ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (US-VAB) could be an alternative to S-VAB for microcalcifications to some extent, and has its own advantages of flexibility, real-time performance, comfort and high accessibility compared with mammography. An overview of US-VAB of microcalcifications is provided with respect to success rate, diagnostic accuracy, advantages and limitations. On the basis of numerous studies and clinical experience, US-VAB proved to be a valid alternative to S-VAB, with comparable diagnostic accuracy if the microcalcification foci could be detected by ultrasound. And for patients with ultrasound-invisible microcalcifications who are not suitable for or tolerable of S-VAB, US-VAB combined with mammography localization of microcalcifications can also be considered.

Association between ovarian and breast masses among Chinese women in Chongqing based on ultrasonography screening: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To explore associations between breast and ovarian tumors among the general healthcare population. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study that enrolled 47 951 consecutive Chinese women who took health check-ups between January 2015 and July 2018 and accepted both breast and gynecologic ultrasound scans during one healthcare examination in The Quality Control Center of Health Examination in Chongqing (China). Prevalence of breast and ovarian tumors was addressed. Multivariable logistic regressions were applied to assess the association between breast and ovarian lesions after adjusting for age, height, and body mass index, using ultrasonographic reports. RESULTS: Among participants, 8481 (17.7%) had breast masses (BM), and 2994 (6.2%) had ovarian masses (OM). After adjusting for age, height and body mass index (BMI), women with OM had an increased risk of BM (odds ratio [OR] 1.139, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.040-1.249, P = 0.005) than those without OM. Furthermore, subgroup analysis based on menopausal status revealed a positive association between the occurrence of OM and BM in premenopausal women (adjusted OR 1.155, 95% CI 1.052-1.269, P = 0.012) but this was not significant in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women. In subgroup analysis on BMI, positive correlations between OM and BM were found in women with an underweight BMI (OR 1.433, 95% CI 1.048-1.960, P = 0.024) and with a normal BMI (OR 1.130, 95% CI 1.018-1.253, P = 0.021), but this was not significant in overweight or obese cohorts. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of ultrasound-revealed breast and ovarian tumors were found in Chinese women. Women with OM or BM have an increased prevalence of BM or OM, particularly among younger women and women with a lower BMI.

Clinical study on the status of transient thyrotoxicosis after surgery for secondary hyperparathyroidism patients with end-stage renal disease and normal thyroid function.

OBJECTIVE: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and part of SHPT patients need receive parathyroidectomy (PTX). However, as an important postoperative complication of SHPT, thyrotoxicosis has received little attention. Therefore, in this article, we aimed to study the status of transient thyrotoxicosis after PTX for SHPT patients with ESRD and normal thyroid function. METHODS: A total of 24 SHPT patients with preoperative normal thyroid function, normal thyroglobulin (Tg) and normal thyroid antibodies receiving PTX were enrolled from the Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, from January 2017 to January 2019. Tg, high sensitivity thyrotropin stimulating hormone (sTSH), triiodothyronine (T3), free triiodothyronine (fT3), thyroxine (T4) and free thyroxine (fT4) were evaluated the day before PTX and on day 1, 3 and 5 after PTX. Besides, all enrolled patients were evaluated whether there are symptoms associated with thyrotoxicosis. RESULTS: Among the 24 SHPT patients, 1 case (4.2%), 8 cases (33.3%) and 13 cases (54.2%) had suffered thyrotoxicosis at the first, third and fifth day after surgery, respectively. Serum FT4 level increased significantly from pre-operation (0.68 ± 0.15 ng/dl, normal range 0.59-1.25 ng/dl) to the third day after operation (1.91 ± 0.97 ng/dl, p<0.001) and then gradually decline. The frequencies of serum sTSH lower than the normal level gradually increased from the first day (8.3%) to fifth day (66.7%) after surgery. CONCLUSION: Transient thyrotoxicosis is a common postoperative complication of parathyroidectomy for SHPT patients with ESRD and normal thyroid function, and it is necessary for clinicians to evaluate the perioperative thyroid function to make early diagnosis and appropriate prevention and treatment of thyrotoxicosis.

Association Between Breast and Thyroid Lesions: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Ultrasonography Screening in China.

Introduction: Prior research has shown an association between breast and thyroid cancers, although their relationship is unclear. In China, asymptomatic women undergoing regular health checkups usually undergo breast and thyroid ultrasonography screening. The present cross-sectional ultrasound-based study estimated the prevalence of breast masses (BM) and thyroid nodules (TN) and their relationship among a population-based cohort of Chinese women. Methods: This study included 34,184 consecutive asymptomatic Chinese women who underwent both breast and thyroid ultrasound evaluation during one health care examination. Detected lesions were assigned into categories of different malignant risks according to the Breast and Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-/TI-RADS). Binomial logistic regression was used to determine the association between occurrence of BM and TN, and multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation of BM and TN in different BI-/TI-RADS categories. Associations between BM and TN, as well as anthropometric and biochemical markers, were also explored. Results: Of those enrolled, 6371 (18.6%) had BM, 12,153 (35.6%) had TN, and 2279 (6.7%) had both. After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), and height, females with TN had a higher risk of BM (odds ratio [OR] = 1.151, 95% confidence interval [CI 1.081-1.225], p < 0.0001) than those with normal thyroids, and females with BM had a higher risk of TN (OR = 1.165 [CI 1.096-1.238], p < 0.0001) than those without BM. Women with a TN >10 mm (OR = 1.249 [CI 1.104-1.413], p = 0.0004) and those with a TN ≤10 mm (OR = 1.134 [CI 1.062-1.211], p = 0.0002) were at higher risk of BM compared with those with normal thyroids. As RADS categories increased, so did the correlation between BM and TN. The increased risk of TN was associated with a higher BMI, height, systolic blood pressure, and a lower plasma albumin level. The increased risk of BM was associated with a lower BMI, plasma albumin levels, and higher height. Conclusions: A high prevalence of BM and TN was detected by ultrasonography screening in this cohort of Chinese women. These lesions occurred frequently and simultaneously, particularly in women with lesions in higher RADS categories.

Cognitive impairments in breast cancer survivors treated with chemotherapy: a study based on event-related potentials.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments in breast cancer patients were usually reported through cognitive questionnaires or scales which may be subjective and insensitive. This study is to assess the effect of chemotherapy on cognitive function in breast cancer patients stratified by age using objective electrophysiological measure, the P300 component of event-related potentials (ERPs) with a large sample size. METHODS: Totally, 529 primary breast cancer patients, including 178 cases at initial diagnosis stage and before chemotherapy (Group1), 167 cases during chemotherapy (Group2), and 184 cases post chemotherapy and during follow-up period (Group3), were examined with ERPs (P300 component) to assess the effect of chemotherapy on their cognitive function. RESULTS: There were significant differences of P300 latency in Group2 (364.74 ± 15.73 ms) and Group3 (364.02 ± 17.12 ms, mean follow-up period of 2.42 years) compared with Group1 (355.13 ± 19.47 ms, P < 0.001), respectively. With further age stratification: in patients of < 50 years, P300 latency was significantly prolonged in Group2 and Group3 compared with Group1 (P < 0.001), respectively; in patients of 50-59 years, P300 latency was significantly prolonged in Group2 compared with Group1 (P < 0.05), but without difference in Group1 and Group3 (P>0.05); In patients of ≥ 60 years, there were no differences of P300 latency among three the groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is first suggested by our objective detection data that the side effect of chemotherapy on cognitive functions in breast cancer patients may decrease with age. Electrophysiological cognitive impairments mainly occur in younger breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and would last for years after chemotherapy, which highlights the importance of early intervention for those patients, especially in younger patients.