Pediatric autonomic testing: retrospective review of a large series. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2012 Jan;51(1):17-22
Date
08/27/2011Pubmed ID
21868597DOI
10.1177/0009922811415102Scopus ID
2-s2.0-84855406598 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 8 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE. To describe the reasons for referral, autonomic diagnoses, test results, and patient management in a large pediatric population referred for testing for an autonomic disorder. DESIGN. The authors reviewed autonomic testing data and medical records for patients aged 18 years and younger who underwent testing between 1993 and 2007 and who had adequate clinical data. Relevance of test results to clinical symptoms was ranked on a 3-point scale. Treatments were noted and their benefit ranked on a 5-point scale. RESULTS. Among 142 pediatric patients identified, postural tachycardia syndrome was most common (71%) while orthostatic hypotension was rare (5%). Testing provided relevant information regarding the patient's symptoms in 88% of the cases. Beta-blockers were the most commonly prescribed medication (59%); 73% improved. CONCLUSIONS. Postural tachycardia syndrome was common in this large pediatric population, whereas orthostatic hypotension was infrequent. The symptomatic improvement in the majority bears an unclear relationship to treatment. Prospective studies are needed.
Author List
Sukul D, Chelimsky TC, Chelimsky GMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdrenergic beta-Antagonists
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases
Chi-Square Distribution
Child
Child, Preschool
Female
Humans
Hypotension, Orthostatic
Infant
Male
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
Retrospective Studies
Treatment Outcome
