Faculty Collaboration Database

Comorbid health conditions in women with syncope. Clin Auton Res 2010 Aug;20(4):223-7

Date

05/12/2010

Pubmed ID

20458514

DOI

10.1007/s10286-010-0070-x

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-78049238138 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   15 Citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We determine the comorbid conditions associated with syncope in women. In addition, we hypothesize a higher proportion of autonomic comorbid conditions during the female reproductive age.

METHODS: We identified a cohort of patients admitted to US hospitals with the principal diagnosis of syncope. We compare patient demographics stratified by gender as well as syncope associated comorbidities. We compared these comorbidities in female of reproductive age (15-45) to men as control.

RESULTS: From a total sample of 305,932, females constituted 56.7% (n = 173,434). Females were slightly older (mean age 70.9 +/- 17.9 vs. 66.7 +/- 17.3; P < 0.0001); with similar racial distribution (white 57.8 vs. 57.5%), and similar length of hospital stay (mean 2.66 +/- 2.63 vs. 2.68 +/- 2.72 days; P > 0.05). Females had higher proportion of migraine (1.65 vs. 1.29%; odds ratio 'OR' 1.29; 95% confidence interval 'CI' 1.21, 1.36); chronic fatigue syndrome (1.73 vs. 1.3%; OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.25, 1.4); gastroparesis (0.2 vs. 0.12%; OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.35, 1.98); interstitial cystitis (0.07 vs. 0.01%; OR 7.44; 95% CI 4.10, 13.5); and postural tachycardia syndrome (0.49 vs. 0.44%; OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.001, 1.23). Orthostatic hypotension was not different between the groups (P = 0.24). When the sample was stratified by age category, the odds ratio for gastroparesis, orthostatic hypotension, and postural tachycardia syndrome was increased (P < 0.05).

INTERPRETATION: A higher proportion of autonomic dysfunction was present in women compared to men. In addition, these comorbid autonomic conditions were especially prominent during the female reproductive age.

Author List

Ulas UH, Chelimsky TC, Chelimsky G, Mandawat A, McNeeley K, Alshekhlee A

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases
Comorbidity
Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Migraine Disorders
Sex Factors
Syncope
Young Adult