Autonomic neuropathy in hyperthyroidism

ABSTRACT

In this work 15 thyrotoxic patients as well as 15 healthy control subjects were selected to study the integrity of the autonomic nervous system. The tests applied in this study to demonstrate manifestations of autonomic neuropathy were basal heart rate, heart rate response to valsalva maneuver, to deep breathing, to standing as well as blood pressure response to standing, beside performing the facial sweating test. The results showed significant difference between thyrotoxic patients and the control cases as regards the basal heart rate and heart rate response to deep breathing. Insignificant results were obtained in thyrotoxic patients as compared to control subjects while performing valsalva maneuver, heart rate and blood pressure response to standing. Equivocal results were obtained, while performing the facial sweating test