Autonomic function measurements for evaluating fatigue and quality of life in patients with breast cancer undergoing radiation therapy: a prospective longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue during radiation therapy in women with breast cancer can decrease quality of life (QOL), yet it is often underestimated and needs to be evaluated objectively. This longitudinal study aimed to evaluate fatigue and QOL of women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy with a simple autonomic function measurement. METHODS: Women with breast cancer who underwent postoperative radiotherapy in eight cancer care hospitals in Chubu and Kinki regions in Japan were recruited between October 2021 and June 2022. The women underwent a self-administered questionnaire that included the Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) and the Short Form-8 Health Survey (SF-8) and an autonomic nervous function measurement using a simple, non-invasive device before (T0, baseline), mid (T1), and at the end (T2) of treatment. RESULTS: The 57 women showed similar trends, with CFS scores and log LF/HF ratio being the highest at T0 and significantly decreasing at T1 (both p < 0.05). The log LF/HF trends differed between those with high and low baseline log LF/HF values. Women with mental component summary (MCS) score improvement (T0 to T2) had the highest log LF/HF ratio at T0 and had significantly lower log LF/HF values at T1 and T2 than at T0 (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively). The change of (⊿) MCS from T0 to T1 was negatively correlated with ⊿log LF/HF from T0 to T1 (r = - 0.36, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of autonomic nerve function with a simple device is useful for objective fatigue assessment during radiotherapy. Psychological support is important as improvement in mental health helps improve autonomic nerve function and, in turn, fatigue.

Stellate ganglion block rectifies excessive daytime sleepiness: a case report.

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is classified as a neurofunctional disorder that manifests as uncontrolled sleeping propensity in the daytime. Currently, consistent and effective therapeutic approaches for EDS are lacking. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) has a clear effect in various complicated pain syndromes, vascular insufficiency, hyperhidrosis, and posttraumatic stress syndrome. We report an EDS case that involved a patient who recovered after several sessions of SGB.

Effects of Alzheimer's disease of varying severity on cardiac and autonomic function

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of AD on cardiac function and autonomic nervous function, and the feasibility of electrocardiogram (ECG) in monitoring the development of AD. APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were used in the Morris water maze (MWM) experiment to evaluate the changes of cognitive ability of AD mice, then the non-invasive ECG acquisition system was used and the changes of ECG intervals and heart rate variability (HRV) were analyzed. AD mice already had cognitive dysfunction at the age of 5 months, reaching the level of mild dementia, and the degree of dementia increased with the course of disease. There were no significant changes in ECG intervals in the AD group at each month. The mean square of successive RR interval differences, percentage of intervals >6 ms different from preceding interval, and normalized high frequency power component in the AD group were decreased and low-to-high frequency power ratio and normalized low frequency power component were increased. Combined with the results of the MWM, it was shown that the regulation mechanism of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in mice was already imbalanced in early stage AD, which was manifested as the increase of excessive activity of sympathetic nerves and the inhibition of parasympathetic activities. Therefore, ECG-based analysis of HRV may become a means of daily monitoring of AD and provide an auxiliary basis for clinical diagnosis.

Pre- and postoperative heart rate variability and vagus nerve stimulation in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy - A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), an important auxiliary therapy for treating drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), on autonomic nerve function is still controversial. Heart rate variability is a widely used indicator of autonomic nerve function. To clarify the relationship between VNS and heart rate variability (HRV), we performed a meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the effect of VNS on HRV in patients with epilepsy. METHODS: We performed a systematic review by searching the following online databases: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. The key search terms were "vagal nerve stimulation," "epilepsy" and "heart rate variability". Other features of VNS in patients with epilepsy include postoperative changes in low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency/high-frequency (LF/HF) heart rate variability, which were used as evaluation indices, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and Stata 14.0 statistical software were used for literature quality evaluation and meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twelve studies published in English were obtained, and 229 patients with epilepsy who underwent VNS were ultimately included after elimination of duplicate articles and those that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Regarding LF heart rate variability, in the response subgroup, patients with DRE with VNS presented a lower value (-0.58) before surgery than after surgery, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from -1.00 to -0.15. For HF heart rate variability, patients with DRE with VNS had a lower value (-0.45) before surgery than after surgery in the response subgroup, with a 95% CI ranging from -0.74 to -0.17. No differences were found for LF/HF values or the LF and HF values of other subgroups. CONCLUSION: VNS has little effect on the balance of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity and would not be expected to cause cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in patients with DRE. For patients with DRE, VNS can control seizures and has little effect on autonomic nervous function.

Effects of temporary sacral nerve stimulation on gastrointestinal motility and function in patients with chronic refractory slow-transit constipation.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) on patients with chronic refractory slow-transit constipation is controversial and its mechanism of action on gastrointestinal motility and transit is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to document the effects of temporary SNS on the gastrointestinal and biliary tract motility and on gastrointestinal transit in patients with refractory slow-transit constipation. METHODS: This was a prospective interventional study. Patients with slow-transit chronic constipation, unresponsive to any conservative treatment, were enrolled between January 2013 and December 2018. Patients' quality of life [patient assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC-QOL) questionnaire], constipation scores (Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score) colonic transit time (CTT), orocecal transit time (OCTT), gastric and gallbladder kinetics, together with the assessment of the autonomic nerve function were evaluated before and during temporary SNS. RESULTS: 14 patients (12 females, median age 38 years, range 24-42 years) had temporary SNS. The Cleveland Clinic Constipation Score did not change compared to baseline (23 ± 3 vs 21.4; p = 070). The PAC-QOL did not improve significantly during the stimulation period. Gallbladder/stomach motility (half-emptying time) did not change significantly before and after SNS. OCTT was delayed at baseline, as compared to standard internal normal values, and did not change during SNS. CTT did not improve significantly, although in two patients it decreased substantially from 97 to 53 h, and from 100 to 65 h. CONCLUSIONS: Temporary SNS did not have any effect on upper/lower gastrointestinal motility and transit in patients with severe constipation.

Case Report: Refractory Hypotension of GABA B Receptor Autoimmune Encephalitis.

Introduction: With the development of antibody detection technology, Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) B receptor encephalitis is a known autoimmune disease. This paper describes a patient with refractory hypotension who suffered GABA B receptor autoimmune encephalitis. Case Report: We describe a 63-year-old man with GABA B receptor autoimmune encephalitis who had hypotension on day 17 of the disease onset. Despite two rounds of immunoglobulin administration, high-dose intravenous steroid injections and immunosuppressive therapy on day 35 of hospitalization, psychiatric symptoms and seizures were significantly improved; however, the patient's blood pressure remained low. Conclusion: This case study and literature review investigated the impairment of autonomic nerve function and its subsequent management in patients with GABA B receptor autoimmune encephalitis.

Ubiquinol-10 Intake Is Effective in Relieving Mild Fatigue in Healthy Individuals.

Our double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated effects of ubiquinol, the reduced form of coenzyme Q10, on mild fatigue in healthy individuals experiencing fatigue in daily life that had continued for more than 1 and less than 6 months. The participants received 100-mg/day (Ubq100; age 44.0 ± 9.8 years; 14 females and 6 males) or 150-mg/day ubiquinol (Ubq150; age 40.4 ± 11.8 years; 14 females and 8 males) or placebo (Plc; age 41.3 ± 13.4 years; 13 females and 7 males) daily for 12 weeks. Measurements of subjective and objective fatigue were conducted by using questionnaires-based fatigue scales/visual analogue scales and autonomic nerve function/biological oxidation index, respectively, prior to the first dosing and every 4 weeks thereafter. Serum ubiquinol level increased three- to four-fold after 4 weeks and remained significantly higher than that after Plc administration throughout the intake period. Although a higher blood level of ubiquinol was observed with Ubq150 than with Ubq100, the difference was not statistically significant. In both Ubq100 and Ubq150 groups, subjective levels of fatigue sensation and sleepiness after cognitive tasks, which consisted of the modified Advanced Trail Making Test, the modified Stroop Color-Word Test, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, improved significantly compared with those in the placebo group, suggesting an anti-fatigue effect. The Ubq150 group demonstrated significant improvement compared with the Plc group regarding subjective level of relaxation after task, sleepiness before and after task, motivation for task, and serum level of oxidative stress. Correlation analysis between blood level of ubiquinol and each evaluated effect suggested a positive relationship with relaxation after task, motivation for cognitive task, and parasympathetic activity. The results of the study suggest that ubiquinol intake relieves mild fatigue in healthy individuals.

Clinical Study on Changes of Gastric Myoelectrical Activity and Autonomic Nerve Function in Cirrhotic Patients With Gastroesophageal Varices After Endoscopic Treatment / 胃肠病学

Background: The occurrence of gastrointestinal symptoms in cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices (GOV) after endoscopic treatment is obvious, and the role of gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) and autonomic nerve function imbalance in the development of gastrointestinal symptoms has not been clarified. Aims: To investigate the changes of GMA and autonomic nerve function in cirrhotic patients with GOV after endoscopic treatment. Methods: Twenty-five cirrhotic patients with GOV from May 2019 to October 2019 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled, and 10 patients with gastric polyp were served as controls. Electrogastrogram (EGG) and heart rate variability (HRV) were detected before the operation, 1 day after the operation and 5 days after the operation in GOV group. For the gastric polyp group, EGG and HRV were detected before the operation and 1 day after the operation. Changes of GMA and autonomic nerve function were compared between the two groups. Results: No significant differences in GMA and autonomic nerve function were found between GOV group and gastric polyp group before and 1 day after the operation (P>0.05). LF, LF/HF were significantly increased 1 day after the operation in GOV group (P0.05). There were no significant differences in GMA and autonomic nerve function 1 day after the operation compared with pre-operation in gastric polyp group (P>0.05). Compared with Child-Pugh A group, Child-Pugh B group had more obvious GMA abnormalities, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: In cirrhotic patients with GOV, the percentage of bradygastria and the sympathetic activity increased, and the vagal activity decreased 1 day after the operation. These results suggest that GMA and autonomic nerve dysfunction may be related to the gastrointestinal symptoms after endoscopic treatment.

Association between laryngopharyngeal reflux disease and autonomic nerve dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To assess autonomic nerve function in patients with laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD) and determine the correlation between LPRD and autonomic nerve dysfunction. METHODS: Patients with suspected LPRD who visited our outpatient department were assessed using the reflux symptom index (RSI) and reflux finding score (RFS) scales. Eighty-one suspected LPRD patients with RSI > 13 and RFS > 7 were examined using 5-min short-range heart rate variability, and all were given proton pump inhibitor diagnostic treatment. RESULTS: The root mean square of successive R-R intervals, high-frequency (HF) power, standardized HF, and HF % were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (p < 0.05); however, the low frequency (LF)/HF ratio was significantly higher in the case group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the standard deviation of the average normal-to-normal interval, total power, LF power, and LF % between the two groups (p > 0.05). RSI, RFS, and disease duration were negatively correlated with HF power (r = - 0.89, -0.77, and -0.315, respectively; p < 0.05). The LF/HF ratio and disease duration were positively correlated (r = 0.315, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic nerve dysfunction was observed in our patients with LPRD. LPRD severity was significantly correlated with autonomic nerve dysfunction and negatively correlated with vagal nerve function.

Instability of nocturnal parasympathetic nerve function in patients with chronic lung disease with or without nocturnal desaturation.

Objective/background: This study was performed to evaluate the association of nocturnal autonomic nerve (AN) dysfunction, especially parasympathetic nerve (PN) function instability, and nocturnal oxygen desaturation (NOD) in patients with chronic lung diseases (CLD). Patients and methods: Twenty-nine stable CLD patients with irreversible pulmonary dysfunction and mild-to-moderate daytime hypoxemia, 13 CLD patients receiving long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) with maintained SpO2 >90%, and 17 senior healthy volunteers underwent two-night examinations of nocturnal AN function by pulse rate variability (PRV) instead of heart rate variation using a photoelectrical plethysmograph simultaneously monitoring SpO2 and the presence of sleep disordered breathing at home. AN function was examined by instantaneous time-frequency analysis of PRV using a complex demodulation method. Results: There were no significant differences in mean low frequency/high frequency (HF) ratio (index of sympathetic nerve activity) or mean HF amplitude (index of PN activity) among controls and CLD patients with and without NOD (defined as SpO2 <90% for at least 3% of total recording time at night). However, the relative times over which the same main HF peak was sustained for at least 20 seconds (%HF20sec) and 5 minutes in total recording time, indexes of PN function stability, were significantly reduced in CLD patients compared with controls, and further decreased in CLD patients with NOD compared with non-NOD. %HF20sec was significantly higher in the LTOT group than the NOD group. Furthermore, PaO2 at rest and nocturnal hypoxia were significantly correlated with PN function instability in CLD patients. Conclusion: PN function is unstable at night associated with nocturnal hypoxemia in CLD patients, which may reflect poor quality of sleep.

The Relations Among Serum Ghrelin, Motilin and Gastric Emptying and Autonomic Function in Autoimmune Gastritis.

BACKGROUND: Gastric emptying (GE) of solids is delayed and autonomic dysfunction is detected in autoimmune gastritis (AIG). The goals of this study were to: (1) compare serum levels of ghrelin and motilin in subjects with delayed and normal GE and (2) investigate whether circulating antimyenteric antibodies (CAA), serum ghrelin levels and motilin levels have any effect on autonomic function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Noninvasive cardiovascular reflex tests were used in order to evaluate the autonomic function. GE was evaluated by a standard 2-hour scintigraphic test. Serum ghrelin and motilin levels were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and CAA were tested by immunofluorescence. RESULTS: The serum ghrelin and motilin levels in the patients with delayed GE (n = 22) were significantly decreased compared to the normal GE patients (n = 19), (67.55 ± 8.81 versus 126.79 ± 25.81pg/mL, P < 0.001 and 279.59 ± 111.12 versus 500.42 ± 155.95pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.001). Whereas, the serum ghrelin and motilin levels in the patients with deranged autonomic function (n = 26) were significantly decreased compared to the patients with normal autonomic function (n = 15), (80.73 ± 28.46 versus 127.79 ± 28.06pg/mL, P < 0.001 and 316.92 ± 160.47 versus 490.20 ± 141.02pg/mL, P < 0.001, respectively).  None of the patients were positive for CAA. CONCLUSIONS: Ghrelin and motilin levels in AIG subjects with delayed GE and deranged autonomic function were significantly decreased. The decrease in serum ghrelin and plasma motilin levels in AIG suggest their potential role in the delayed GE observed in these subjects.

The utility of autonomic nerve function tests in the quantitative diagnosis and risk evaluation in pediatric unex-plained syncope / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

To management of unexplained syncope (UPS)in children,the primary objectives are etiological diagnosis and risk evaluation. The head - up tilt test (HUTT)has a certain risk and limitation,though it is still an im-portant tool to diagnose and identify UPS at present. Now,the utility of other several autonomic nerve function tests in the quantitative diagnosis and risk evaluation in pediatric UPS were described,including 24 hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring,QT interval dispersion,heart rate recovery,heart rate variability,autonomic testing.

Hydrogen-rich water for improvements of mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function in daily life.

Health and a vibrant life are sought by everyone. To improve quality of life (QOL), maintain a healthy state, and prevent various diseases, evaluations of the effects of potentially QOL-increasing factors are important. Chronic oxidative stress and inflammation cause deteriorations in central nervous system function, leading to low QOL. In healthy individuals, aging, job stress, and cognitive load over several hours also induce increases in oxidative stress, suggesting that preventing the accumulation of oxidative stress caused by daily stress and daily work contributes to maintaining QOL and ameliorating the effects of aging. Hydrogen has anti-oxidant activity and can prevent inflammation, and may thus contribute to improve QOL. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of drinking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on the QOL of adult volunteers using psychophysiological tests, including questionnaires and tests of autonomic nerve function and cognitive function. In this double-blinded, placebo-controlled study with a two-way crossover design, 26 volunteers (13 females, 13 males; mean age, 34.4 ± 9.9 years) were randomized to either a group administered oral HRW (600 mL/d) or placebo water (PLW, 600 mL/d) for 4 weeks. Change ratios (post-treatment/pre-treatment) for K6 score and sympathetic nerve activity during the resting state were significantly lower after HRW administration than after PLW administration. These results suggest that HRW may reinforce QOL through effects that increase central nervous system functions involving mood, anxiety, and autonomic nerve function.

Visceral sensitivity, gut barrier function and autonomic nerve function in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To evaluate visceral sensitivity,gut barrier function and autonomic nerve function (ANF) in patients with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D),and to explore their roles in IBS-D pathophysiology.Methods:A total of 46 IBS-D patients (IBS-D group) were selected from the Department of Gastroenterology of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from October 2015 to March 2016,and 20 healthy volunteer were served as a control group (HC group).Clinical and psychological symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire,and visceral sensitivity to rectal balloon distention,gut barrier function and autonomic nerve function (ANF) were examined.The difference in the abovementioned indexes were compared between the 2 groups,and the correlations in the parameters were analyzed in the IBS-D group.Results:The scores of IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS),Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA),Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) and visceral sensitivity index (VSI) were significantly higher in the IBS-D group than those in the HC group (P＜0.01).In the visceral sensitivity test,maximum tolerable threshold in the IBS-D group was significantly decreased compared to that in the HC group (P＜0.01);there was no significant difference in first sensation threshold and defecating sensation threshold between the two groups (P＞0.05).As gut barrier function markers,the serum diamine oxidase (DAO) and d-lactate were significantly increased in the IBS-D group (P＜0.05).In ANF test,the total score and parasympathetic score as well as the proportion of abnormal scores in the IBS-D group were significantly higher than those in the HC group (P＜0.05).In IBS-D group,the HAMA,VSI and serum DAO were positively correlated with IBS-SSS (r=0.528,0.575,0.507;P＜0.01),while the 3 visceral sensitivity thresholds were negatively correlated with IBS-SSS (r=-0.636,-0.476,-0.697;P＜0.01);in addition to the IBS-SSS,the HAMA,HAMD,VSI and serum DAO were also significant negatively correlated with the visceral sensitivity thresholds (all P＜0.05);no significant correlations were found between the ANF and the other parameters.Conclusion:IBS-D patients show psychological symptoms,visceral hypersensitivity,impaired gut barrier function and abnormal ANF characterized by parasympathetic dysfunction;the former 3 factors are all associated with disease severity,and thus may play vital roles in IBS-D pathophysiology.

Correlation Analysis on Obesity Complicated with Hyperlipidemia And Lipid,Fatty-insulin Axis, Autonomic Nerve Function / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

This study was aimed to observe the relativity between different obesity degree with lipid,fatty-insulin axis and autonomic nerve function in obesity complicated with hyperlipidemia patients.A total of 659 patients with obesity complicated with hyperlipidaemia were included in this study.All patients were divided into three groups according to obesity degree,which were the mild,moderate and severe obesity.In the clinical study,obesity index,lipid index,fattyinsulin axis index and autonomic nerve function of 659 cases were measured,in order to compare the relativity between different obesity degree with lipid,fatty-insulin axis and autonomic nerve function.The results showed that the lipid index in the mild obesity group was statistically significant compared with the other two groups (P ＜ 0.01);lipid indexes in the moderate obesity group compared with severe obesity group were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01).Fatty-insulin axis indexes except Homa-β in the mild obesity group compared with moderate obesity groups were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01).Fatty-insulin axis indexes in the mild and moderate obesity group compared with severe obesity groups were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01).Autonomic nerve function indexes in the mild and moderate obesity group compared with severe obesity groups were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.01).It was concluded that the obesity degree and lipid level,fatty-insulin axis and autonomic nerve function were closely related in obesity complicated with hyperlipidemia patients.Clinical treatment of these patients can be integrated from multiple perspectives,in order to obtain a more satisfactory curative effect.

Osteopontin and osteoprotegerin levels in type 2 diabetes and their association with cardiovascular autonomic function.

AIMS: Osteopontin (OPN) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are bone metabolism biomarkers potentially associated with nerve function. We evaluated the association of cardiovascular autonomic nerve function, OPN, and OPG in 50 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: RR-variation during deep breathing (i.e., mean circular resultant (MCR) and expiration/inspiration (E/I) ratio) was used to assess parasympathetic nerve function. Participants' demographics, HbA1c, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), BMI, HOMA-IR, calcium, parathyroid hormone, creatinine, OPN, and OPG were determined. RESULTS: Using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis with MCR or E/I ratio as the dependent variable, OPN was independently associated with reduced autonomic function. A previous report showed a significant association of cardiovascular autonomic function with age, 25(OH)D insufficiency, and the interaction of age×25(OH)D insufficiency. Here we report a novel association for OPN and its interaction with age indicating that for those who are younger, elevated OPN levels are related to a greater loss of autonomic function (MCR model R2=0.598, p<0.001; E/I model R2=0.594, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that OPN is associated with reduced parasympathetic function, particularly in younger individuals with T2DM. Further studies are needed to determine if OPN is neuroprotective, involved in the pathogenesis of autonomic dysfunction, or a bystander.

Significance of electrocardiogram in the evaluation of the autonomic nerve function in functional cardiovascular disease / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Autonomic nervous system(ANS) activity plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease,including organic cardiovascular disease(such as hypertension,coronary artery disease,etc) and functional cardiovascular disease (such as vasovagal syncope,postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome,etc).Many methods was used to evaluate ANS function.Heart rate variability is a widely accepted method to assess cardiac autonomic nerve function.Autonomic nervous affected cardiac action potential and let electrocardiogram changes.Through the sympathetic and parasympathetic neurotransmitters which acting on the corresponding receptors.Electrocardiogram changes reflects autonomic nervous function.Present researches suggest that electrocardiogram has an important significance in the evaluation of autonomic nerve function in functional cardiovascular disease.

Analysis of deceleration capacity of rate and heart rate varibility in children with precardial distress of unknown origin / 临床儿科杂志

Objectives To explore the clinical application of deceleration capacity of rate (DC), acceleration capacity of rate (AC) and heart rate variability (HRV) in children with precardial distress of unknown origin. Methods A total of 56 children with precardial distress of unknown origin and 63 healthy children aged 6 to 17 years were examined by 24 h dynamic elec-trocardiogram, and the indexes of DC and HRV were compared between these two groups. Results DC value of children with precardial distress is less than that of the control group (P<0.05), AC value is greater than that of the control group (P<0.05), and heat rate (HR) is greater than that of the control group (P<0.05). No statistical differences were observed in the indexes of HRV between the two groups. The indexes of DC show a signiifcant positive correlation with HRV in children with precardial distress(r=0.27~0.40, P<0.05), while appear a negative relation with HR (r=-0.46, P=0.000). In contrast, the indexes of AC show a signiifcant negative correlation with HRV (r=-0.57~-0.34, P<0.05), and appears a positive relation with HR(r=0.61, P=0.000). HR value is higher in male children less than 12 years old with precardial distress than that of age-matched males in control group, and RMSSD is lower than the latter. DC value of male children more than 12 years with precardial distress is lower than that of age-matched males in control group, while AC value is higher than that of the latter;DC value is signiifcant lower in fe-male children more than 12 yeares with precardial distress than that of age-matched females in the control group (P<0.05). Con-clusions The activity of vagus nerve in children with precardial distress of unknown origin is decreased. DC value is signiifcantly lower than that of control group, and shows correlation with indexes of HRV. There is no signiifcant difference in DC and HRV value between male and female children with precardial distress. DC value is lower in children aged 12 or older with precardial distress than that of age-matched children in the control group, which indicates adolescents are vulnerable to autonomic nerve functional disorder.

Association of heart rate variability with 5-minute Apgar score in neonates with severe asphyxia / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To explore the relationship between 5-minute Apgar score and heart rate variability (HRV) in severely asphyxiated neonates. Methods A total of 103 severely asphyxiated neonates with 1-minute Apgar score of 0 to 3 points were selected. They were divided into Group A (>7 points, n=50) and Group B (≤7 points, n=53) based on 5-minute Apgar score. Meanwhile, 40 full-term neonates with 1-and 5-minute Apgar score greater than 7 points were selected as control group. 24-hour dynamic electrocardiogram was performed and HRV was analyzed on the third day after birth in three groups. Results PNN50, rMSSD, SDSD were decreased and SDNN, SDANN were increased in group B as compared with group A and control group (P0.05). Conclusions Neonatal asphyxia can cause damage to autonomic nervous system. 5-minute Apgar score and HRV can be joint-ly used as a non-invasive index in autonomic nervous damage and its prognosis in asphyxiated newborns.