A clinical manifestation-based prediction of haemodynamic patterns of orthostatic intolerance in children: a multi-centre study.

OBJECTIVE

At present, the haemodynamic diagnosis of orthostatic intolerance is based mainly on the head-up tilt table test, which is sometimes risky for patients. Thus, it is important to find objective and safe methods to differentiate haemodynamic patterns of orthostatic intolerance cases.

METHODS

In all, 629 children with orthostatic intolerance, either vasovagal syncope or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, were included in the multi-centre clinical study. We analysed the association between the clinical manifestation and haemodynamic patterns of the patients.

RESULTS

Syncope after motion with a prodrome of chest distress or palpitations and the concomitant symptom(s) after a syncopal attack, with debilitation, dizziness or headache, were the most important variables in predicting the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 71.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Complaint of syncope after motion with prodromal chest distress or palpitation and the concomitant symptom after a syncopal attack, with subsequent debilitation, dizziness or headache, were the most important variables in the diagnosis of vasovagal syncope in children with orthostatic intolerance.