Key result
Multiple sclerosis is linked to autonomic dysfunction, marked by a ~29% lower deep-breathing I-E index.
Why the study?
Autonomic nervous system function in multiple sclerosis patients was investigated to understand differences compared to healthy controls.
Is autonomic nervous system function altered in patients with multiple sclerosis compared to healthy controls?
Case-Control (n=49)
No
Is autonomic nervous system function altered in patients with multiple sclerosis compared to healthy controls?
Absolute Event Rate: 15.78% vs 22.33%
p-value: p=<0.05
Patients with multiple sclerosis exhibit autonomic nervous system dysfunction, as evidenced by altered cardiovascular reflexes and heart rate variability.
Supports autonomic dysfunction in MS; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice.
We present the results of our study dealing with autonomic nervous system (ANS) function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We performed a cardiovascular reflex examination (heart rate variation in deep breathing and active standing) and spectral analysis of heart rate variability in 36 MS patients who fulfilled the criteria for this diagnosis. We evaluated several various indexes used for the assessment of ANS function: I/E, I-E in deep breathing test; RRmax/RRmin in active standing, spectral analysis of heart rate variability in VLF, LF and HF bands were performed. We found a significant difference in I-E index values during deep breathing test in MS patients when compared to the healthy control group; we did not find any difference in I/E index (deep breathing test) and RRmax/RRmin (active standing) values. The spectral analysis of heart rate variability in the rest-tilt-rest test showed a significant difference in spectral powers in MS patients when compared to the healthy control group in all frequency bands. (Tab. 2, Fig. 7, Ref 17.)
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Březinová et al. (2004) conducted a case-control in Multiple Sclerosis (n=49). Multiple Sclerosis vs. Healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers was evaluated on I-E index (difference between maximum and minimum heart rate) during deep breathing test (p=<0.05). Multiple sclerosis was associated with significant autonomic nervous system dysfunction compared to healthy controls, demonstrated by a reduced I-E index during deep breathing (15.78 vs 22.33) and decreased spectral power across all heart rate variability frequency bands.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: