[Neurocardiogenic syncope in children].

Abstract

Between december of 1994 and june 1997, 90 children and adolescents were referred to the Shaio Clinic Foundation for evaluation of recurrent unexplained syncope. Head-up tilt testing was positive in 45 (50%), 23 male, with a mean age of 12.7 years (range 5-17 years). The response during Head-up tilt testing was predominantly vasodepressor (57%), followed by mixed in 24% and cardioinhibitory in the remaining 17%. The majority of patients had a positive response during pharmacological phase with isoproterenol infusion at a mean time of 17 +/- 8 minutes. Head-up tilt is a safe diagnostic test and defines the cause of unexplained syncope in up to 50% of children and young adults with recurrent syncope. The management was based on education, control of risk factors and psychological and/or physical rehabilitation. In the 15.2 months follow up we observed complete remission or a significant reduction of symptoms in 95% of the cases. Only 5% of the patients persisted or had worsening of their symptoms.