title: Uremic autonomic dysfunction evaluated by pattern recognition analysis.
abstract: A pattern recognition analysis of six cardiovascular reflex tests was performed with the aim to increase their diagnostic efficiency. A normal model was defined by SIMCA method using log-transformed values of 85 healthy subjects. The model was tested with data from 60 patients with chronic renal failure. Specificity resulted 94% and sensitivity 96%. 55% of the uremics were recognized affected by autonomic damage. The method allowed a better definition of autonomic function in those patients defined as "borderline" on conventional evaluation of the tests. Pattern recognition analysis of autonomic tests provides a global assessment of all the tests performed. Its use should be encouraged as a diagnostic tool.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Neurological and Neurosurgical Sciences, University of Messina, Policlinico Universitario, Italy.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vita
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Princi
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Savica
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bellinghieri
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Puglisi
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Marabello
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Messina
mesh_terms: D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014511:Uremia / Q000150:complications*