title: Autonomic dysfunction in systemic sclerosis: time and frequency domain 24 hour heart rate variability analysis.
abstract: To evaluate the autonomic nervous control of the heart in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), spontaneous heart rate variability was investigated by means of time-domain and spectrum analysis of 24 h ECG ambulatory recordings in 30 SSc patients (four males, aged 45.2 +/- 9 yr, mean +/- S.D., range 27-60) and 30 age-matched healthy subjects. A significantly higher heart rate (P < 0.01) and lower circadian and spectral indices of heart rate variability (P < 0.01) were observed in SSc patients, compared with controls. A predictive value of age (P = 0.002), tachycardia (P = 0.002), circadian heart rate variability (P = 0.0025) and spectral power values (P = 0.005) for patient mortality was found. Moreover, the relative risk of death was higher (P = 0.05) in older subjects with circulating anti-Scl70. These abnormalities, detectable by a feasible, non-invasive diagnostic approach, indicate the presence of autonomic cardiac neuropathy in SSc patients.
authors.affiliation: Rheumatology Unit, University of Pisa, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ferri
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Emdin
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Giuggioli
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Carpeggiani
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maielli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Varga
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Michelassi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pasero
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: L'Abbate
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D015415:Biomarkers; D004452:Echocardiography; D015716:Electrocardiography, Ambulatory; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers