[Tilt-table-testing in childhood: non-invasive, continuous hemodynamic monitoring].
BACKGROUND
Approximately 15% of children experience a syncope before the age of 18 years. Tilt table testing represents the diagnostic gold standard whenever a neurocardiogenic spell is suspected. Two methods of continuous, non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring during the tilt table test are presented and their usefulness for clinical routine is discussed.


METHODS
4 patients with suspected neurocardiogenic syncope.


METHODS
Tilt table testing according to standard protocol; non-invasive, continuous blood-pressure measurement by finger cuffs; impedance cardiography for the assessment of cardiac output.


RESULTS
In 3 patients a syncope occured during the tilt table test. In pt. 4 characteristic symptoms led to diagnosis prior to syncope. Every patient represents a definite type of neurocardiogenic syncope (cardioinhibitory with asystolia, vasodepressory, mixed as well as postural tachycardia syndrome).


CONCLUSIONS
Both monitoringmethods allow a differentiated analysis of the cardiovascular interactions during the tilt table test. Thus, specific regulatory patterns may be diagnosed and specific treatment strategies may be offered.
DallaPozza
R
R
Abteilung für Pädiatrische Kardiologie der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. Robert.DallaPozza@med.uni-muenchen.de
Kleinmann
A
A
Bechtold
S
S
Netz
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D015924:Blood Pressure Monitors; D002302:Cardiac Output / Q000502:physiology; D002307:Cardiography, Impedance / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002648:Child; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013610:Tachycardia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D018667:Tilt-Table Test / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000502:physiology