The efficacy of midodrine hydrochloride in the treatment of children with vasovagal syncope.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether midodrine hydrochloride therapy can prevent vasovagal syncope (VVS) in pediatric patients.


METHODS
Children with recurrent syncope (n = 26) were randomly assigned into 2 groups. Group I comprised children given midodrine hydrochloride as first-line therapy in addition to conventional therapy, and group II comprised patients receiving conventional therapy only. Repeat head-up tilt (HUT) testing and follow-up of least 6 months were conducted to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness and side effects of midodrine in treating VVS in children.


RESULTS
The HUT-based effective rate was significantly higher in group I than in group II (75% vs 20%; P < .05). During the follow-up period, the recurrence of syncope was significantly lower in group I than in group II (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Midodrine hydrochlorate is effective in treating VVS in children, especially in preventing recurrent episodes. Few side effects were observed in the present study.
Qingyou
Zhang
Z
Department of Pediatrics and Institute of Cardiovascular Research, Peking University First Hospital and Key Laboratory of Molecular Cardiovascular Sciences, Ministry of Education, People's Republic of China.
Junbao
Du
D
Chaoshu
Tang
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008879:Midodrine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019462:Syncope, Vasovagal / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; D008879:Midodrine