title: Sympathetic hyperactivity in patients with ulcerative colitis.
abstract: Hypo and hyperactivity of the autonomic nervous system have been associated with chronic bowel inflammation diseases. We investigated the autonomic function in 11 patients with chronic ulcerative colitis (UC) and 17 healthy controls by means of cardiovascular autonomic tests and heart rate variability. Autonomic responses were normal in patients and controls. At rest, LF/HF ratios were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in chronic UC patients (2.4 +/- 1.6) compared to controls (1.2 +/- 1.0). Our results suggest a higher sympathetic tone at rest in patients with chronic UC.
authors.affiliation: Autonomic Unit, S. Vito Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
authors.forename: Simona
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maule
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pierangeli
authors.forename: Sabina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cevoli
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grimaldi
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gionchetti
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barbara
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rizzello
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Stanghellini
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Corinaldesi
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Campieri
authors.forename: Pietro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cortelli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000294:innervation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003093:Colitis, Ulcerative / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D018667:Tilt-Table Test; D014636:Valsalva Maneuver