[Syncope in the elderly: findings of diagnostic complementary tests in a University Hospital].
Syncope is a common symptom among older adults. Its aetiologic diagnosis is mainly clinical, but when it has an unknown origin, complementary studies are necessary. We present the experience of a single center in diagnosing Unknown Origin Syncope (UOS).


METHODS
We performed a transversal retrolective study to assess the different tests done to patients studied because of USO.


RESULTS
The mean age of the older group was 77.6 +/- 6.9 years. The 24-hour Hotter were abnormal in 77.9% of patients, but diagnostic in only 16.3%. Age older than 65 years was associated with a 1.9 increase (CI 95% 0.9-4) in the possibilities of having a diagnosis, while age lesser than 65 was associated with a 0.5 risk CI 95% 0.2-1.08 of having a diagnosis. The 48-hour holter showed similar results. Older age was associated with a 1.69 OR, CI 95% 0.6-4.4 to have a positive Tilt test (91% of older patients). They had mainly the vasodepressor variety of neurally-mediated syncope. (57.1% Vs 40.1%, p = 0.01). Of the 6 electrophysiologic studies performed in people older than 65 years, 3 where diagnostic (50% Vs 33.3%, p = 0.6).


CONCLUSIONS
Complimentary tests in people elder than 65 years are diagnostic in a higher proportion than in their younger counterparts. Nevertheless there is a higher risk of false-positive results, so tests such as head-up tilt test should be more carefully interpreted.
Asensio-Lafuente
Enrique
E
División de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Valle de México Campus Querétaro, Av. Villas del Mesón 1000, Juriquilla, CP 76230, Querétaro, Querétaro, México. easensiol@gmail.com
Orea-Tejeda
Arturo
A
Castillo-Martínez
Lilia
L
Fraga-Sastrias
Juan Manuel
JM
Colín-Ramírez
Eloisa
E
Prieto-Sagredo
Julio A
JA
D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013575:Syncope / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*