The Evaluation of Physiological and Biochemical Parameters and the Autonomic Nervous Systems of Children with Breath-Holding Spells

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the physiological and biochemical parameters of children who are experiencing breath-holding spells (BHS) and to compare the function of their autonomic nervous systems with those of healthy children.

Patients and Methods A total of 30 children (age range, 6 months–5 years) admitted for BHS were included in the study. The control group consisted of 30 age-matched and gender-matched healthy children. Each participant underwent a detailed physical examination as well as a laboratory evaluation. Echocardiography, electrocardiography (ECG), and electroencephalography were performed in the study group. The pilocarpine eye test was administered to each participant to detect autonomic dysfunction.

Results No statistically significant differences were found between the groups for mean age, gender, and anthropometric measurements, nor for the biochemical parameters, including hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin, vitamin D, and vitamin B₁₂ levels (p ˃ 0.05). Compared with the control group, the study group showed significantly abnormal hypersensitivity of pupils after instillation of pilocarpine into their eyes (p = 0.01).

Conclusion Autonomic dysfunction existed in the children with BHS, but no correlation was found between BHS and deficiencies of iron, vitamin D, or vitamin B₁₂.

Keywords

breath-holding spells - autonomic functions - pilocarpine eye test

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