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
