Autonomic nervous system functions in children with breath‐holding spells and effects of iron deficiency

Abstract

These results confirmed the presence of autonomic dysregulation in children with breath-holding spells. Iron deficiency may have an impact on this autonomic dysregulation. Ventricular repolarization was unaffected in patients with breath-holding spells.

Breath-Holding Spells May be Associated With Maturational Delay in Myelination of Brain Stem

“…Although the exact etiology is unknown, the most common suspected risk factor is iron deficiency, with or without anemia (Algarin et al, 2003;Kurekci et al, 2006). However, several studies have demonstrated an autonomic dysfunction in children with BHS, and the degree of autonomic dysfunction has been reported to correlate with the severity of the disease (Akalin et al, 2004;DiMario, 1992;Kolkiran et al, 2005).…”

Breath Holding Spells in Children with Long QT Syndrome

“…Currently, no studies have linked QTc changes or LQTS to BHS. Some have suggested an association between BHS and autonomic dysfunction . Moreover, markers of autonomic nervous system function have been correlated with the phenotypic variability in patients with KCNQ1‐ mediated LQTS (i.e., LQT1) .…”

Piracetam in Severe Breath Holding Spells

“…They are relatively common and affect up to 5% of children, typically occur between 6 to 18 months of age and cease spontaneously at or before school age [1][2][3]. Their exact aetiology is not known; however, recent data suggests the abnormal function of autonomic nervous system and iron deficiency anaemia has been reported to be a contributing factor [4]. These attacks can be precipitated by slight injury, anger, frustration, fear, or desire for attention [5].…”