A Study of Cardiovascular Autonomic
Functions in Congenitally Deaf Children
with a Long QTC Interval
804-807
Correspondence
Dr. Surekharani Chinagudi
Associate Professor, Department Of Physiology,
S.Nijalingappa Medical College, Navanagar,
Bagalkot-587102, Karnataka, India.
Mobile: +919448236457
E-mail: csurekha.rani@rediffmail.com
Background: Congenitally deaf children are at a risk of cardiac abnormalities in the form of the Long QT syndrome. It can be because of an intracardiac abnormality or autonomic dysfunction.
Aim: To study the cardiovascular autonomic functions in congenitally deaf children with a prolonged QTc interval.
Material and Methods: Congenitally deaf children who were aged between 6-18 years and having a prolonged QTc interval on ECG were selected as the cases and were compared with matched controls. Children with conductive deafness or those having any cardiovascular disorder were excluded. The tests which were done were Heart rate variation during deep breathingHeart rate response to standing, blood pressure response to standing and blood pressure response to a sustained hand grip. Statistical analysis was done by using the unpaired t test.
Results: No abnormal response was recorded in the cases or in the controls with respect to the above tests. The autonomic functions were normal.
Conclusion: Since there are no abnormalities in the cardiovascular autonomic functions in the congenitally deaf children, the autonomic imbalance theory for the Long QT syndrome stands invalid. The aetiology goes more in favour of intracardiac abnormality which predisposes to the Long QT syndrome.