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Syncope in children and adolescents of Hong Kong
1Department of Paediatrics, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong. wong053@hotmail.com
Objectives:
Syncope occurs commonly in children and adolescents. The objectives of the present study were to quantify this occurrence locally and to examine the profiles of subjects experiencing syncope.
Methodology:
A self-administered questionnaire was filled out by students between 6 and 17 years of age from a selected school in January 1999.
Results:
Out of 2574 completed questionnaires, a total of 121 subjects reported having had at least one previous episode of syncope, including 9.0% of the 15-17 years age group. The overall incidence of a first syncope in the preceding 12 months was 1.7% and was highest (3.3%) in the 15-17 years age group. No significant difference in incidence was noted between sexes. Among those who experienced syncope, 32.2% had sought medical advice and 9.1% had been admitted to hospital; 57.9% became worried, while 37.2% reported restriction of daily activities because of syncope.
Conclusion:
Syncope is a common event in children and adolescents in Hong Kong. It can cause a considerable degree of anxiety and activity restriction. The impact on medical services due to syncope in Hong Kong has been substantial.