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Autonomic dysfunction in autoimmune rheumatic disease.

Ljudmila Stojanovich¹

¹Bezhanijska Kosa University Medical Center, Belgrade University, Bezanijski put b.b. Novi Beograd, Belgrade 11080, Serbia. Ljudmila_Stojanovich@yahoo.com

Autoimmunity Reviews

|April 28, 2009

Summary

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) can affect the autonomic nervous system (ANS), impacting bodily functions. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is common in ARD patients, though often overlooked in clinical practice.

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Area of Science:

Rheumatology
Cardiology
Neurology

Background:

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) are associated with cardiovascular and neurological issues, frequently subclinical.
The autonomic nervous system (ANS), comprising sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, regulates vital bodily functions.
ANS involvement in ARD is understudied, with conflicting results due to nonspecific symptoms and diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of autonomic nervous system dysfunction in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
To highlight the significance of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction as a common manifestation in ARD.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on ANS dysfunction in autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
Analysis of studies reporting on parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve function in ARD patients.
Focus on cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction assessment methods and prevalence.

Main Results:

Previous studies reported variable proportions (24-100%) of ANS dysfunction in ARD patients, depending on methodology.
Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction is the most frequently identified type of ANS impairment in ARD.
Subclinical autonomic dysfunction poses diagnostic challenges and can be mistaken for drug side effects.

Conclusions:

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction, particularly cardiovascular, is a prevalent yet often unrecognized complication of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
Routine assessment of autonomic function may be warranted in ARD patients to improve diagnosis and management.
Further research is needed to standardize diagnostic tests and differentiate ARD-related autonomic dysfunction from other causes.