[Autonomic neuropathy in type I diabetes in children]

We tested some cardiovascular reflexes (Valsalva ratio, deep-breathing, postural hypotension) in 53 subjects suffering from diabetes type I in childhood with an average disease length of 13 +/- 6 years, in order to estimate possible damage to the autonomic nervous system without clinical symptomatology. A rather high percentage of signs of neurovegetative involvement combined with the progressive increase of further complications during the course of the disease, suggests early neurologic damage. We confirm the sensitivity of adopted tests and deep-breathing in particular.