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Autonomic dysfunction in patients with multiple sclerosis
1Department of Neurology, Rebro University Hospital, Medical Faculty, University of Zagreb, Croatia.
Collegium Antropologicum
|January 24, 1998
Summary
Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients show autonomic cardiovascular reflex disturbances due to central nervous system damage. Autonomic dysfunction tests correlated with MRI findings, indicating impaired reflex pathways in MS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Neuroimmunology
Background:
- Autonomic cardiovascular reflex disturbances are documented in multiple sclerosis (MS).
- These disturbances are hypothesized to stem from impaired central nervous system reflex pathways.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirms demyelination zones in MS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate autonomic cardiovascular reflex function in MS patients.
- To correlate autonomic dysfunction test results with MRI-identified demyelination.
- To explore the relationship between autonomic dysfunction and clinical impairment in MS.
Main Methods:
- 28 MS patients and 21 healthy volunteers underwent autonomic cardiovascular reflexes testing.
- Autonomic function was assessed using a battery of reflex tests.
- MRI was utilized to detect demyelination in all MS patients.
Main Results:
- The highest rates of abnormal results were observed in the respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) test (60.7%) and cortical activation test (35.7%).
- Eleven MS patients exhibited abnormal results in two or more autonomic tests.
- Patients with abnormalities in four or more tests showed clinical impairment in urinary bladder regulation.
Conclusions:
- Autonomic dysfunction is prevalent in MS patients, affecting cardiovascular reflexes.
- A positive correlation exists between the severity of autonomic dysfunction and MRI-detected demyelination.
- Autonomic dysfunction in MS is linked to central nervous system pathway impairment and clinical symptoms.