Usefulness of Tilt Testing in Children with Syncope
Author Information
Author(s): Batra Anjan S MD, Balaji Seshadri MBBS, MRCP (UK), PhD
Primary Institution: University of California-Irvine
Hypothesis
What is the current practice pattern of tilt table testing among pediatric electrophysiologists?
Conclusion
Pediatric electrophysiologists perceive tilt table testing as having limited utility and it is being used less frequently in children with syncope.
Supporting Evidence
- 52% of surveyed pediatric electrophysiologists responded to the questionnaire.
- 24% of pediatric electrophysiologists have completely stopped doing tilt table tests.
- 76% of those performing the tests did less than 10 tests per year.
- 95% of physicians rarely or never accepted direct referrals for tilt table tests.
- 68% felt they rarely or never altered treatment based on the results of the tilt test.
- Median usefulness of the test was rated at 3 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Takeaway
Doctors are not using tilt tests much anymore for kids who faint because they think the tests don't help very much.
Methodology
A 24-question survey was sent to members of the Pediatric and Congenital Electrophysiology Society to assess the current practice pattern regarding tilt table tests.
Potential Biases
The study is based on physician perceptions rather than direct investigation of the test's utility.
Limitations
The response rate was only 52%, which may indicate that only those with strong opinions about tilt table testing responded.
Participant Demographics
Pediatric electrophysiologists with a median of 12 years of practice experience.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p ≤ 0.05
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