Evaluating the Autonomic Nervous System with the FAN® Device
Author Information
Author(s): Stefan Haegele-Link, Claus Dücker, Sven Dücker, Tobias Vogt, Frank Birklein
Primary Institution: Kantonsspital St Gallen, Switzerland
Hypothesis
The study aims to report first experiences with a new device (FAN®) which measures heart rate variability, sympathetic skin responses, and pulse wave transit time.
Conclusion
The FAN® device may be useful for clinicians to detect autonomic disorders.
Supporting Evidence
- All parameters of heart rate variability decreased with age.
- Patients with polyneuropathy had reduced heart rate variability and sympathetic skin responses.
- Parkinson patients had more frequently impaired blood pressure regulation according to pulse wave transit time assessment.
Takeaway
Researchers used a new device to check how well the nervous system works in healthy people and those with certain diseases, finding it could help doctors spot problems.
Methodology
The study involved measuring heart rate variability, sympathetic skin responses, and pulse wave transit time in healthy volunteers and patients with autonomic disorders.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of healthy volunteers and the influence of medications on patient responses.
Limitations
The patient groups were heterogeneous and under medication, which may have affected the results.
Participant Demographics
190 healthy volunteers (102 men, 88 women) and 56 patients (34 with polyneuropathy, 22 with Parkinson syndromes).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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