A Case Control Study of Autonomic Function Tests in female Rheumatoid Arthritis patients

Dr Sadhana Agrawal; Dr Jyotsna Shukla; Dr Deepak goyal; Dr Alka Agrawal; Dr Aradhana Singh; Dr Arvind Kumar Shukla

Volume : VII, Issue : I, January - 2017

A Case Control Study of Autonomic Function Tests in female Rheumatoid Arthritis patients

Dr Sadhana Agrawal, Dr Jyotsna Shukla, Dr Deepak Goyal, Dr Alka Agrawal, Dr Aradhana Singh, Dr Arvind Kumar Shukla

Abstract :

Background – In Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients’ involvement of autonomic nervous system has rarely been studied¹.

Objective – Evaluation of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (CAN) in RA patients.

Material and methods – 45 RA female patients (age group 35–45 years) along with 45 age and BMI matched female controls were evaluated by : 30:15 ratio; E: I ratio; BP response to standing; BP Response to sustained handgrip (SHG) by CAN Win analysis system (window based). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 20 and Z–test was used to derive the level of significance.

Results – The mean 30:15 ratio, E/I ratio, Rise in diastolic blood pressure on SHG were found lower (p value <0.001) whereas mean orthostatic fall in systolic blood pressure was found higher (p value<0.001) in RA patients as compared to control group.

Conclusion– Deranged cardiovascular autonomic functions are found in RA patients.