Gastrointestinal transit time and heart rate variability in patients with mild acquired brain injury

PeerJ

article

Johannes Enevoldsen¹  Simon T. Vistisen²  Klaus Krogh³  Jørgen F. Nielsen⁴  Karoline Knudsen⁵  Per Borghammer⁵  Henning Andersen¹ 

[1] Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital;Research Centre for Emergency Medicine, Aarhus University;Neurogastroenterology Unit, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus Univeristy Hospital;Hammel Neurocenter and University Clinic, Aarhus University;Department of Nuclear Medicine & PET-Centre, Aarhus University Hospital

关键词: Gastrointestinal transit;    Constipation;    Autonomic function;    Brain injury;    Heart rate variability;    Rehabilitation;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.4912

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundConstipation is suspected to occur frequently after acquired brain injury (ABI). In patients with ABI, heart rate variability (HRV) is reduced suggesting autonomic dysfunction. Autonomic dysfunction may be associated with prolonged gastrointestinal transit time (GITT). The primary aim of this study was to investigate if GITT is prolonged in patients with ABI. Secondarily, HRV and its correlation with GITT was investigated.MethodsWe included 25 patients with ABI (18 men, median age: 61.3 years, range [30.7–74.5]). GITT was assessed using radio-opaque markers and HRV was calculated from 24-hour electrocardiograms. Medical records were reviewed for important covariates, including primary diagnosis, time since injury, functional independence measure, and use of medication. The GITT assessed in patients was compared to a control group of 25 healthy subjects (18 men, median age: 61.5 years, range [34.0–70.9]).ResultsIn ABI patients, the mean GITT was significantly longer than in healthy controls (2.68 days, 95% CI [2.16–3.19] versus (1.92 days, 95% CI [1.62–2.22], p = 0.011)). No correlation was found between HRV and GITT.ConclusionPatients with mild to moderate ABI have prolonged GITT unrelated to the HRV.

【 授权许可】

CC BY