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Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics

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01-08-2012 | General Gynecology

Effects of the menstrual cycle phases on the tilt testing results in vasovagal patients

Authors: Dorota Zyśko, Jacek Gajek, Łukasz Terpiłowski, Anil Kumar Agrawal, Paweł Wróblewski, Jerzy Rudnicki

Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics | Issue 2/2012

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the study was to assess the distribution of positive tilt testing (TT) throughout the menstrual cycle and to determine if the phase of menstrual cycle contributes to the duration of the loss of consciousness.

Methods

TT results of 183 premenopausal women, aged 29.5 ± 9.8 years, were studied. The menstrual cycle was divided into four phases based on the first day of the last menstrual bleeding: perimenstrual (M), preovulatory (F), periovulatory (O) and postovulatory (L).

Results

Positive TT results were equally distributed. In patients with TT in O phase, the highest percentage of NTG provocation was needed. Patients in L phase had significantly lower incidence of cardioinhibitory reaction. The longest duration of loss of consciousness was in the M phase. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the duration of loss of consciousness during positive TT was significantly associated with higher number of syncopal events, TT performed in M phase and lower heart rate at TT termination. Cardiodepressive type of neurocardiogenic reaction was more frequent during M and O phase than during L phase.

Conclusions

The distribution of positive TT results as well as syncope and presyncope does not differ throughout the menstrual cycle. Diagnostic TT in premenopausal women with unexplained syncope could be performed irrespective of the phase of menstrual cycle. TT has similar sensitivity throughout the menstrual cycle. During the postovulatory phase, cardioinhibitory reaction is less frequent than in M and O phases. The duration of loss of consciousness is longer during the M phase of the menstrual cycle independently of the higher syncope number and lower heart rate at TT termination.

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Title: Effects of the menstrual cycle phases on the tilt testing results in vasovagal patients
Authors: Dorota Zyśko
Jacek Gajek
Łukasz Terpiłowski
Anil Kumar Agrawal
Paweł Wróblewski
Jerzy Rudnicki
Publication date: 01-08-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 0932-0067
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0711
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-012-2308-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of the menstrual cycle phases on the tilt testing results in vasovagal patients

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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