Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome in Pediatric Patients

POTS is associated with substantial morbidity in adolescents.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is defined as a rise in heart rate (HR) ≥30 beats/minute during or after a head-up tilt test. Accompanying symptoms include chronic fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea, syncope, and abdominal pain. POTS was initially considered an adult condition but is increasingly recognized in adolescents. Two studies add to our understanding of POTS in pediatric patients.

In a retrospective record review, investigators examined the relation between POTS and reduced aerobic fitness (deconditioned) in 202 adolescents (73% female; age range, 10–18 years) with symptoms suggestive of autonomic dysfunction; 144 patients met the criteria for POTS. Two thirds of patients with and without POTS were considered deco…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)