R-R INTERVAL VARIATIONS IN SEVERELY RETARED CHILDREN

Abstract

R-R interval variations were investigated in severely retarded children to evaluate autonomic function. 62 patients and 51 normal control subjects were evaluated according to the age. The patients were divided into 2 groups, spastic and athetotic. Both groups showed no significant reductions in R-R interval variations, but 3 patients showed significant reductions in R-R interval variations. These patients had severe brain damage including brain stem dysfunction and symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Patients who had abnormal brain stem tests, blink reflex and auditory brain stem response, were likely to have low value of R-R interval variations.