Roma Bhatia1, Sarah J Kizilbash2, Shelley P Ahrens2, Jill M Killian3, Stephanie A Kimmes2, Erin E Knoebel2, Prasuna Muppa2, Amy L Weaver3, Philip R Fischer4. 1. Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN. 2. Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN; Division of General Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. 3. Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN; Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. 4. Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN; Division of General Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Electronic address: fischer.phil@mayo.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical course of adolescent-onset postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and to assess health-related quality of life, 2-10 years after diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: Pediatric patients, 13-18 years of age, diagnosed with POTS at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, from 2003 to 2010 were mailed a questionnaire if they were at least 18 years of age at the time of the mailing. The primary outcome measures were norm-based, age- and sex-adjusted, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical composite score and mental composite score. RESULTS: The survey was mailed to 502 patients with a response rate of 34% (n = 172). The mean duration from diagnosis to survey completion was 5.4 (SD, 1.9) years; the mean age of the respondents at the time of the survey was 21.8 (2.2) years. The responders were predominantly females (84% vs 68% of nonresponders; P < .001). Only 33 (19%) respondents reported complete resolution of symptoms, and an additional 51% reported persistent but improved symptoms, and 28 (16%) had only intermittent symptoms. The majority (71%) consider their health at least "good." The mean physical composite score was significantly lower than the population norm (mean [SD], 36.6 [15.8] vs 50; P < .001), however, the corresponding mean mental composite score was normal (50.1 [11.2]). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 86% of adolescents with POTS report resolved, improved, or just intermittent symptoms, when assessed via questionnaire at an average of 5 years after initial treatment. Patients with persistent symptoms have more physical than mental health concerns.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the clinical course of adolescent-onset postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and to assess health-related quality of life, 2-10 years after diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: Pediatric patients, 13-18 years of age, diagnosed with POTS at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, from 2003 to 2010 were mailed a questionnaire if they were at least 18 years of age at the time of the mailing. The primary outcome measures were norm-based, age- and sex-adjusted, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey physical composite score and mental composite score. RESULTS: The survey was mailed to 502 patients with a response rate of 34% (n = 172). The mean duration from diagnosis to survey completion was 5.4 (SD, 1.9) years; the mean age of the respondents at the time of the survey was 21.8 (2.2) years. The responders were predominantly females (84% vs 68% of nonresponders; P < .001). Only 33 (19%) respondents reported complete resolution of symptoms, and an additional 51% reported persistent but improved symptoms, and 28 (16%) had only intermittent symptoms. The majority (71%) consider their health at least "good." The mean physical composite score was significantly lower than the population norm (mean [SD], 36.6 [15.8] vs 50; P < .001), however, the corresponding mean mental composite score was normal (50.1 [11.2]). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, 86% of adolescents with POTS report resolved, improved, or just intermittent symptoms, when assessed via questionnaire at an average of 5 years after initial treatment. Patients with persistent symptoms have more physical than mental health concerns.
Authors: Julian M Stewart; Jeffrey R Boris; Gisela Chelimsky; Phillip R Fischer; John E Fortunato; Blair P Grubb; Geoffrey L Heyer; Imad T Jarjour; Marvin S Medow; Mohammed T Numan; Paolo T Pianosi; Wolfgang Singer; Sally Tarbell; Thomas C Chelimsky Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2017-12-08 Impact factor: 7.124