Jacek Kolacz1,2, Katja Kovacic3, Gregory F Lewis1,4, Manu R Sood3, Qasim Aziz5, Olivia R Roath1, Stephen W Porges2,6. 1. Socioneural Physiology Laboratory, Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA. 2. Traumatic Stress Research Consortium, Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA. 3. Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. 4. Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA. 5. Centre for Neuroscience, Surgery and Trauma, Blizard Institute, Wingate Institute of Neurogastroenterology, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK. 6. Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Joint hypermobility (JH) is associated with autonomic nervous system dysregulation and functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs). Understanding the neurophysiological processes linking these conditions can inform clinical interventions. Autonomic activity regulates gastrointestinal (GI) sensorimotor function and may be a key mechanism. The aims of this study were to examine the relation of JH with dynamic autonomic activity and parasympathetic regulation in adolescents with FAPDs and identify optimal JH cutoff scores that best index autonomic regulation in FAPDs. METHODS: A total of 92 adolescents with FAPDs and 27 healthy controls (age 8-18 years; 80% female) were prospectively enrolled. JH was assessed by Beighton scores. ECG recordings were conducted during supine, sitting, and standing posture challenges. ECG-derived variables-heart period (HP), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and vagal efficiency (VE)-were analyzed using linear regression and mixed effects modeling. KEY RESULTS: Beighton scores of ≥4 optimally distinguished autonomic function. Adolescents with FAPD and JH had reduced VE compared to adolescents with FAPDs without JH (B = 18.88, SE = 6.25, p = 0.003) and healthy controls (B = 17.56, SE = 8.63, p = 0.044). These subjects also had lower and less dynamic RSA and HP values during posture shifts, with strongest differences in supine position and using the VE metric. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Suboptimal autonomic regulation indexed by reduced vagal efficiency may be a mechanism of symptoms in hypermobile FAPD patients with Beighton score ≥ 4. Autonomic disturbance may serve as potential intervention target for patients with JH and functional GI disorders.
BACKGROUND: Joint hypermobility (JH) is associated with autonomic nervous system dysregulation and functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs). Understanding the neurophysiological processes linking these conditions can inform clinical interventions. Autonomic activity regulates gastrointestinal (GI) sensorimotor function and may be a key mechanism. The aims of this study were to examine the relation of JH with dynamic autonomic activity and parasympathetic regulation in adolescents with FAPDs and identify optimal JH cutoff scores that best index autonomic regulation in FAPDs. METHODS: A total of 92 adolescents with FAPDs and 27 healthy controls (age 8-18 years; 80% female) were prospectively enrolled. JH was assessed by Beighton scores. ECG recordings were conducted during supine, sitting, and standing posture challenges. ECG-derived variables-heart period (HP), respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), and vagal efficiency (VE)-were analyzed using linear regression and mixed effects modeling. KEY RESULTS: Beighton scores of ≥4 optimally distinguished autonomic function. Adolescents with FAPD and JH had reduced VE compared to adolescents with FAPDs without JH (B = 18.88, SE = 6.25, p = 0.003) and healthy controls (B = 17.56, SE = 8.63, p = 0.044). These subjects also had lower and less dynamic RSA and HP values during posture shifts, with strongest differences in supine position and using the VE metric. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Suboptimal autonomic regulation indexed by reduced vagal efficiency may be a mechanism of symptoms in hypermobile FAPD patients with Beighton score ≥ 4. Autonomic disturbance may serve as potential intervention target for patients with JH and functional GI disorders.
Authors: Lourdes P Dale; Jacek Kolacz; Jennifer Mazmanyan; Kalie G Leon; Karli Johonnot; Nadia Bossemeyer Biernacki; Stephen W Porges Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2022-06-02 Impact factor: 5.435