Detection of impending reflex syncope by means of an integrated multisensor patch-type recorder

We assessed the capability of an integrated multisensory patch-type monitor (RootiRx (R)) in detecting episodes of reflex (pre)syncope induced by tilt table test (TTT). Firstly, we performed an intrapatient comparison of cuffless systolic blood pressure (SBP), R-R interval (RRI) and variability (power spectrum analysis) obtained by means of the RootiRx (R) with those obtained with conventional methods (CONV) with validated finger pressure devices at baseline in supine position and repeatedly during TTT in 32 patients affected by likely reflex syncope. Secondly, the LF/HF values obtained with RootiRx (R) during TTT were analyzed in 50 syncope patients. Compared with baseline supine recordings, during TTT a decrement of median SBP was observed with CONV (-53.5 mmHg) but not with RootiRx (R) (R)(-1 mmHg). Conversely, RRI reduction (CONV: 102 ms; RootiRx (R): 127 ms) and RRI Low Frequency/High Frequency powers ratio (LF/HF) increase (CONV: 1.6; RootiRx (R): 2.5) were similar. The concordance was good for RRI (0.97 [95% CI 0.96-0.98]) and fair for LF/HF ratio (0.69 [95% CI 0.46-0.83]). During the first 5 min of TTT the LF/HF ratio was higher in patients who later developed syncope than in no-syncope patients. This ratio was significantly different among patients with syncope, presyncope or without symptoms at the time of syncope (p value = 0.02). In conclusion, cuffless RootiRx (R) was unable to detect rapid drops of SBP occurring during impending reflex syncope and thus cannot be used as a diagnostic tool for hypotensive syncope. On the other hand, RRI mean values and LF/HF power ratios obtained with RootiRx (R) were consistent with those simultaneously obtained using conventional methods.

Automated summary

Compared with conventional methods, the study found that RootiRx (R) was unable to detect rapid drops in blood pressure occurring during impending reflex syncope, and thus cannot be used as a diagnostic tool for hypotensive syncope. However, the RRI mean values and LF/HF power ratios obtained with RootiRx (R) were consistent with those obtained using conventional methods.