Head-up-tilt testing in children: new perspectives using beat-to-beat blood-pressure monitoring.

The head-up-tilt-test in pediatric patients for the evaluation of syncope shows a sensitivity of 35-85% and often requires pharmacological stimulation in order to improve its diagnostic value. We used a new device for beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring combined with impedance cardiography in a 12-year-old girl during tilt testing. A seven seconds asystolia was provoked. The haemodynamic parameters showed clearly the drop in heart rate as well as in cardiac output, and returned to normal values after tilting back the patient. With the help of this new monitoring device, the sensitivity and specificity of head-up-tilt-testing can probably be improved.