Background The aim of the study was evaluation of blood pressure and heart rate profile in children with systemic and localized scleroderma.
Material and methods The study included children with 2 forms of scleroderma: 19 with systemic (A), mean age: 13,6 ± ± 2,7 lat and 20 with localized (B), mean age: 13,1 ± 4,2. Control group included 20 healthy children, mean age: 13,8 ± 2,7. Blood pressure and heart rate was evaluated by 24-hour ABPM (recorder: SpaceLab 90201).
Results Mean systolic blood pressure during activity period was significanlty lower in children with scleroderma in comparison with controls: A) 110,6 ± 9,4 i B) 115,3 ± 7,9 vs. 123,5 ± 6,0 mm Hg. Diastolic blood pressure was similar in 3 groups. Circadian rhythm of blood pressure was disturbed in 16 children with systemic scleroderma (A, 84,3%), in 17 with localized form (B, 85%) and in 4 (20%) of control group. Mean 24-hours and during activity (6–22 hrs) heart rate values were higher in children with systemic scleroderma, respectively, 89,5 ± 12,6 vs. 78,6 ± 9,4/min (24 h) and 99,1 ± 17 vs. 86,4 ± 8,3/min (activity). At rest mean heart rate values were higher in children with 2 forms of scleroderma in comparison with controls, respectively A) 78,6 ± 10,7 i B) 72,5 ± 9,4/min vs. 64,8 ± 12,1/min (p < 0,05).
Conclusions Circadian rhythm of blood pressure was disturbed in children with scleroderma (non-dippers type) and mean systolic blood pressure was significantly lower during activity. Higher heart rate during activity and at rest were obsereved in children with systemic scleroderma. Changes of circadian rhythm of blood pressure and heart rate may be due to neurovegetative disturbances.