CARDIAC AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHYEXPERIENCE OF DEPARTMENT OF CARDIOLOGY A, IBN SINA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CENTER, RABAT, MOROCCO

Introduction: Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus, which is associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. It can be detected by analyzing spontaneous (Holter) or provoked (Ewing?s test battery) changes in heart rate and arterial blood pressure. Baroreflex gain is a specific index of great interest. Methods: Through the experience of the team exploring the autonomic nervous system within the IbnSina University Hospital Center , this study approached CAN in 60 diabetic patients collected during the period from 2015 to 2017, thanks to the use of different tests of Edwing . Results: The duration of diabetes significantly influences the occurrence of a CAN(p=0.002),also the overweight (p=0.002) ,arterial hypertension (0.005) .Clinical symptomes were mainly orthostatic hypotension, dyspnea and palpitation.The autonomic profile among the patients was dominated by exaggerated responses of the alpha sympatic a system . Conclusions: Our study confirms the high frequency of CAN in diabetics. The main risk factors associated with it are hypertension and overweight. The presence of an orthostatic hypotension testifies to the severity of the CAN. The coexistence of hypertension in these patients worsens its prognosis and makes it easy to manage.The diagnosis of CAN is important for the follow-up of these patients while waiting for more specific treatments.