Features of autonomic nervous system in patients with brain tumours

Objective: to study vegetative balance at patients with brain tumors located in posterior and medium cranial fossas undergone neurosurgical operations. The analysis of cardiac rhythm variability, orthostatic test and Kerdo index were used as integrative markers of activity of vegetative nervous system. 68 patients from 17 to 71 years old were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups depending on tumor localization. All 68 (100%) patients underwent orthostatic test using “Valenta” diagnostic system, the vegetative Kerdo index was calculated three times (before operation, after an introduction narcosis and after extubation). Daily variability of cardiac rhythm was investigated in 34 (50%) patients. The statistical analysis of results of the tests in two investigated groups had been carried out. Results: according to indicators of Kerdo index, before operation the activity of parasympathetic nervous systems dominated in patients with tumor localization both in posterior and medium cranial fossa. At calculations of Kerdo index after an introduction narcosis and after extubation the distinct tendency to a eutonia condition had been recorded. Analysis of active orthostatic test showed that in the most of the patients the minimum load (transition from a prone position in vertical standing) signs of sympatotonia prevailed. The depression of cardiac rhythm variability depended on tumor localization. More often essential decreasing of cardiac rhythm variability observed in patients with posterior fossa tumors.

posterior and media cranial fossas tumors, cardiac rhythm variability, active orthostatic test, Kerdo index