Association of decreased variation of coefficient R-R interval with ischemic colitis and small bowel obstruction.

Abstract

The parasympathetic nervous system exerts and controls intestinal tone. Several studies have suggested that the coefficient of the R-R intervals (CVRR) is useful for evaluating the parasympathetic nervous system. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between gastrointestinal emergencies, specifically ischemic colitis (IC) and small bowel obstruction (SBO), and the autonomic nervous system. In this retrospective study, a total of 13 patients with IC or SBO aged ≧65 years were analyzed. CVRR was measured in patients with IC and SBO and controls. CVRR averaged to 8.8% ± 2.5% in controls, 1.4% ± 0.4% in patients with IC, and 2.4% ± 1.0% in SBO groups (p < 0.001). CVRR was significantly lower in patients with IC and SBO than that in controls. The results of this study demonstrate the possibility that CVRR may serve as a clinical index for assessing the functioning of the parasympathetic nervous system in patients with IC or SBO.