[Syncope in children and adolescents]

Abstract

Syncope is common in children and adolescents. Neurally mediated syncope including pallid and cyanotic breath holding spells, vagovasal syncope and neurocardiogenic syncope is based on a common pathomechanism and accounts for approximately 75% of cases. A potentially life-threatening cardiac cause of syncope may be present in up to 6%. Detailed history, physical examination and 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) allow discrimination between benign and serious syncope in the majority of pediatric patients. Tilt-testing can be useful when diagnosis is unclear. In neurally mediated syncope, education on awareness of prodromes, modification of life-style and reassurance of the family on benign character of the disease is sufficient for preventing further syncopal episodes in the majority of cases. In pediatric patients unresponsive to these measures midodrine is often effective. Fludrocortisone and cardiac pacing may be considered in selected patients. β‑Blockers are not beneficial in pediatric neurally mediated syncope. Cardiac causes need specific disease-targeted therapy.

Keywords: Loss of consciousness; Midodrine; Neurally mediated syncope; Pathomechanisms; Short-term global cerebral hypoperfusion.