The vasovagal tonus index as a prognostic indicator in dogs with dilated cardiomyaopthy

Pereira, Y.M., Woolley, R., Culshaw, G., French, A.T. and Martin, M. (2008) The vasovagal tonus index as a prognostic indicator in dogs with dilated cardiomyaopthy. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 49(11), pp. 587-592. (doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2008.00654.x)

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Abstract

<p>Objectives: To investigate the prognostic and diagnostic value of heart rate variability (HRV) using the vasovagal tonus index (VVTI) in dogs suffering from idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).</p> <p>Methods: Electrocardiographic (ECG) recordings of 369 patients presented to a referral centre between 1993 and 2006 were reviewed.</p> <p>Results: VVTI values were calculated from 132 dogs. Lower VVTI values were found in patients in International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council (ISACHC) heart failure (HF) class 2 and 3 compared with class 1. VVTI was found to be positively correlated with survival time (ST) in class 2 and 3 patients. When a cut-off value of 7·59 for VVTI was used, the test could differentiate patients in ISACHC HF class 1 versus 2 and 3 with a sensitivity of 89 per cent and a specificity of 62·5 per cent. The ST for patients with VVTI values less than 7·59 was significantly lower.</p> <p>Clinical Significance: The VVTI is a useful index, obtained from a standard ECG recording that estimates HRV in dogs and does not require any specific equipment for its calculation. It can be useful as a diagnostic tool to assess the severity of HF and is a useful prognostic tool in dogs with DCM.</p>

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:French, Professor Anne
Authors: Pereira, Y.M., Woolley, R., Culshaw, G., French, A.T., and Martin, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Journal of Small Animal Practice
Publisher:Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
ISSN:0022-4510
ISSN (Online):1748-5827
Published Online:30 October 2008

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