Prevalence of Orthostatic Dysregulation in Elementary School Students and Frequency of Individual Symptoms

Yang, Eun Seok; Kim, Eun Young; Moon, Kyoung Rye; Park, Sang Kee; Park, Young Bong; Rho, Young Il

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of the present study was to access the prevalence of orthostatic dysregulation(OD) and the frequency of each category for major and minor criteria among elementary school students using the OD questionnaire.
METHODS
We carried out inquiry by questionnaire as to the frequency of OD among two elementary schools with 725 students, 10 to 12 years of age, residing in Gwangju, Korea. The questionnaire was made according to criteria proposed by the Japan OD Study Group.
RESULTS
Of the 725 students(male 390; female 335) questioned, the OD was found in 338 students (53.5 percent). Prevalence of OD in males(59.2 percent) was significantly higher than in females(46.8 percent)(P<0.05). Palpitation with slight exercise(95.9 percent) was the most frequent major symptom. Headaches(85.8 percent) were the most frequent minor symptom among cases of OD.
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of OD in elementary school students in this study(53.5 percent) was higher than in other studies. Contrary to studies from other countries, the male to female ratio was reversed. Because the diagnostic criteria seem to be dependent on subjective reporting of the symptoms, a newer diagnostic system based on more objective findings should be established.