COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF CLINICAL-NEUROLOGICAL AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF AFFECTIVE RESPIRATORY ATTACKS IN CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA
Keywords:
affective respiratory attacks, iron deficiency anemia, children, clinical-neurological features, neurophysiology, electroencephalography, electroneuromyography, autonomic nervous systemAbstract
Objective: To conduct a comparative analysis of clinical-neurological and neurophysiological features of affective respiratory attacks (ARAs) in children with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and without it. Methods: 120 children aged 1–5 years with verified ARAs were examined and divided into 2 groups: the main group (n=60) – children with IDA (mild and moderate severity), and the control group (n=60) – children with ARAs without anemia or other somatic/neurological diseases. A comprehensive analysis of medical history, clinical ARA manifestations, neurological status, and electroencephalography (EEG) data was performed. Results: Children with IDA exhibited higher ARA frequency (p<0.01), predominance of the cyanotic type (p<0.05), more pronounced autonomic symptoms during attacks (p<0.05), and post-attack asthenia (p<0.01). Neurological status in the IDA group more frequently revealed microfocal symptoms (p<0.05), mild pyramidal signs (p<0.05), and signs of autonomic dysfunction (p<0.01). EEG in children with IDA significantly more often showed moderate diffuse changes in bioelectrical activity (BEA) (p<0.01), slowing of the basic rhythm (p<0.05), and paroxysmal activity (p<0.05). Conclusion: The identified features indicate a more severe course of ARAs and the presence of subclinical impairments in central and peripheral nervous system function in children with IDA. This necessitates mandatory inclusion of iron deficiency correction in the comprehensive therapy of ARAs in this patient category.
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