Nutritional Implications of Patients with Dysautonomia and Hypermobility Syndromes

Hypoglycemia Associated With Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Hypoglycemia in the absence of diabetes is often multifactorial and challenging to diagnose definitively. We present a case report and an expanded series of adult females with reactive hypoglycemia who were diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). These patients exhibited predominantly postprandial hypoglycemia, with some fasting and activity-induced episodes. Clinical findings included autonomic dysfunction, gastrointestinal symptoms, and joint hypermobility. Interventions focused on medical nutrition therapy, continuous glucose monitoring, and, in some cases, medication. Many patients continued to experience hypoglycemic episodes despite treatment. Key learning points include the potential association between hypermobile EDS and hypoglycemia, the importance of confirming the Whipple triad, and the need for multidisciplinary management. This case series highlights the need for further research into the prevalence and pathophysiology of hypoglycemia in EDS.

Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of neurally mediated syncope in children and adolescents (revised 2024)

BACKGROUND

Significant progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric syncope since the publication of the "2018 Chinese Pediatric Cardiology Society (CPCS) guideline for diagnosis and treatment of syncope in children and adolescents" ("2018 Edition Guidelines"). Therefore, we have revised and updated it to assist pediatricians in effectively managing children with syncope.

DATA SOURCES

According to the "2018 Edition Guidelines", the expert groups collected clinical evidence, evaluated preliminary recommendations, and then organized open-ended discussions to form the recommendations. This guideline was developed by reviewing the literature and studies in databases including PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, China Biomedical Database, and Chinese Journal Full-text Database up to April 2024. Search terms included "syncope", "children", "adolescents", "diagnosis", and "treatment."

RESULTS

The guidelines were based on the latest global research progress and were evidence-based. The classification of syncope etiology, diagnostic procedures, postural tests, such as the active standing test, head-up tilt test, and active sitting test, clinical diagnosis, and individualized treatment for neurally mediated syncope in pediatric population were included.

CONCLUSIONS

The guidelines were updated based on the latest literature. The concepts of sitting tachycardia syndrome and sitting hypertension were introduced and the comorbidities of neurally mediated syncope were emphasized. Some biomarkers used for individualized treatment were underlined. Specific suggestions were put forward for non-pharmacological therapies as well as the follow-up process. The new guidelines will provide comprehensive guidance and reference for the diagnosis and treatment of neurally mediated syncope in children and adolescents.

Dysautonomia following Lyme disease: a key component of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome?

Dysautonomia, or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), may occur following an infectious insult and can result in a variety of debilitating, widespread, and often poorly recognized symptoms. Dysautonomia is now widely accepted as a complication of COVID-19 and is an important component of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC or long COVID). PASC shares many overlapping clinical features with other infection-associated chronic illnesses including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), suggesting that they may share common underlying mechanisms including autonomic dysfunction. Despite the recognition of this complication of Lyme disease in the care of patients with PTLD, there has been a scarcity of research in this field and dysautonomia has not yet been established as a complication of Lyme disease in the medical literature. In this review, we discuss the evidence implicating Borrelia burgdorferi as a cause of dysautonomia and the related symptoms, propose potential pathogenic mechanisms given our knowledge of Lyme disease and mechanisms of PASC and ME/CFS, and discuss the diagnostic evaluation and treatments of dysautonomia. We also outline gaps in the literature and priorities for future research.

Thiamine deficiency unrelated to alcohol consumption presented with urinary retention and Wernicke's encephalopathy: A case report

Thiamine deficiency can present with rare neurological symptoms such as urinary retention, along with common symptoms like ataxia and decreased limb muscle strength. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to improve symptoms and prevent complications.