Autonomic dysfunction in patients with systemic sclerosis: Correlation with intrarenal arterial stiffness

the aim of the study is to assess intrarenal arterial stiffness by Doppler ultrasound and examine the correlation with AD using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.The analysis of HRV in our study shows that the autonomic nervous system plays a key role in determining and maintaining the mechanisms responsible for the features of vasoactive system in SSc patients. Any changes of the vascular bed result in its decreased compliance, increased stiffness and a further increase in vascular resistances. RI measures the intrarenal arterial elasticity and in our study shows a linear correlation with sympathetic activity.The sympathovagal balance expressed by the LF/HF ratio shows no nocturnal expected reduction and therefore in these patients the loss of the circadian rhythm with constant sympathetic hyperactivity correlates directly with renal RI.In conclusion, the HRV analysis may be a useful screening tool for the early assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients with scleroderma.