Author/Authors :
Ozsutcu, Mustafa Bezmialem Vakif University - Department of Ophthalmology, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Turkey , Ozkaya, Emin Bezmialem Vakif University - Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Turkey , Demir, Aysegul Bezmialem Vakif University - Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Turkey , Erenberk, Ufuk Bezmialem Vakif University - Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Turkey , Sogut, Ayhan Regional Education and Research Hospital - Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Turkey , Dundaroz, Rusen Bezmialem Vakif University - Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Turkey
Abstract :
Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate autonomic nervous system dysfunction by measuring pupil sizes in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis. Subjects and Methods: The study group consisted of 60 children (28 girls and 32 boys) who were age and gender matched with the control group, which also consisted of 60 children (26 girls and 34 boys). The diagnosis of allergic rhinitis was based on the history, physical examination and skin prick test performed by an allergologist. Pupil diameter measurements were performed using the pupillometer incorporated in the NİDEK OPD-Scan. Results: In the allergic rhinitis group, mean photopic and mesopic pupil diameters were 3.52 ± 0.07 and 5.98 ± 0.21, respectively, while in the control group, corresponding measurements were 4.03 ± 0.18 and 6.55 ± 0.16. There was a significant difference for photopic and mesopic pupil diameter between the groups (p 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that the pupil size in response to a light stimulus in children with allergic rhinitis was smaller than that of the control group and may indicate parasympathetic hyperactivity and sympathetic hypoactivity.
Keywords :
Allergic rhinitis , Children , Pupil diameter , Autonomic nervous system
