Appetitive traits in adolescents with vasovagal syncope

Aim: This study was designed to explore the peculiarities of eating behavior in adolescents with vasovagal syncope and to identify a possible correlation between clinical data and some appetitive traits that could potentially be associated with the development of syncope. Methods: In total, 69 adolescents with vasovagal syncope and 60 healthy participants underwent clinical examination, vitamin panel (pyridoxine, folate, cobalamin, vitamin D), homocysteine testing, and simultaneously completed the Ukrainian validated version of the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire. The feasibility, reliability, and validity of the scales were assessed in this version. The associations of Questionnaire scales with syncope characteristics were analyzed. Results: Our study has shown good psychometric properties of the Ukrainian version of the Adult Eating Behavior Questionnaire for assessing eating behavior in adolescents with vasovagal syncope. Our study revealed lower scores on enjoyment of food and greater scores on satiety responsiveness trait in patients with vasovagal syncope. Lower food responsiveness was associated with a higher number of syncope events, and higher food fussiness predicted a longer duration of syncope history. Reduced food responsiveness and fussy eating in adolescents with vasovagal syncope have also been linked to lower levels of neurotropic vitamins and hyperhomocysteinemia. Conclusions: Our analysis suggests that vitamin deficiency and autonomic dysfunction in adolescents with VVS could be linked to eating disturbances. One potential approach for prevention and treatment is to provide nutrition education for syncope patients. Clinicians should be aware of the impact of eating behavior, which could help in preventing future syncope attacks and disease progression.