Is neuropathic pain associated with cardiac sympathovagal activity changes in patients with breast cancer

AbstractObjectiveHeart rate variability (HRV) is a good indicator of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity. A few studies have been conducted recently and have shown a relationship between reduced HRV and conditions that lead to neuropathic pain (NP). In this study, we aimed to investigate whether NP is associated with changes in cardiac sympathovagal activity in patients with breast cancer (BC).MethodsWe used the Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS) questionnaire to evaluate NP in 70 patients with BC. The patients were subjected to a 24-h Holter ECG monitorization to determine heart rate variability (HRV). Standard deviation (SD) of the normal-to-normal RR intervals (SDNN), SD of the mean of the RR intervals (SDAAN), mean of the SD of the NN interval (SDNN Index), low-frequency component/high-frequency component ratio (LF/HF), and the mean heart rate of the patients were recorded.ResultsAccording to the LANSS questionnaire, 18 (25.7%) of the patients were classified as NP (+)....