Adolescents with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) are often seen in pediatric GI offices due to the associated GI symptoms.  A recent report (R Bhatia et al. J Pediatr 2016; 173: 149-53) offers up some encouraging data.

172 patients (of 502) responded to the authors’ survey.  The mean duration since the time of diagnosis was 5.4 years. Key findings:

• 19% (n=33) reported complete resolution of their symptoms
• 51% reported improvement, but persistent, symptoms
• 28% reported intermittent symptoms
• Thus, 86% reported that their POTS resolved, improved or was intermittent.

The authors note that some symptoms like dizziness and fatigue are common in patients without POTS and that “persistence of some symptoms can be part of a normal healthy life.”

My take: This study indicates that most adolescents with POTS are likely to have a good functional outcome.

Related blog posts:

• Salt for POTS -who benefits? | gutsandgrowth
• Understanding Idiopathic Nausea | gutsandgrowth

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