In this study; we evaluated the heart rate variability parameters of pediatric patients whose VSDs were closed with the transcatheter method before and after, and compared with the control group.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a sign of cardiac autonomic nervous system. Evaluation of HRV in pediatric ventricular septal defect (VSD) cases before and after transcatheter closure will enlighten us in terms of cardiac autonomic control.

Methods: 19 VSD cases treated with transcatheter closure method and 18 healthy children were enrolled in the study. 24 hours Holter rhythm monitorization was applied to all patients before closure of VSD and to the control group. In the patient group, Holter rhythm monitorization was repeated in the third months. HRV parameters were obtained from Cardio Scan Premier 12® program. Frequency domain (Total power, VLF, LF, HF, LF/HF ratio) and time domain analysis (SDNN, SDANN, SDNNi, pNN50, rMSSD) were applied.

Inclusion Criteria:

• VSD diameter <6mm
• Significant left-to-right shunt
• Left atrial and ventricular enlargement detected by echocardiography or calculation of Qp/Qs ratio above 1.5 in the catheterization laboratory (Qp/Qs>1.5)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with arrhythmia after the procedure
• Young patients who may be inconsistent during Holter records

The patient group consists of pediatric patients who underwent transcatheter VSD closure in our institute.

The control group consists of children who admitted to our institute with the complaint of palpitations and had a normal Holter record.