Characteristics Of Heart Rate Change Associated With Periodic Limb Movement During Sleep In Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Objective:To explore the characteristics of heart rate change associated with periodic limb movement during sleep (PLMS) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients. Methods:Consecutive suspected PLMS patients who underwent overnight polysomnography (PSG) were divided into PLMS with DM group (case group) and primary PLMS (control group) according to medical history and PSG examination. The R-R interval was marked and measured for 5 beats before (T-5～1)、onset and 19 beats after (T+1～+19) of each PLMS, then converted to beats. The amplitude of heart rate relatively higher or lower than baseline at different time points was calculated, and the magnitude of heart rate relatively between two groups were compared. Results: According to inclusive and exclusive criterion,5 cases with case group (PLMS frequency was 488 times) and 11 cases with control group (PLMS frequency was 773 times) were included finally. The heart rate of two groups both begain to increase at T-1, and the case group return to the baseline at T+13, while the control group at T+9～+10. Compared with the control group, the magnitude of heart rate variability was smaller at T-1、T+1～5、 T+11～+19 in case group, and the difference between two groups is statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions:PLMS with DM patients show small variations in heart rate, delayed time return to baseline and no significant bradycardia, which prompt a damage in autonomic nerve.