Bai W, et al. – In this present study, the researchers analyzed the serum resistin level and its clinical significance in children with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). They found a significantly higher level of serum resistin in children with POTS compared to the healthy children. Serum resistin was negatively associated with a change in heart rate from the supine to upright position and symptom scores. These findings indicated a protective role of increased resistin in the pathogenesis of POTS.

• This study enrolled 21 children with POTS and 31 healthy children.
• During an upright test, clinical characteristics, heart rate and blood pressure in the supine and upright positions were monitored and collected.
• The symptom scoring of POTS patients was recorded.
• With enzyme–linked immunosorbent assay, the serum resistin levels of patients in both groups were evaluated.
• The change in serum resistin levels in the POTS group before and after standing, as well as its correlation with symptom scores and change in heart rate after standing, was determined.
• The serum resistin levels in the POTS group were significantly increased, compared with the control group (P < 0.01).
• The serum resistin levels in the POTS group before and after standing did not differ (P > 0.05).
• There was a negative correlation between the serum resistin levels and a change in heart rate from the supine to upright position (correlation coefficient = –0.615,P < 0.01).
• In addition, serum resistin levels were negatively associated with symptom scores (correlation coefficient = –0.493, P < 0.05).