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Vox Sanguinis Apr 2024Risk factors for vasovagal reaction (VVR) have been extensively studied. With knowledge of the relative importance of these risk factors for VVR, collection staff could...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Risk factors for vasovagal reaction (VVR) have been extensively studied. With knowledge of the relative importance of these risk factors for VVR, collection staff could take care of blood donors from the same standpoint, leading to improved donor safety. We therefore developed a scoring system to predict VVR, which incorporates registration information.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Pre-syncopal and syncopal symptoms, as well as on- and off-site reactions, are included in this analysis as VVR. We defined the donor status as follows: first-time donors, repeat donors with no history of reaction and repeat donors with a history of reaction. We prepared two datasets: whole-blood donations at a blood donation site in Tokyo between January 2019 and December 2019 were included in training data (n = 361,114), and whole-blood donations between January 2020 and August 2020 were included in testing data (n = 216,211).
RESULTS
The most important variable was the donor status, followed by age, estimated blood volume and height. We integrated them into a scoring system. Training and testing datasets were combined (n = 577,325), and VVR rates in groups with scores of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 or more were 0.09% (95% CI: 0.081%-0.10%), 0.33% (95% CI: 0.31%-0.36%), 0.87% (95% CI: 0.78%-0.96%), 1.17% (95% CI: 1.05%-1.30%), 2.15% (95% CI: 1.98%-2.32%) and 3.11% (95% CI: 2.90%-3.34%), respectively.
CONCLUSION
The scoring system enables staff to significantly predict VVR and may help them to identify donors at increased risk of experiencing syncope, thereby mitigating the negative impact of VVR on donor safety and return by paying close attention to high-risk donors.
Topics: Humans; Blood Donation; Blood Donors; Syncope, Vasovagal; Risk Factors; Blood Volume
PubMed: 38156553
DOI: 10.1111/vox.13579 -
Heart (British Cardiac Society) May 2015For some decades, after the introduction of the head-up tilt test into clinical practice, the clinical presentation of vasovagal syncope (VVS) has been classified as... (Review)
Review
For some decades, after the introduction of the head-up tilt test into clinical practice, the clinical presentation of vasovagal syncope (VVS) has been classified as typical (or classical) and atypical (or non-classical). Some clinical features and recent data suggest that even unexplained falls and syncope during sleeping hours may be possible clinical presentations of VVS. In recent studies, tilt testing and carotid sinus massage by means of the 'method of symptoms' were performed in one group of patients with unexplained falls and in another group with unexplained syncope (presence of prodromal symptoms). Overall, tilt testing and carotid sinus massage displayed a high positivity rate in the group of patients with unexplained falls (about 60%), which was similar to that of the unexplained syncope group. These new data seem to indicate that some unexplained falls could be cases of atypical VVS/carotid sinus syncope with retrograde amnesia. Some clinical features suggest that syncope during sleeping hours is a form of VVS with a different clinical presentation: high prevalence of autonomic prodromes, of diurnal episodes of typical VVS and specific phobias, and of positive tilt testing with severe cardioinhibition.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Adolescent; Adult; Age of Onset; Aged; Humans; Middle Aged; Sleep Wake Disorders; Syncope, Vasovagal; Young Adult
PubMed: 25792719
DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2014-307096 -
Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia :... Oct 2023Cardioneuroablation (CNA), a technique based on radiofrequency ablation of cardiac vagal ganglia, was developed to treat recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS) with a...
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
Cardioneuroablation (CNA), a technique based on radiofrequency ablation of cardiac vagal ganglia, was developed to treat recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS) with a predominant cardioinhibitory component, as an alternative to pacemaker implantation. The aim of our study was to evaluate the safety and success rate of CNA guided by extracardiac vagal stimulation in patients with highly symptomatic cardioinhibitory VVS.
METHODS
Prospective study of patients who underwent anatomically guided CNA at two cardiology centers. All patients had a history of recurrent syncope with a predominant cardioinhibitory component and refractory to conventional measures. Acute success was determined by the absence or significant reduction of cardiac parasympathetic response to extracardiac vagal stimulation. The primary endpoint was the recurrence of syncope during follow-up.
RESULTS
In total, 19 patients (13 males; mean age 37.8±12.9 years) were included. Ablation was acutely successful in all patients. One patient had a convulsive episode after the procedure, which was deemed unrelated to the ablation, requiring admission to intensive care but without sequelae. No other complications occurred. At a mean follow-up of 21.0±13.2 months (range 3-42 months), 17 patients remained free of syncope. The remaining two patients had recurrence of syncope and, despite undergoing a new ablation procedure, required pacemaker implantation during follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Cardioneuroablation, confirmed by extracardiac vagal stimulation, appears to be an effective and safe treatment option for highly symptomatic patients with refractory VVS with a predominant cardioinhibitory component, providing a new potential approach as an alternative to pacemaker implantation.
Topics: Male; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Middle Aged; Syncope, Vasovagal; Prospective Studies; Heart; Pacemaker, Artificial; Disease Progression
PubMed: 37268266
DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2023.02.012 -
Internal and Emergency Medicine Jan 2023Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of transient loss of consciousness. Although not associated with mortality, it causes injuries, reduces quality of life,... (Review)
Review
Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of transient loss of consciousness. Although not associated with mortality, it causes injuries, reduces quality of life, and is associated with anxiety and depression. The European and North American cardiac societies recently published syncope clinical practice guidelines. Most patients with VVS do well after specialist evaluation, reassurance and education. Adequate hydration, increased salt intake when not contraindicated, and careful withdrawal of diuretics and specific hypotension-inducing drugs are a reasonable initial strategy. Physical counterpressure maneuvers might be helpful but can be of limited efficacy in older patients and those with short or no prodromes. Orthostatic training lacks long term efficacy and is troubled by non-compliance. Yoga might be helpful, although the biomedical mechanism is unknown. Almost a third of VVS patients continue to faint despite these conservative measures. Metoprolol was not helpful in a pivotal randomized clinical trial. Fludrocortisone and midodrine significantly reduce syncope recurrences with tolerable side effects, when titrated to target doses. Pacing therapy with specialized sensors appears promising in carefully selected population who have not responded conservative measures. Cardioneuroablation may be helpful but has not been studied in a formal clinical trial.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Aged; Syncope, Vasovagal; Quality of Life; Midodrine; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36117230
DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-03102-w -
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine Jun 2020
Topics: Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Mountaineering; Oxygen Consumption; Syncope, Vasovagal; Weightlessness; Wilderness Medicine
PubMed: 32482518
DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2020.04.004 -
Transfusion Medicine (Oxford, England) Apr 2019This narrative review examines current research on risk factors, prevention methods and management strategies for vasovagal reactions (VVRs) that occur during or as a... (Review)
Review
This narrative review examines current research on risk factors, prevention methods and management strategies for vasovagal reactions (VVRs) that occur during or as a result of blood donation. VVRs are important to blood collection agencies (BCAs) as they negatively impact the number of completed collections, perceptions of the safety of blood donation and rates of donor return. There has been significant progress in understanding and preventing VVRs in blood donation in recent years, with a multitude of risk factors identified. This has resulted in many BCAs implementing evidence-based strategies, such as donor age and weight restrictions. However, the profile of our most vulnerable donors and features of the donation setting that may protect these donors from experiencing a VVR have not been identified. Furthermore, an increased number of trials of physiological and psychological prevention interventions to reduce both immediate and delayed VVRs have been reported. However, a lack of methodological consistency in operationalising interventions to reduce or prevent VVRs means that the identification of effective VVR prevention strategies remains a challenge for practitioners. Furthermore, research is still required to determine how to successfully implement prevention and management strategies into standard operating procedures within collection centres. Finally, research in the management and mitigation of the effect of VVRs is currently only suggestive of what should be done to care for the donor who reacts and how to empower those donors to return. Collectively, research into these aspects of VVRs will provide support to donors and BCAs and improve the safety of blood donation.
Topics: Blood Donors; Female; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; Syncope, Vasovagal
PubMed: 29148259
DOI: 10.1111/tme.12488 -
Transfusion Clinique Et Biologique :... May 2023Adverse donor reactions (ADR) are common to occur during the blood donation process. The most common is vasovagal reactions (VVR) and it cause negative impact in the...
Adverse donor reactions (ADR) are common to occur during the blood donation process. The most common is vasovagal reactions (VVR) and it cause negative impact in the donor return rate. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of VVR among blood donors and to study its associated factors, at Hospital University Sains Malaysia (USM). This retrospective case-control study was conducted from June 2018, until June 2021. Data was extracted from the blood bank database system and from donor adverse reaction form. Donors who developed adverse donor reactions were chosen and without VVR were chosen at random as controls. A total of 159 donors, out of 35 134 donors were reported to have VVR which resulted in an overall prevalence of 0.45 %. Dizziness or mild VVR were the most frequently observed adverse reactions, accounting for approximately 87/159 (54.7 %) of all adverse reactions. Multiple logistic regression (MLR) analysis showed VVR were significantly associated with age, female gender, first-time donor, and 450 ml volume of blood collected. The prevalence of vasovagal reactions among blood donors in this study was low which was similar to a few previous studies. Although it was low, still it is very important to reduce risks to a minimum so that the donor return rate could be maintained. The information regarding its associated factors can be used to identify high-risk donors to prevent the incidence in the future.
Topics: Humans; Female; Blood Donors; Retrospective Studies; Case-Control Studies; Prevalence; Malaysia; Syncope, Vasovagal; Hospitals, University
PubMed: 36702200
DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2023.01.004 -
Transfusion Sep 2022To inform the development of interventions to retain donors following a vasovagal reaction (VVR), the aim of this study is to use the Health Action Process Approach...
BACKGROUND
To inform the development of interventions to retain donors following a vasovagal reaction (VVR), the aim of this study is to use the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) to identify predictors of intentions to re-donate and actual return behavior among whole blood (WB) and plasma donors who experienced a VVR.
STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 1136 WB donors (M = 32.4 ± 12.5 years; 73.4% female) and 1141 plasma donors (M = 36.5 ± 14.4 years; 73.3% female) completed an online survey after experiencing a VVR. Two hierarchical regression analyses were conducted for each donation type. In the first analysis, donation intentions were regressed onto the motivational HAPA constructs and social support. In the second analysis, donor return within 6 months was regressed onto social support, intentions, and the volitional HAPA constructs.
RESULTS
The motivational and social support variables accounted for 47.2% of the variance in intentions to return in WB donors and 15.7% in plasma donors. For both groups, task self-efficacy, positive and negative outcome expectancies, and social support were significant predictors of intentions to return. Intentions and action planning were significant predictors of donor return in both groups, and recovery self-efficacy was significant for plasma only.
CONCLUSION
The HAPA model can provide guidance to blood collection agencies to design phase-specific and individually-focused interventions to retain WB and plasma donors following a VVR.
Topics: Adult; Blood Donors; Female; Humans; Intention; Male; Middle Aged; Motivation; Surveys and Questionnaires; Syncope, Vasovagal; Young Adult
PubMed: 35924722
DOI: 10.1111/trf.17052 -
Neuroscience Bulletin Jun 2020Vasovagal syncope (VVS) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) are the main forms of orthostatic intolerance in pediatrics and both are underlying causes of... (Review)
Review
Vasovagal syncope (VVS) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) are the main forms of orthostatic intolerance in pediatrics and both are underlying causes of neurally-mediated syncope. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the management of VVS and POTS in children and adolescents. A number of potential mechanisms are involved in their pathophysiology, but the leading cause of symptoms varies among patients. A few studies thus have focused on the individualized treatment of VVS or POTS based on selected hemodynamic parameters or biomarkers that can predict the therapeutic effect of certain therapies and improve their effectiveness. This review summarizes the latest developments in individualized treatment of VVS and POTS in children and indicates directions for further research in this field.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Hemodynamics; Humans; Orthostatic Intolerance; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome; Syncope, Vasovagal
PubMed: 32367250
DOI: 10.1007/s12264-020-00497-4 -
Clinical Autonomic Research : Official... Feb 2023Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a common clinical condition with few effective medical therapies. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of atomoxetine in suppressing... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial Observational Study
OBJECTIVE
Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a common clinical condition with few effective medical therapies. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of atomoxetine in suppressing syncope in patients with recurrent VVS.
METHODS
This was a retrospective, open-label, observational case series of 12 patients taking atomoxetine for suppression of recurrent vasovagal syncope. We compared syncope frequency in the 1 year before atomoxetine and while subjects were taking atomoxetine. We used novel applications of the Poisson distribution to describe the results as a collection of n = 1 studies.
RESULTS
There were 12 subjects, eight female, with a mean age 47 ± 22 years and a mean Calgary Syncope Symptom Score of 2 (diagnostic of vasovagal syncope). The patients received a mean dose of atomoxetine of 66 ± 16 mg (1.06 ± 0.21 mg/kg). The mean follow-up period was 1.21 ± 1.01 years. While taking atomoxetine, 11/12 patients appeared to improve and 7/12 had no syncope in follow-up (p = 0.0046). The annualized syncope frequency decreased from a median 5.5 (IQR 4, 6.75) syncope per year to 0 (IQR 0, 0.88) syncope per year (p = 0.002, Wilcoxon rank-sum test). According to the Poisson distribution, 7/12 subjects significantly improved with p values of < 0.0001 to 0.0235, 3/12 did not faint but had too brief follow-up times to detect significance, and 2/12 did not improve significantly.
CONCLUSIONS
In this case series, atomoxetine was a promising oral agent for the prevention of vasovagal syncope. The Poisson distribution permits individual patient-level assessment of improvement and detects insufficient follow-up despite apparent improvement.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Atomoxetine Hydrochloride; Retrospective Studies; Syncope; Syncope, Vasovagal; Tilt-Table Test
PubMed: 36401665
DOI: 10.1007/s10286-022-00905-x