-
European Journal of Internal Medicine Feb 2024Long-COVID syndrome is characterized by fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, tachycardia, pain, memory difficulties, and brain fog, which may be associated with autonomic...
Long-COVID syndrome is characterized by fatigue, orthostatic intolerance, tachycardia, pain, memory difficulties, and brain fog, which may be associated with autonomic nervous system abnormalities. We aimed to evaluate the short and long-term course of COVID-19 autonomic symptoms and quality of life (QoL) after SARS-CoV-2 infection through a one-year follow-up combined with validated questionnaires. Additionally, we aimed to identify patients with worsening autonomic symptoms at 6 and 12 months by dividing the patient cohort into two sub-groups: the Post-COVID healed Control sub-group (total score<16.4) and the Long-COVID autonomic syndrome sub-group (total score>16.4). This prospective cohort studied 112 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients discharged from Humanitas Research Hospital between January and March 2021. Autonomic symptoms and QoL were assessed using the composite autonomic symptom scale 31 (COMPASS-31) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires at various time points: before SARS-CoV-2 infection (PRE), at hospital discharge (T0), and at 1 (T1), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 (T12) months of follow-up. COMPASS-31 total score, Orthostatic Intolerance and Gastrointestinal function indices, QoL, physical functioning, pain, and fatigue scores worsened at T0 compared to PRE but progressively improved at T1 and T3, reflecting the acute phase of COVID-19. Unexpectedly, these indices worsened at T6 and T12 compared to T3. Subgroup analysis revealed that 47% of patients experienced worsening autonomic symptoms at T6 and T12, indicating Long-COVID autonomic syndrome. Early rehabilitative and pharmacological therapy is recommended for patients at the T1 and T3 stages after SARS-CoV-2 infection to minimize the risk of developing long-term autonomic syndrome.
Topics: Humans; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; COVID-19; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Orthostatic Intolerance; SARS-CoV-2; Fatigue; Pain
PubMed: 37652756
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.08.018 -
Hellenic Journal of Cardiology : HJC =... 2023Cardioneuroablation is an emerging alternative therapeutic modality for young patients with severe neurally-mediated syncope. We present two images of...
Cardioneuroablation is an emerging alternative therapeutic modality for young patients with severe neurally-mediated syncope. We present two images of cardioneuroablation performed in young patients who suffered from recurrent neurally-mediated syncope with asystole and functional atrioventricular block. The patients remain syncope-free during follow-ups.
Topics: Humans; Syncope; Syncope, Vasovagal; Heart Arrest
PubMed: 37647986
DOI: 10.1016/j.hjc.2023.08.012 -
Scientific Reports Nov 2023Post-acute COVID-19 (PACS) are associated with cardiovascular dysfunction, especially postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Patients with PACS, both in the...
Dysregulations in hemostasis, metabolism, immune response, and angiogenesis in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome with and without postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: a multi-omic profiling study.
Post-acute COVID-19 (PACS) are associated with cardiovascular dysfunction, especially postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Patients with PACS, both in the absence or presence of POTS, exhibit a wide range of persisting symptoms long after the acute infection. Some of these symptoms may stem from alterations in cardiovascular homeostasis, but the exact mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to provide a broad molecular characterization of patients with PACS with (PACS + POTS) and without (PACS-POTS) POTS compared to healthy subjects, including a broad proteomic characterization with a focus on plasma cardiometabolic proteins, quantification of cytokines/chemokines and determination of plasma sphingolipid levels. Twenty-one healthy subjects without a prior COVID-19 infection (mean age 43 years, 95% females), 20 non-hospitalized patients with PACS + POTS (mean age 39 years, 95% females) and 22 non-hospitalized patients with PACS-POTS (mean age 44 years, 100% females) were studied. PACS patients were non-hospitalized and recruited ≈18 months after the acute infection. Cardiometabolic proteomic analyses revealed a dysregulation of ≈200 out of 700 analyzed proteins in both PACS groups vs. healthy subjects with the majority (> 90%) being upregulated. There was a large overlap (> 90%) with no major differences between the PACS groups. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed alterations in hemostasis/coagulation, metabolism, immune responses, and angiogenesis in PACS vs. healthy controls. Furthermore, 11 out of 33 cytokines/chemokines were significantly upregulated both in PACS + POTS and PACS-POTS vs. healthy controls and none of the cytokines were downregulated. There were no differences in between the PACS groups in the cytokine levels. Lastly, 16 and 19 out of 88 sphingolipids were significantly dysregulated in PACS + POTS and PACS-POTS, respectively, compared to controls with no differences between the groups. Collectively, these observations suggest a clear and distinct dysregulation in the proteome, cytokines/chemokines, and sphingolipid levels in PACS patients compared to healthy subjects without any clear signature associated with POTS. This enhances our understanding and might pave the way for future experimental and clinical investigations to elucidate and/or target resolution of inflammation and micro-clots and restore the hemostasis and immunity in PACS.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adult; Male; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome; COVID-19; Multiomics; Proteomics; Blood Coagulation; Cytokines; Chemokines; Sphingolipids; Immunity; Cardiovascular Diseases
PubMed: 37981644
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47539-1 -
The New Microbiologica May 2024More than 800 million individuals have contracted SARSCOV2 infection worldwide. It was estimated that almost 10-20% of these might suffer from Long COVID. It is a... (Review)
Review
More than 800 million individuals have contracted SARSCOV2 infection worldwide. It was estimated that almost 10-20% of these might suffer from Long COVID. It is a multisystemic syndrome, which negatively affects the quality of life with a significant burden of health loss compared to COVID negative individuals. Moreover, the risk of sequelae still remains high at 2 years in both nonhospitalized and hospitalized individuals. This review summarizes studies regarding long COVID and clarifies the definitions, the risk factors and the management of this syndrome. Finally, it delves into the most frequent long-term outcomes, especially postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome" (POTS), myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), brain fog, and their therapeutical possibilities.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Risk Factors; Quality of Life; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
PubMed: 38700879
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and... Apr 2024Early postoperative mobilization is essential for early functional recovery but can be inhibited by postoperative orthostatic intolerance (OI). Postoperative OI is... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
Early postoperative mobilization is essential for early functional recovery but can be inhibited by postoperative orthostatic intolerance (OI). Postoperative OI is common after major surgery, such as total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, limited data are available after less extensive surgery, such as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). We, therefore, investigated the incidence of OI as well as cardiovascular and tissue oxygenation responses during early mobilization after UKA.
METHODS
This prospective single-centre observational study included 32 patients undergoing primary UKA. Incidence of OI and cardiovascular and tissue oxygenation responses during mobilization were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 and 24 h after surgery. Perioperative fluid balance, bleeding, surgery duration, postoperative hemoglobin, pain during mobilization and opioid usage were recorded.
RESULTS
During mobilization at 6 h after surgery, 4 (14%, 95%CI 4-33%) patients experienced OI; however, no patients terminated the mobilization procedure prematurely. Dizziness and feeling of heat were the most common symptoms. OI was associated with attenuated systolic and mean arterial blood pressure responses in the sitting position (all p < 0.05). At 24 h after surgery, 24 (75%) patients had already been discharged, including three of the four patients with early OI. Only five patients were available for measurements, two of whom experienced OI; one terminated the mobilization procedure due to intolerable symptoms. We observed no statistically significant differences in perioperative fluid balance, bleeding, surgery duration, postoperative hemoglobin, pain, or opioid usage between orthostatic intolerant and tolerant patients.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of orthostatic intolerance after fast-track unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is low (~ 15%) and is associated with decreased orthostatic pressure responses. Compared to the previously described orthostatic intolerance incidence of ~ 40% following total knee arthroplasty, early orthostatic intolerance is uncommon after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, suggesting a procedure-specific component.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov; registration number: NCT04195360, registration date: 13.12.2019.
Topics: Humans; Orthostatic Intolerance; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Incidence; Analgesics, Opioid; Prospective Studies; Hemodynamics; Pain; Hemoglobins; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 38561817
DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04639-6 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine Jul 2023Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous condition predominantly affecting autonomic control of the cardiovascular system. Its extensive...
BACKGROUND
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous condition predominantly affecting autonomic control of the cardiovascular system. Its extensive symptom diversity implies multi-organ involvement that interacts in ways still requiring full exploration. Current understanding of POTS pathophysiology suggests alterations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system as a possible contributing factor. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the activity of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and hemodynamic parameters in a cohort of POTS patients and controls recruited at a tertiary referral center.
METHODS
The case-control study included 46 patients with POTS (27 ± 9 years), and 48 healthy controls (30 ± 9 years) without orthostatic intolerance. Plasma renin activity, expressed as angiotensin I generation, and plasma aldosterone were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were correlated with hemodynamic parameters obtained during active standing tests.
RESULTS
Renin activity was significantly downregulated in POTS patients compared to healthy individuals (median, 3406 ng/mL vs. 9949 ng/mL, < 0.001), whereas aldosterone concentration did not differ between POTS and healthy controls (median, 218 pmol/L vs. 218 pmol/L, = 0.26). A significant inverse correlation between renin activity and supine and orthostatic blood pressure levels was observed in healthy individuals ( < 0.05 for all), but not in POTS patients.
CONCLUSIONS
Renin activity, but not aldosterone concentration, is downregulated in patients with POTS. Moreover, renin activity in POTS is dissociated from supine and standing blood pressure levels in contrast to healthy individuals. These findings suggest impaired renin function in POTS, which may direct future therapeutic approaches.
PubMed: 37510775
DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144660 -
Biology Jun 2023The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in performance during a decisional conflict task between subjects with emotional/blood phobia and those with an...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in performance during a decisional conflict task between subjects with emotional/blood phobia and those with an orthostatic vasovagal syncope. A total of 332 young subjects were included, from which 99 were excluded because of their condition or treatment. The subjects were classified into four groups depending on their responses to a questionnaire: 98 in a control group, 10 in an emotional/blood phobia syncope group, 38 in an orthostatic syncope group, and 87 in an unclear status group. This former group was excluded. The subjects performed a decisional conflict task to quantify their conflict-management ability. The task was the computer version of the Simon Task. Emotional/blood phobia syncope subjects showed a delayed reaction time when faced with decisional conflict in comparison with the control and orthostatic syncope subjects (55.8 ± 17.7 ms, 20.5 ± 4.9 ms, and 13.4 ± 9.2 ms, respectively, ≤ 0.05). Our result suggests that emotional/blood phobia and orthostatic syncope are two clinical entities. Decisions could be a target of management in patients with emotional/blood phobia syncope. The altered decision-making of subjects with emotion/blood phobia syncope emphasized the role of higher cerebral functions in blood pressure control.
PubMed: 37508361
DOI: 10.3390/biology12070930 -
Journal of Family Medicine and Primary... Oct 2023The reason for autonomic dysfunction in COVID-19 is yet to get clear, though we tend to notice a few dysautonomia cases during post-COVID-19 manifested most commonly in...
BACKGROUND
The reason for autonomic dysfunction in COVID-19 is yet to get clear, though we tend to notice a few dysautonomia cases during post-COVID-19 manifested most commonly in the form of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
CASE PRESENTATION
A case of autonomic dysregulation is presented in a COVID-19 patient as a post-COVID-19 sequelae. On doing an active stand test and two basic autonomic function tests, dysautonomia was diagnosed in the patient, after going through all routine investigations for six months. Cardiac parasympathetic integrity was assessed by measuring the heart rate response to standing by continuous electrocardiographic tracing. The management of these patients is usually conservative.
CONCLUSION
Family physicians must be aware of such cases in future for early diagnosis and management of the patients.
PubMed: 38074226
DOI: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_74_23 -
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979) Nov 2023Management of orthostatic hypotension (OH) prioritizes prevention of standing hypotension, sometimes at the expense of supine hypertension. It is unclear whether supine...
BACKGROUND
Management of orthostatic hypotension (OH) prioritizes prevention of standing hypotension, sometimes at the expense of supine hypertension. It is unclear whether supine hypertension is associated with adverse outcomes relative to standing hypotension.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the long-term clinical consequences of supine hypertension and standing hypotension among middle-aged adults with and without OH.
METHODS
The ARIC study (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) measured supine and standing blood pressure (BP) in adults aged 45 to 64 years, without neurogenic OH, between 1987 and 1989. We defined OH as a positional drop in systolic BP ≥20 mm Hg or diastolic BP ≥10 mm Hg, supine hypertension as supine BP≥140/≥90 mm Hg, and standing hypotension as standing BP≤105/≤65 mm Hg. Participants were followed for >30 years. We used Cox regression models to examine associations with cardiovascular disease events, all-cause mortality, falls, and syncope.
RESULTS
Of 12 489 participants (55% female, 26% Black, mean age 54 years, SD 6), 4.4% had OH. Among those without OH (N=11 943), 19% had supine hypertension and 21% had standing hypotension, while among those with OH (N=546), 58% had supine hypertension and 38% had standing hypotension. Associations with outcomes did not differ by OH status (-interactions >0.25). Supine hypertension was associated with heart failure (hazard ratio, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.68-1.99]), falls (hazard ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.02-1.22]), and all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.37-1.54]), while standing hypotension was only significantly associated with mortality (hazard ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.00-1.14]).
CONCLUSIONS
Supine hypertension was associated with higher risk of adverse events than standing hypotension, regardless of OH status. This challenges conventional OH management, which prioritizes standing hypotension over supine hypertension.
Topics: Middle Aged; Humans; Adult; Female; Male; Hypertension; Cardiovascular Diseases; Blood Pressure; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Blood Pressure Determination
PubMed: 37646155
DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.21215 -
European Review For Medical and... Mar 2024The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important role in maintaining physiological regulation. It regulates the body's response to many variable situations....
OBJECTIVE
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important role in maintaining physiological regulation. It regulates the body's response to many variable situations. Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is one of the most important signs of autonomic dysfunction. Autonomic dysfunction is known to cause premature ejaculation (PE) by disturbing the balance in erection and ejaculation cycles. Considering that OI may develop due to autonomic dysfunction in patients with PE, we hypothesized that OI symptoms would increase in these patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between orthostatic intolerance and PE.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
This case-control study included a total of 39 patients with PE and 47 volunteers without PE. All subjects were assessed using the self-reported Orthostatic Grading Scale (OGS). In addition, the validated five-item Turkish version of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) was used to evaluate PE. The PE group included patients with a PEDT score ≥ 11.
RESULTS
The mean ages of the PE and control groups were 38.2 ± 7.8 and 40.5 ± 9.1 years, respectively (p = 0.137). The mean PEDT scores of the PE and control groups were 13.9 ± 3.6 and 6.6 ± 2.9, respectively (p < 0.0001), and their mean OGS scores were 5.6 ± 2.4 and 1.6 ± 1.3, respectively (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant correlation was found between the PEDT and OGS scores (r: 0.686, p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS
The orthostatic intolerance symptoms of patients with PE were higher than those of the control group. There was a correlation between the severity of PE and the severity of orthostatic intolerance. This is the first study in the literature to reveal a relationship between orthostatic intolerance and PE.
Topics: Male; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Premature Ejaculation; Case-Control Studies; Orthostatic Intolerance; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Autonomic Nervous System
PubMed: 38497876
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202403_35607