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Alpha Psychiatry Sep 2022Falls among psychiatric inpatients are common and have significant health consequences. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the published research on... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Falls among psychiatric inpatients are common and have significant health consequences. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the published research on risk factors and consequences.
METHODS
PubMed and Embase were searched for relevant studies. A total of 18 studies were included in this systematic review. The heterogeneity and low quality of the reviewed studies limit the generalizability of the results.
RESULTS
Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors are reported. Some of these factors are unique to psychiatric inpatients such as acute mental state, psychotic symptoms, and bipolar disorder leading to cognitive distortions and risk-taking; psychotropic medications inducing side effects like sedation and orthostatic hypotension; while others are similar to those found among general medical inpatients.
CONCLUSION
Given the clinical importance of a fall and its implication on residential treatment, there is a need for targeted fall prevention programs. In order to further identify and quantify these risks and consequences, prospective research and additional study designs, describing and recording risk factors in a systematic and standardized way with the underlying etiological processes in mind, are needed.
PubMed: 36426266
DOI: 10.5152/alphapsychiatry.2022.21735 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022Physical counter pressure maneuvers (CPM) are movements that are recommended to delay or prevent syncope (fainting) by recruiting the skeletal muscle pump to augment... (Review)
Review
Physical counter pressure maneuvers (CPM) are movements that are recommended to delay or prevent syncope (fainting) by recruiting the skeletal muscle pump to augment cardiovascular control. However, these recommendations are largely based on theoretical benefit, with limited data evaluating the efficacy of CPM to prevent syncope in the real-world setting. We conducted a semi-systematic literature review and meta-analysis to assess CPM efficacy, identify literature gaps, and highlight future research needs. Articles were identified through a literature search (PubMed, April 2022) of peer-reviewed publications evaluating the use of counter pressure or other lower body maneuvers to prevent syncope. Two team members independently screened records for inclusion and extracted data. From 476 unique records identified by the search, 45 met inclusion criteria. Articles considered various syncopal conditions (vasovagal = 12, orthostatic hypotension = 8, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome = 1, familial dysautonomia = 2, spinal cord injury = 1, blood donation = 10, healthy controls = 11). Maneuvers assessed included hand gripping, leg fidgeting, stepping, tiptoeing, marching, calf raises, postural sway, tensing (upper, lower, whole body), leg crossing, squatting, "crash" position, and bending foreword. CPM were assessed in laboratory-based studies ( = 28), the community setting ( = 4), both laboratory and community settings ( = 3), and during blood donation ( = 10). CPM improved standing systolic blood pressure (+ 14.8 ± 0.6 mmHg, < 0.001) and heart rate (+ 1.4 ± 0.5 bpm, = 0.006), however, responses of total peripheral resistance, stroke volume, or cerebral blood flow were not widely documented. Most patients experienced symptom improvement following CPM use (laboratory: 60 ± 4%, community: 72 ± 9%). The most prominent barrier to employing CPM in daily living was the inability to recognize an impending faint. Patterns of postural sway may also recruit the skeletal muscle pump to enhance cardiovascular control, and its potential as a discrete, proactive CPM needs further evaluation. Physical CPM were successful in improving syncopal symptoms and producing cardiovascular responses that may bolster against syncope; however, practical limitations may restrict applicability for use in daily living.
PubMed: 36312294
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1016420 -
Clinical Autonomic Research : Official... Jun 2022Orthostatic syncope (transient loss of conscious when standing-fainting) is common and negatively impacts quality of life. Many patients with syncope report experiencing... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Orthostatic syncope (transient loss of conscious when standing-fainting) is common and negatively impacts quality of life. Many patients with syncope report experiencing fatigue, sometimes with "brain fog", which may further impact their quality of life, but the incidence and severity of fatigue in patients with syncope remain unclear. In this systematic review, we report evidence on the associations between fatigue and conditions of orthostatic syncope.
METHODS
We performed a comprehensive literature search of four academic databases to identify articles that evaluated the association between orthostatic syncope [postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), vasovagal syncope (VVS), orthostatic hypotension (OH)] and fatigue. Studies were independently screened using a multi-stage approach by two researchers to maintain consistency and limit bias.
RESULTS
Our initial search identified 2797 articles, of which 13 met our inclusion criteria (POTS n = 10; VVS n = 1; OH n = 1; VVS and POTS n = 1). Fatigue scores were significantly higher in patients with orthostatic syncope than healthy controls, and were particularly severe in those with POTS. Fatigue associated with orthostatic syncope disorders spanned multiple domains, with each dimension contributing equally to increased fatigue. "Brain fog" was an important symptom of POTS, negatively affecting productivity and cognition. Finally, fatigue was negatively associated with mental health in patients with POTS.
CONCLUSION
In conditions of orthostatic syncope, fatigue is prevalent and debilitating, especially in patients with POTS. The consideration of fatigue in patients with orthostatic disorders is essential to improve diagnosis and management of symptoms, thus improving quality of life for affected individuals.
Topics: Fatigue; Humans; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome; Quality of Life; Syncope; Syncope, Vasovagal; Tilt-Table Test
PubMed: 35689118
DOI: 10.1007/s10286-022-00868-z -
Therapeutic Advances in... 2022Clozapine is the most effective medication for treatment-refractory schizophrenia but is associated with significant adverse drug effects, including hypotension and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Clozapine is the most effective medication for treatment-refractory schizophrenia but is associated with significant adverse drug effects, including hypotension and dizziness, which have a negative impact on quality of life and treatment compliance. Available evidence for the management of clozapine-induced hypotension is scant.
OBJECTIVES
Due to limited guidance on the safety and efficacy of pharmacological treatments for clozapine-induced hypotension, we set out to systematically review and assess the evidence for the management of clozapine-induced hypotension and provide guidance to clinicians, patients, and carers.
DESIGN
We undertook a systematic review of the safety and efficacy of interventions for clozapine-induced hypotension given the limited available evidence.
DATA SOURCES AND METHODS
PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane trial Registry were searched from inception to November 2021 for literature on the treatment strategies for clozapine-induced hypotension and dizziness using a PROSPERO pre-registered search strategy. For orthostatic hypotension, we developed a management framework to assist in the choice of intervention.
RESULTS
We identified nine case studies and four case series describing interventions in 15 patients. Hypotension interventions included temporary clozapine dose reduction, non-pharmacological treatments, and pharmacological treatments. Midodrine, fludrocortisone, moclobemide and Bovril combination, and etilefrine were associated with improvement in symptoms or reduction in orthostatic hypotension. Angiotensin II, arginine vasopressin, and noradrenaline successfully restored and maintained mean arterial pressure in critical care situations. A paradoxical reaction of severe hypotension was reported with adrenaline use.
CONCLUSION
Orthostatic hypotension is a common side effect during clozapine titration. Following an assessment of the titration schedule, salt and fluid intake, and review of hypertensive and nonselective α1-adrenergic agents, first-line treatment should be a temporary reduction in clozapine dose or non-pharmacological interventions. If orthostatic hypotension persists, fludrocortisone should be trialled with monitoring of potassium levels and sodium and fluid intake. Midodrine may be considered second-line or where fludrocortisone is contraindicated or poorly tolerated. For patients on clozapine with hypotension in critical care settings, the use of adrenaline to maintain mean arterial pressure should be avoided.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO (Registration No. CRD42020191530).
PubMed: 35633931
DOI: 10.1177/20451253221092931 -
Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine 2022Syncope (transient loss of consciousness and postural tone) and presyncope are common manifestations of autonomic dysfunction that are usually triggered by orthostasis....
PURPOSE
Syncope (transient loss of consciousness and postural tone) and presyncope are common manifestations of autonomic dysfunction that are usually triggered by orthostasis. The global impact of syncope on quality of life (QoL) is unclear. In this systematic review, we report evidence on the impact of syncope and presyncope on QoL and QoL domains, identify key factors influencing QoL in patients with syncopal disorders, and combine available data to compare QoL between syncopal disorders and to population normative data.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search of academic databases (MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase) was conducted (February 2021) to identify peer-reviewed publications that evaluated the impact of vasovagal syncope (VVS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), or orthostatic hypotension (OH) on QoL. Two team members independently screened records for inclusion and extracted data relevant to the study objectives.
RESULTS
From 12,258 unique records identified by the search, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria (VVS: = 20; POTS: = 13; VVS and POTS: = 1; OH: = 2); 12 distinct QoL instruments were used. Comparisons of QoL scores between patients with syncope/presyncope and a control group were performed in 16 studies; significant QoL impairments in patients with syncope/presyncope were observed in all studies. Increased syncopal event frequency, increased autonomic symptom severity, and the presence of mental health disorders and/or comorbidities were associated with lower QoL scores.
CONCLUSION
This review synthesizes the negative impact of syncope/presyncope on QoL and identifies research priorities to reduce the burden of these debilitating disorders and improve patient QoL.
PubMed: 35224062
DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.834879 -
Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and... Sep 2022Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is multifactorial in Parkinson's disease (PD). Antiparkinsonian medication can contribute to OH, leading to increased risk of falls,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is multifactorial in Parkinson's disease (PD). Antiparkinsonian medication can contribute to OH, leading to increased risk of falls, weakness and fatigue.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of antiparkinsonian drugs associated with OH as an adverse effect, compared to placebo. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE and Web of Science databases until November 2020. Analysis used fixed-effects models and the GRADE tool to rate quality of evidence. Meta-analysis was performed if 3 or more studies of a drug group were available.
RESULTS
Twenty-one RCTs including 3783 patients were included comparing 6 PD drug groups to placebo (MAO-B inhibitors, dopamine agonists, levodopa, COMT inhibitors, levodopa and adenosine receptor antagonists). OH was recorded as an adverse event or measurement of vital signs, without further specification on how this was defined or operationalised. Meta-analysis was performed for MAO-B inhibitors and dopamine agonists, as there were 3 or more studies for these drug groups. In this analysis, compared with placebo, neither MAO-B inhibitors or dopamine agonists were associated with increased risk of OH, (OR 2.28 [95% CI:0.81-6.46]), (OR 1.39 [95% CI:0.97-1.98]).
CONCLUSIONS
Most studies did not specifically report OH, or reporting of OH was limited, including how and when it was measured. Furthermore, studies specifically reporting OH included participants that were younger than typical PD populations without multimorbidity. Future trials should address this, for example,, by including individuals over the age of 75, to improve estimations of how antiparkinsonian medications affect risk of OH.
Topics: Antiparkinson Agents; Dopamine Agonists; Humans; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Levodopa; Monoamine Oxidase; Parkinson Disease
PubMed: 34964392
DOI: 10.1177/08919887211060017 -
The Neurohospitalist Jan 2022Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) still remains an underdiagnosed etiology of new-onset headache. Important risk factors include chiropractic manipulation (CM)....
Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) still remains an underdiagnosed etiology of new-onset headache. Important risk factors include chiropractic manipulation (CM). We present a case of a 36-year-old Filipino woman who presented with severe bifrontal and postural headache associated with dizziness, vomiting, and doubling of vision. A cranial computed tomography scan was done which showed an acute subdural hematoma (SDH) at the interhemispheric area. Pain medications were given which afforded minimal relief. On history, the headaches occurred 2 weeks after cervical CM. Cranial and cervical magnetic resonance imaging revealed findings supportive of intracranial hypotension and neck trauma, respectively. The patient improved with conservative management. We found 12 articles on SIH and CM after a systematic review of literature. Eleven patients (90.9%) initially presented with orthostatic headache. Eight patients (66.7%) were initially treated conservatively but only 5 (62.5%) had complete recovery. Recovery was achieved within 14 days from start of supportive therapy. Among the 3 patients who failed conservative treatment, 2 underwent non-directed epidural blood patch and one required neurosurgical intervention. This report highlights that a thorough history is warranted in patients with new onset headache. A history of CM must be actively sought. The limited evidence from the case reports showed that patients with SIH and SDH but with normal neurologic examination and minor spinal pathology can be managed conservatively for less than 2 weeks. This review showed that conservative treatment in a closely monitored environment may be an appropriate first line treatment.
PubMed: 34950387
DOI: 10.1177/1941874420977767 -
PLoS Medicine Nov 2021Drug-induced orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common, and its resulting cerebral hypoperfusion is linked to adverse outcomes including falls, strokes, cognitive... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Drug-induced orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common, and its resulting cerebral hypoperfusion is linked to adverse outcomes including falls, strokes, cognitive impairment, and increased mortality. The extent to which specific medications are associated with OH remains unclear.
METHODS AND FINDINGS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the extent to which specific drug groups are associated with OH. EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception through 23 November 2020. Placebo-controlled randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on any drug reporting on OH as an adverse effect in adults (≥18 years) were eligible. Three authors extracted data on the drug, OH, dose, participant characteristics, and study setting. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2) was used to appraise evidence. Summary odds ratios (ORs) were estimated for OH using fixed effects Mantel-Haenszel statistics. We conducted subgroup analysis on validity of OH measurement, drug dose, risk of bias, age, and comorbidity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) tool was used to summarise the certainty of evidence. Of 36,940 citations, 69 eligible RCTs were included in the meta-analysis comprising 27,079 participants. Compared with placebo, beta-blockers and tricyclic antidepressants were associated with increased odds of OH (OR 7.76 [95% CI 2.51, 24.03]; OR 6.30 [95% CI 2.86, 13.91]). Alpha-blockers, antipsychotics, and SGLT-2 inhibitors were associated with up to 2-fold increased odds of OH, compared to placebo. There was no statistically significant difference in odds of OH with vasodilators (CCBs, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, SSRIs), compared to placebo. Limitations of this study are as follows: data limited to placebo-controlled studies, (excluding head-to-head trials), many RCTs excluded older participants; therefore results may be amplified in older patients in the clinical setting. The study protocol is publicly available on PROSPERO (CRD42020168697).
CONCLUSIONS
Medications prescribed for common conditions (including depression, diabetes, and lower urinary tract symptoms) were associated with significantly increased odds of OH. Drugs causing sympathetic inhibition were associated with significantly increased odds of OH, while most vasodilators were associated with small nonsignificant differences in odds of OH, compared to placebo. Drugs targeting multiple parts of the orthostatic blood pressure (BP) reflex pathway (e.g. sympathetic inhibition, vasodilation, cardio-inhibitory effects) may carry cumulative risk, suggesting that individuals with polypharmacy could benefit from postural BP monitoring.
Topics: Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Antidepressive Agents; Antipsychotic Agents; Humans; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Placebos; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Vasodilator Agents
PubMed: 34752479
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003821 -
Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic &... Nov 2021Syncope is not a common manifestation of COVID-19, but it may occur in this context and it can be the presenting symptom in some cases. Different mechanisms may explain...
BACKGROUND
Syncope is not a common manifestation of COVID-19, but it may occur in this context and it can be the presenting symptom in some cases. Different mechanisms may explain the pathophysiology behind COVID-19 related syncope. In this report, we aimed to examine the current frequency and etiology of syncope in COVID-19.
METHODS
A systematic review across PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and SCOPUS was performed, according to PRISMA guidelines, in order to identify all relevant articles regarding both COVID-19 and syncope.
RESULTS
We identified 136 publications, of which 99 were excluded. The frequency of syncope and pre-syncope across the selected studies was 4.2% (604/14,437). Unexplained syncope was the most common type (87.9% of the episodes), followed by reflex syncope (7.8% of the cases). Orthostatic hypotension was responsible for 2.2% of the cases and syncope of presumable cardiac cause also accounted for 2.2% of cases. Arterial hypertension was present in 52.0% of syncope patients. The use of angiotensin receptor blockers or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors were not associated with an increased incidence of syncope (chi-square test 1.07, p 0.30), unlike the use of beta-blockers (chi-square test 12.48, p < 0.01).
CONCLUSION
Syncope, although not considered a typical symptom of COVID-19, can be associated with it, particularly in early stages. Different causes of syncope were seen in this context. A reevaluation of blood pressure in patients with COVID-19 is suggested, including reassessment of antihypertensive therapy, especially in the case of beta-blockers.
Topics: Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; COVID-19; Humans; Hypertension; Syncope
PubMed: 34500351
DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102872 -
American Family Physician Aug 2021
Meta-Analysis
Topics: Antihypertensive Agents; Blood Pressure; Humans; Hypertension; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors
PubMed: 34383445
DOI: No ID Found