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Journal of the Neurological Sciences Jun 2024Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is associated with an increased risk of dementia, potentially attributable to cerebral hypoperfusion. We investigated which patterns and...
BACKGROUND
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is associated with an increased risk of dementia, potentially attributable to cerebral hypoperfusion. We investigated which patterns and characteristics of OH are related to cognition or to potentially underlying structural brain injury in hemodynamically impaired patients and healthy reference participants.
METHODS
Participants with carotid occlusive disease or heart failure, and reference participants from the Heart-Brain Connection Study underwent OH measurements, neuropsychological assessment and brain MRI. We analyzed the association between OH, global cognitive functioning, white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and brain parenchymal fraction with linear regression. We stratified by participant group, severity and duration of OH, chronotropic incompetence and presence of orthostatic symptoms.
RESULTS
Of 337 participants (mean age 67.3 ± 8.8 years, 118 (35.0%) women), 113 (33.5%) had OH. Overall, presence of OH was not associated with cognitive functioning (β: -0.12 [-0.24-0.00]), but we did observe worse cognitive functioning in those with severe OH (≥ 30/15 mmHg; β: -0.18 [-0.34 to -0.02]) and clinically manifest OH (β: -0.30 [-0.52 to -0.08]). These associations did not differ significantly by OH duration or chronotropic incompetence, and were similar between patient groups and reference participants. Similarly, both severe OH and clinically manifest OH were associated with a lower brain parenchymal fraction, and severe OH also with a somewhat higher WMH volume.
CONCLUSIONS
Severe OH and clinically manifest OH are associated with worse cognitive functioning. This supports the notion that specific patterns and characteristics of OH determine its impact on brain health.
Topics: Humans; Female; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Male; Aged; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Brain; Middle Aged; Neuropsychological Tests; Hemodynamics; Cognition; White Matter; Heart Failure
PubMed: 38723328
DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123026 -
Ugeskrift For Laeger Apr 2024Spinal anaesthesia is considered an effective and safe method for providing pain relief during procedures below the waist. However, in a small subset of patients,...
Spinal anaesthesia is considered an effective and safe method for providing pain relief during procedures below the waist. However, in a small subset of patients, life-threatening vasovagal reactions may develop leading to severe bradycardia and hypotension or ultimately asystole and complete circulatory collapse. Early recognition and prompt treatment of this condition can be lifesaving as illustrated in this case report where the patient developed asystole for ten seconds shortly after placing the spinal anaesthetic.
Topics: Humans; Anesthesia, Spinal; Bradycardia; Heart Arrest; Syncope, Vasovagal
PubMed: 38704723
DOI: 10.61409/V11230702 -
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 -
Movement Disorders Clinical Practice Jun 2024Blood pressure control in Parkinson's disease (PD) under subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is influenced by several intertwined aspects, including autonomic...
BACKGROUND
Blood pressure control in Parkinson's disease (PD) under subthalamic deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) is influenced by several intertwined aspects, including autonomic failure and levodopa treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of chronic STN-DBS, levodopa, and their combination on cardiovascular autonomic functions in PD.
METHODS
We performed cardiovascular reflex tests (CRTs) before and 6-months after STN-DBS surgery in 20 PD patients (pre-DBS vs. post-DBS). CRTs were executed without and with medication (med-OFF vs. med-ON).
RESULTS
CRT results and occurrence of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (OH) did not differ between pre- and post-DBS studies in med-OFF condition. After levodopa intake, the BP decrease during HUTT was significantly greater compared to med-OFF, both at pre-DBS and post-DBS evaluation. Levodopa-induced OH was documented in 25% and 5% of patients in pre-DBS/med-ON and post-DBS/med-ON study.
CONCLUSION
Chronic stimulation did not influence cardiovascular responses, while levodopa exerts a relevant hypotensive effect. The proportion of patients presenting levodopa-induced OH decreases after STN-DBS surgery.
Topics: Humans; Parkinson Disease; Deep Brain Stimulation; Male; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Levodopa; Autonomic Nervous System; Antiparkinson Agents; Blood Pressure; Subthalamic Nucleus; Hypotension, Orthostatic
PubMed: 38698586
DOI: 10.1002/mdc3.14060 -
Cureus Mar 2024Data on median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) in children are scant. It is postulated that MALS can cause chronic abdominal pain. It is unclear what percentage of...
BACKGROUND
Data on median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) in children are scant. It is postulated that MALS can cause chronic abdominal pain. It is unclear what percentage of children with this condition are symptomatic and what comorbidities are associated with this syndrome.
METHODS
In this retrospective study, data on consecutive patients in a single center diagnosed coincidentally with MALS during routine echocardiogram were reviewed. Symptom burden, comorbidities, and the effect of anthropometric indices on MALS were investigated. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used to describe the findings and to compare variables with normal distribution.
RESULTS
Between 2013 and 2020, there were 82 children, 55 females (67%), mean age 13.9 ± 3.2 years, with MALS and complete record. Mean velocity across the stenotic area was 2.6 ± 0.4 m/s. Forty-six patients (57%) had abdominal pain. Age, gender, weight, body mass index (BMI), and Doppler velocity had no statistically significant influence on symptom occurrence. Conversely, patients with joint hypermobility and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance were more likely to have abdominal pain from MALS. Of 24 patients with joint hypermobility, 18 patients had abdominal pain (p=0.027). Thirty-eight patients with orthostatic intolerance (OI) with MALS complained of abdominal pain vs 13 patients with OI and no abdominal pain (p=<0.0001).
CONCLUSION
Nearly half of patients with MALS had abdominal pain. Age, gender, weight, and the degree of stenosis had no statistically significant influence on symptom occurrence. OI, specifically postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and joint hypermobility on exam predicted a higher propensity for abdominal pain in patients with MALS.
PubMed: 38681309
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57184 -
Journal of Personalized Medicine Apr 2024Orthostatic intolerance is a broad term that represents a spectrum of dysautonomic disorders, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic... (Review)
Review
Orthostatic intolerance is a broad term that represents a spectrum of dysautonomic disorders, including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and orthostatic hypotension (OH), as manifestations of severe autonomic failure. While the etiology of orthostatic intolerance has not yet fully been uncovered, it has been associated with multiple underlying pathological processes, including peripheral neuropathy, altered renin-aldosterone levels, hypovolemia, and autoimmune processes. Studies have implicated adrenergic, cholinergic, and angiotensin II type I autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of orthostatic intolerance. Several case series have demonstrated that immunomodulation therapy resulted in favorable outcomes, improving autonomic symptoms in POTS and OH. In this review, we highlight the contemporary literature detailing the association of autoimmunity with POTS and OH.
PubMed: 38673062
DOI: 10.3390/jpm14040435 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2024Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) presents substantial challenges in patient care due to its intricate multisystem nature, comorbidities, and...
INTRODUCTION
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) presents substantial challenges in patient care due to its intricate multisystem nature, comorbidities, and global prevalence. The heterogeneity among patient populations, coupled with the absence of FDA-approved diagnostics and therapeutics, further complicates research into disease etiology and patient managment. Integrating longitudinal multi-omics data with clinical, health,textual, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical data offers a promising avenue to address these complexities, aiding in the identification of underlying causes and providing insights into effective therapeutics and diagnostic strategies.
METHODS
This study focused on an exceptionally severe ME/CFS patient with hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) during a period of marginal symptom improvements. Longitudinal cytokine profiling was conducted alongside the collection of extensive multi-modal health data to explore the dynamic nature of symptoms, severity, triggers, and modifying factors. Additionally, an updated severity assessment platform and two applications, ME-CFSTrackerApp and LexiTime, were introduced to facilitate real-time symptom tracking and enhance patient-physician/researcher communication, and evaluate response to medical intervention.
RESULTS
Longitudinal cytokine profiling revealed the significance of Th2-type cytokines and highlighted synergistic activities between mast cells and eosinophils, skewing Th1 toward Th2 immune responses in ME/CFS pathogenesis, particularly in cognitive impairment and sensorial intolerance. This suggests a potentially shared underlying mechanism with major ME/CFS comorbidities such as HSD, Mast cell activation syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and small fiber neuropathy. Additionally, the data identified potential roles of BCL6 and TP53 pathways in ME/CFS etiology and emphasized the importance of investigating adverse reactions to medication and supplements and drug interactions in ME/CFS severity and progression.
DISCUSSION
Our study advocates for the integration of longitudinal multi-omics with multi-modal health data and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to better understand ME/CFS and its major comorbidities. These findings highlight the significance of dysregulated Th2-type cytokines in patient stratification and precision medicine strategies. Additionally, our results suggest exploring the use of low-dose drugs with partial agonist activity as a potential avenue for ME/CFS treatment. This comprehensive approach emphasizes the importance of adopting a patient-centered care approach to improve ME/CFS healthcare management, disease severity assessment, and personalized medicine. Overall, these findings contribute to our understanding of ME/CFS and offer avenues for future research and clinical practice.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Cytokines; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 38650940
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369295 -
American Journal of Physiology.... Jun 2024Postexercise reduction in blood pressure, termed postexercise hypotension (PEH), is relevant for both acute and chronic health reasons and potentially for peripheral...
Postexercise reduction in blood pressure, termed postexercise hypotension (PEH), is relevant for both acute and chronic health reasons and potentially for peripheral cardiovascular adaptations. We investigated the interactive effects of exercise intensity and recovery postures (seated, supine, and standing) on PEH. Thirteen normotensive men underwent a V̇o test on a cycle ergometer and five exhaustive constant load trials to determine critical power (CP) and the gas exchange threshold (GET). Subsequently, work-matched exercise trials were performed at two discrete exercise intensities (10% > CP and 10% < GET), with 1 h of recovery in each of the three postures. For both exercise intensities, standing posture resulted in a more substantial PEH (all < 0.01). For both standing and seated recovery postures, the higher exercise intensity led to larger reductions in systolic [standing: -33 (11) vs. -21 (8) mmHg; seated: -34 (32) vs. -17 (37) mmHg, < 0.01], diastolic [standing: -18 (7) vs. -8 (5) mmHg; seated: -10 (10) vs. -1 (4) mmHg, < 0.01], and mean arterial pressures [-13 (8) vs. -2 (4) mmHg, < 0.01], whereas in the supine recovery posture, the reduction in diastolic [-9 (9) vs. -4 (3) mmHg, = 0.08) and mean arterial pressures [-7 (5) vs. -3 (4) mmHg, = 0.06] was not consistently affected by prior exercise intensity. PEH is more pronounced during recovery from exercise performed above CP versus below GET. However, the effect of exercise intensity on PEH is largely abolished when recovery is performed in the supine posture. The magnitude of postexercise hypotension is greater following the intensity above the critical power in a standing position.
Topics: Humans; Male; Exercise; Adult; Blood Pressure; Posture; Post-Exercise Hypotension; Young Adult; Supine Position; Recovery of Function; Standing Position; Sitting Position; Hypotension; Oxygen Consumption
PubMed: 38646812
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00036.2024 -
Europace : European Pacing,... Mar 2024There is a perceived need to express concisely the advice of guidelines in the context of consideration of invasive management of highly symptomatic vasovagal syncope....
There is a perceived need to express concisely the advice of guidelines in the context of consideration of invasive management of highly symptomatic vasovagal syncope. In response to this need the table is presented as a checklist and the text adds explanation and details. It is anticipated that this will prove to be of value for clinicians.
Topics: Syncope, Vasovagal; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Treatment Failure; Checklist
PubMed: 38619827
DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae081 -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics Apr 2024The specific non-motor symptoms associated with α-synucleinopathies, including orthostatic hypotension (OH), cognitive impairment, and emotional abnormalities, have...
BACKGROUND
The specific non-motor symptoms associated with α-synucleinopathies, including orthostatic hypotension (OH), cognitive impairment, and emotional abnormalities, have been a subject of ongoing controversy over the mechanisms underlying the development of a vicious cycle among them. The distinct structural alterations in white matter (WM) in patients with α-synucleinopathies experiencing OH, alongside their association with other non-motor symptoms, remain unexplored. This study employs axial diffusivity and density imaging (NODDI) to investigate WM damage specific to α-synucleinopathies with concurrent OH, delivering fresh evidence to supplement our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms and pathological rationales behind the occurrence of a spectrum of non-motor functional impairments in α-synucleinopathies.
METHODS
This study recruited 49 individuals diagnosed with α-synucleinopathies, stratified into an α-OH group (n = 24) and an α-NOH group (without OH, n = 25). Additionally, 17 healthy controls were included for supine and standing blood pressure data collection, as well as neuropsychological assessments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized for the calculation of NODDI parameters, and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were employed to explore differential clusters. The fibers covered by these clusters were defined as regions of interest (ROI) for the extraction of NODDI parameter values and the analysis of their correlation with neuropsychological scores.
RESULTS
The TBSS analysis unveiled specific cerebral regions exhibiting disparities within the α-OH group as compared to both the α-NOH group and the healthy controls. These differences were evident in clusters that indicated a decrease in the acquisition of the neurite density index (NDI), a reduction in the orientation dispersion index (ODI), and an increase in the isotropic volume fraction (FISO) (p < 0.05). The extracted values from these ROIs demonstrated significant correlations with clinically assessed differences in supine and standing blood pressure, overall cognitive scores, and anxiety-depression ratings (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Patients with α-synucleinopathies experiencing OH exhibit distinctive patterns of microstructural damage in the WM as revealed by the NODDI model, and there is a correlation with the onset and progression of non-motor functional impairments.
Topics: Humans; White Matter; Synucleinopathies; Hypotension, Orthostatic; Brain; Depression; Antibodies
PubMed: 38615364
DOI: 10.1111/cns.14712