[Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in hypertensive CAPD patients]

The periodic structure of 24-hour blood pressure variation(circadian rhythm of blood pressure by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring(ABPM) in hypertensive CAPD patients was investigated by a new method of analysis based upon the maximum entropy method(MEM). In addition, this method allows the adequacy of antihypertensive therapies to be evaluated in such patients. The results were as follows; 1) The frequency of non-dipper type hypertension was 88%(36/41 cases), and the remaining 12% (5/41) were dipper type hypertension patients. The rise in morning blood pressure(morning surge: MS) was noted in 64% of the former. 2) Night time systolic blood pressure(182 +/- 22 mmHg, n = 36) was higher in patients with non-dipper type hypertension than in those with the dipper type(151 +/- 17 mmHg, n = 5, p < 0.01). 3) The standardized level of systolic blood pressure(SLSBP) calculated by MEM analysis in patients with non-dipper type hypertension(177 +/- 7 mmHg) was comparable with that in those with dipper type hypertension(168 +/- 13 mmHg, ns). 4) Treatment with long-acting Ca antagonist alone significantly reduced both SLSBP and the area over the SLSBP from 188 +/- 18 mmHg to 160 +/- 7 mmHg(p < 0.01, n = 8), and area over the SLSBP from 2,735 +/- 340 mmHg.hr to 1,945 +/- 298 mmHg.hr(p < 0.01, n = 8). 5) In addition to long-acting Ca antagonist, administration of alpha 1-blocker given at bed time was significantly efficacious in reducing the rise in morning blood pressure, MS. The present study using MEM analysis of ABPM suggests that the blood pressure profile of hypertensive CAPD patients is characterized by a non-dipper type dominance and a frequent morning surge. Furthermore, the combined therapy with long-acting Ca antagonist and alpha 1-blocker was substantially effective both in reducing the overall blood pressure level, and in inhibiting the MS. This combined antihypertensive therapy may be potentially useful to prevent CAPD patients from the future development of cardiovascular complications.

[Experience of the use of silodosin in acute urinary retention caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia]

For the treatment of acute urinary retention (AUR) as one of the most serious complications of adenoma of the prostate (BPH), alpha-adrenoblockers are widely used. The article presents an experience of the use of the new uroselective alpha-adrenoblocker silodosin approved for the treatment of patients with urination disorders caused by BPH. Its pharmacological profile has a number of advantages, including the highest uroselectiveness at the present day, immediate action, the potential for the use of standard dose of 8 mg 1 time a day, which does not require a correction depending on the age, and the possibility of the simultaneous application with antihypertensive drugs.

Safety and Feasibility of Opening Tamsulosin Capsules for Enteral Feeding Tube Administration

Purpose: Tamsulosin is formulated as sustained release beads within a capsule to prevent rapid absorption and associated hypotension. The package insert advises the capsule is swallowed whole; not crushed, chewed, or opened. To our knowledge, there are no current data on opening capsules for adults with enteral tube feeds. Given the unidentified safety and efficacy of administration via enteral tubes, alternative alpha blockers with less selectivity for alpha1A are often used. Methods: A single center retrospective chart review was conducted at two hospital sites. Adult patients that received at least one dose of tamsulosin or doxazosin while an enteral feeding tube was placed were included. Safety outcomes evaluated were the number of documented tube obstructions and incidence of medication associated hypotension. Results: 169 patients were included. Ten enteral feeding tube obstructions were reported, 4 of 110 (3.64%) in the tamsulosin arm and 6 of 59 (10.17%) in the doxazosin arm (RR .36, 95% CI .11 to 1.22, P = .099). At least 1 episode of medication associated hypotension occurred in 22 of 98 (22.45%) in the tamsulosin arm and 20 of 49 (40.82%) in the doxazosin arm (RR .55, 95% CI .33 to .91, P = .019). Conclusion: There was no statistically significant difference in the number of tube obstructions between patients receiving tamsulosin or doxazosin via enteral tube feeds. Patients receiving doxazosin were at increased risk of experiencing medication related hypotension. Tamsulosin capsules may be opened and administered via enteral feeding tubes if administered with content integrity intact.

[Tonocardin in complex treatment of diabetes mellitus concurrent with hypertension]

AIM

To examine the effect of the alpha 1-adrenoblocker tonocardin (doxazosin) on the course of arterial hypertension (AH) and on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) concurrent with AH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

18 patients with type 2 DM concurrent with AH, treated with tonocardin for at least 12 weeks were examined; the fasting glycemia, the levels of blood glycosylated hemoglobin, serum total cholesterol and triglycerides, and the degree of insulin resistance (intravenous insulin load or insulin tolerance test and the insulin resistance index estimated by the HOMA method) were determined.

RESULTS

Tonocardin treatment lowered systolic BP (from 159 +/- 19.83 to 136.57 +/- 17.43 mm Hg; by 14.5%), diastolic BP (from 93.38 +/- 12.98 to 79.12 +/- 11.69 mm Hg; by 15.28%), fasting glycemia (from 9.32 +/- 1.61 to 7.05 +/- 1.51 mmole/l; by 24.36%), glycosylated hemoglobin Ai (from 9.63 +/- 1.86 to 8.59 +/- 0.98%; by 10.8%), total cholesterol (from 6.09 +/- 0.57 to 5.4 +/- 0.4 mmole/l; by 11.4%), triglycerides (from 2.11 +/- 0.57 to 1.88 +/- 0.52 mmole/l; by 11%), glycemia after 30-min insulin load (from 9.32 +/- 1.61 to 5.77 +/- 1.57; by 39% and from 7.05 +/- 1.51 to 4.2 +/- 1.25 mmole/l; by 44% at the beginning and end of the follow-up, respectively), insulin resistance index (from 9.87 +/- 2.45 to 6.57 +/- 1.99; by 33.5%).

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that tonocardin exerts an antihypertensive effect and positively affects carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms, and diminishes insulin resistance in patients with type 2 DM concurrent with AH.

[Doxazosin, of modified liberation, in hemodialyzed patients]

INTRODUCTION

Valuation of doxazosin, system formulation modified, in the hypertension in the hemodialysis population.

METHOD

Arterial Hypertension (AHT) has been studied in 77 patients (p) subjected to hemodialysis (HD). Mean age (mag) was 61 years (y), range 84y-25y; 66% were males. The underlying etiology was glomerular in 19%, tubulo-interstitial in 18%, congenital in 18%, vascular in 19% and diabetic in 26%.

RESULTS

Doxazosin (system formulation modified, single daily dose (4 mg), treatment follow-up was completed in 16 patients subjected to HD for 24 weeks (wk).

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that AHT is of great importance in HD, and can be adequately controlled with the new antihypertensive drugs. In this context, doxazosin affords excellent therapeutic control, efficiency and good pharmacological tolerance.

Role of preoperative adrenergic blockade with doxazosin on hemodynamic control during the surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma: a retrospective study of 48 cases

Authors evaluated the effects of selective adrenergic blockade by means of doxazosin on blood pressure in 48 patients operated on for pheochromocytoma by a multicenter retrospective study. Age, tumor size, surgical approach, and operative time were analyzed as predictive factors of intraoperative hypertensive crises. Forty-eight patients underwent adrenalectomy--four open surgery and 44 laparoscopic surgery--for pheochromocytoma of adrenal glands from 1998 to 2008 after preoperative administration of doxazosin. Perioperative cardiovascular status modifications and surgical medium- and long-term outcomes were analyzed. There was no mortality, conversion rate was 4.5 per cent, and morbidity rate was 8.3 per cent. Intraoperative hypertensive crises (180/90 mmHg or higher) were observed in 14.5 per cent (seven of 48) of patients and were treated pharmacologically with no aftermath. None of the examined variables influenced the occurrence of intraoperative hypertensive episodes. Postoperative hypotension (lower than 90/60 mmHg) was observed in four of 48 patients (8.3%) and was treated by crystalloids and hydrocortisone. In the surgical treatment of pheochromocytoma, the preoperative adrenergic blockade by doxazosin does not prevent intraoperative hypertensive crises. Nevertheless, in our series, they were of short duration and were not associated with major cardiovascular complications. Perioperative hemodynamic instability was managed by preoperative pharmacological treatment, allowing low morbidity.

Urodynamic effects of doxazosin in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and benign prostatic obstruction. Results from three double-blind placebo-controlled studies

OBJECTIVES

Urodynamic investigations provide an objective, quantitative evaluation of urinary function in patients with benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). The effects of doxazosin, a selective alpha 1-adrenoceptor antagonist, on urodynamic measurements were investigated in three double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies of the treatment of BPO.

METHODS

302 normotensive and mildly hypertensive men with BPO were evaluated. Patients were randomized to receive doxazosin (1-4 mg o.d.) or placebo for 4-29 weeks.

RESULTS

Doxazosin significantly improved free urinary flow rates compared with placebo. Urodynamic studies confirmed that doxazosin was effective in improving urinary flow, and also showed a reduction in detrusor pressure, resulting in decreased voiding time and increased voided volume. Analysis of pressure-flow data demonstrated a significant reduction in a measure of urethral resistance in doxazosin-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that doxazosin is an important treatment option for patients with troublesome lower urinary tract symptoms and BPO.

A randomized double-blind study assessing 4 versus 8 mg. doxazosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia

PURPOSE

We compare the efficacy of 4 versus 8 mg. doxazosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 82 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia successfully treated with 4 mg. doxazosin were randomized in a double-blind fashion to take 4 or 8 mg. Patients were evaluated with American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score, Boyarsky score, uroflowmetry and side effect profile before, and 1 and 3 months following randomization.

RESULTS

Of the patients 42 and 40 were randomized to receive 4 and 8 mg. doxazosin, respectively. Both groups were similar with respect to patient age, baseline Boyarsky and AUA symptom scores, and baseline maximum urinary flow rate. At 3 months mean improvement from baseline plus or minus standard deviation in Boyarsky score was 0.6 +/- 6.5 and 4.9 +/- 6.6 in the 4 and 8 mg. groups (p <0.05), respectively, mean improvement in AUA symptom score was 1.6 +/- 5.3 and 5.3 +/- 8.0 (p <0.05), and mean maximum flow rate difference was -0.6 +/- 6.4 and +1.4 +/- 7.9 (p >0.05). Of the patients 7 and 8 in the 4 and 8 mg. groups dropped out of the study, and there were no statistical differences in side effects between dosages.

CONCLUSIONS

A dose of 8 mg. doxazosin was more efficacious than 4 mg. and the side effects associated with both dosages appeared to be similar. The 8 mg. dose should be tried in patients who have not achieved an adequate therapeutic response to 4 mg. and are tolerating the medication. Consideration should be given to increasing the dosage to 8 mg. in patients who are clinically improved at lower dosages.

The bedtime administration of doxazosin controls morning hypertension and albuminuria in patients with type-2 diabetes: evaluation using home-based blood pressure measurements

The control of high blood pressure (BP) after awakening in the morning (morning hypertension) as determined by home BP (HBP), as well as BP control throughout the day, may prevent diabetic vascular complications. We examined the effect of an alpha-adrenergic blocker (doxazosin) on BP measurements taken by HBP after awakening and during clinic visits (CBP) in 50 patients with type-2 diabetes and morning hypertension. We evaluated the urinary albumin excretion rate as an indicator of nephropathy. Doxazosin was taken orally once at bedtime for 1 to 3 months. The mean (+/- SD) dose was 2.9 +/- 2.1 mg/day (1 to 8 mg/day). The BP was measured monthly at the clinic during the day and at home after awakening in the morning. In this short-term trial (2.8 +/- 0.4 months), the systolic HBP decreased significantly from 164 +/- 17 mmHg before treatment to 146 +/- 19 mmHg after treatment, and the diastolic HBP decreased significantly from 85 +/- 14 mmHg before treatment to 80 +/- 9 mmHg after treatment. The systolic, but not the diastolic CBP, decreased significantly after treatment. There was no significant difference in the systolic or diastolic values between the HBP and the CBP after treatment. The percentage change in the systolic HBP after treatment was three times greater than for the systolic CBP. The median (interquartile) urinary albumin excretion rate decreased significantly (P < 0.001) from 62 (25-203) mg/g creatinine before treatment to 19 (9-76) mg/g creatinine after treatment. On multiple regression analysis, the decrease in the systolic HBP with treatment positively correlated with the reduction in urinary excretion of albumin. The control of morning hypertension reduced the albuminuria found in both untreated and treated hypertensive patients with type-2 diabetes. Bedtime administration of doxazosin appears to be safe and effective in reducing morning hypertension as measured by HBP. This finding also demonstrates that HBP taken in the morning has a stronger predictive power for the albuminuria level than does CBP.

[Perioperative treatment of a patient with ectopic ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma]

This report deals with perioperative treatment for a very rare disease called ectopic ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma in a 55-year-old woman. She showed high norepinephrine, cortisol, and ACTH levels, and diagnosed as ectopic ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma, by MIBG scintigraphy. An alpha-blocker and fluid loading for pheochromocytoma, and an adrenal cortex hormone synthesis inhibitor for Cushing's syndrome, were given simultaneously as a preoperative treatment. Propofol with nitrous oxide-oxygen-sevoflurane and epidural anesthesia were used for excision of the tumor, and the procedure was performed without any marked changes in hemodynamics. Although ectopic ACTH-producing pheochromocytoma is a very rare disease, it can be managed safely by appropriate preoperative treatment for pheochromocytoma and Cushing's syndrome.

[Combined treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction]

In men of middle and older age group, urination disorders and erectile dysfunction are often combined. The role of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in the treatment of these patients remains uninvestigated. Prospective study included 38 patients with urination disorders and erectile dysfunction. The average age of the patients was 63.6 +/- 5.3 years. During first three months of observation, all patients have received alpha-adrenoblocker doxazosin at a dose of 4 mg once daily per os, the next three months--phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor udenafil at a dose of 50 mg once daily per os was added to doxazosin. 3 months after treatment, majority of patients reported improvement of urination. The statistically significant changes in BP and heart rate were not recorded, indicating a satisfactory tolerability and safety of doxazosin. Against the background of combined treatment during next 3 months, progressive improvement of erectile function (IIEF score 12.8 +/- 3.4 vs 18.4 +/- 3.7; p < 0.05), and regression of urination disorders, according to IPSS score (13.4 +/- 1.2 vs 11.2 +/- 1.7; p < 0.05) were observed. Uroflowmetric indicators were not significantly changed. Based on experimental and clinical studies, it was suggested that the dysregulation of NO--cGMP system, pathological activation of Rho-kinase pathways, hyperactivity of autonomic innervation, atherosclerosis and impaired blood flow in the pelvic organs are the common pathophysiological mechanisms for LUTS and erectile dysfunction. The clinical efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in the treatment of patients with these diseases is explained by its effects on these mechanisms.

The combination of doxazosin and metyrosine as a preoperative treatment for pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas

PURPOSE

Preoperative medical management is critical to prevent intraoperative cardiovascular complications in patients with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Initial treatment involves α-adrenergic receptor blockers. However, while the routine use of metyrosine alongside these blockers is not strongly recommended due to a lack of evidence supporting its efficacy and associated safety concerns, there are previous studies on combination therapy with phenoxybenzamine and metyrosine. There are few reports on combination therapy with the selective α1-adrenergic receptor blocker doxazosin. Therefore, we investigated this combination treatment, which theoretically can affect perioperative outcomes in patients with PPGLs. To our knowledge, this is the first such study.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center observational study involved 51 patients who underwent surgical resection of PPGLs at Kobe University Hospital between 2014 and 2022. All patients received doxazosin at maximum doses. Fourteen patients received concomitant metyrosine, while 37 received doxazosin alone. Their perioperative outcomes were compared.

RESULTS

No severe event, such as acute coronary syndrome, was observed in either group. Intraoperatively, the doxazosin + metyrosine group exhibited a lower median minimum systolic blood pressure (56 [54-60] vs. 68 [59-74] mmHg, P = 0.03) and required lower median remifentanil (P = 0.04) and diltiazem (P = 0.02) doses than the doxazosin-alone group.

CONCLUSION

The combination of metyrosine and doxazosin as a preoperative treatment for PPGLs affects intraoperative circulatory hemodynamics, such as a reduced occurrence of blood pressure elevation during surgery. Further research is necessary to identify patients who will benefit most from this combination treatment.