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Ferreira ÁA, Abreu RMD, Teixeira RS, da Silva Neto HR, Roriz PIL, Silveira MS, de Novaes Assis Dantas FM, De Andrade AD, Schwingel PA, Neves VR. Applicability of heart rate variability for cardiac autonomic assessment in long-term COVID patients: A systematic review. J Electrocardiol 2024; 82:89-99. [PMID: 38103537 DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To carry out a systematic review to determine the main methods used to study the heart rate variability (HRV) in individuals after the acute phase of COVID-19. METHODS The study followed the Preferred Items for Reporting for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHAL electronic databases were searched from the inception to November 2022. The studies were included if they used HRV assessment based on linear and non-linear methods in long-term COVID-19 patients. Review studies, theses and dissertations, conference abstracts, longitudinal studies, studies conducted on animals and studies that included individuals in the acute phase of the COVID-19 were excluded. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical evaluation checklist for cross-sectional analytical studies. RESULTS HRV was mainly assessed using 24-h Holter monitoring in 41.6% (5/12) of the studies, and 12‑lead ECG was used in 33.3% (4/12). Regarding the type of assessment, 66.6% (8/12) of the studies only used linear analysis, where 25% (3/12) used analysis in the time domain, and 41.6% (5/12) used both types. Non-linear methods were combined with the previously cited linear method in 25% (3/12) of the studies. Moreover, 50% (6/12) of the studies demonstrated post-COVID-19 autonomic dysfunction, with an increase in the predominance of cardiac sympathetic modulation. The average score of the evaluation checklist was 6.6, characterized as having reasonable methodological quality. CONCLUSION 24-h Holter and 12‑lead ECG are considered effective tools to assess HRV in post-COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the findings reveal diverse effects of COVID-19 on the autonomic nervous system's sympathovagal balance, which might be influenced by secondary factors such as disease severity, patients' overall health, evaluation timing, post-infection complications, ventilatory functions, and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádrya Aryelle Ferreira
- Postgraduation Program in Functional Rehabilitation and Performance (PPGRDF), UPE, Petrolina, PE, Brazil; Department of Physiotherapy, University of Pernambuco (UPE), Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Raphael Martins de Abreu
- LUNEX University, International University of Health, Exercise & Sports S.A. 50, Department of Physiotherapy, 50 Avenue du Parc des Sports, L-4671 Differdange, Luxembourg; LUNEX ASBL Luxembourg Health & Sport Sciences Research Institute, 50 Avenue du Parc des Sports, L-4671 Differdange, Luxembourg.
| | | | | | - Pedro Igor Lustosa Roriz
- Postgraduation Program in Functional Rehabilitation and Performance (PPGRDF), UPE, Petrolina, PE, Brazil; Department of Physiotherapy, University of Pernambuco (UPE), Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Matheus Sobral Silveira
- Postgraduation Program in Functional Rehabilitation and Performance (PPGRDF), UPE, Petrolina, PE, Brazil; Department of Nutrition, University of Pernambuco (UPE), Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Armele Dornelas De Andrade
- Postgraduation Program in Physiotherapy of the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Paulo Adriano Schwingel
- Postgraduation Program in Functional Rehabilitation and Performance (PPGRDF), UPE, Petrolina, PE, Brazil; Department of Nutrition, University of Pernambuco (UPE), Petrolina, PE, Brazil
| | - Victor Ribeiro Neves
- Postgraduation Program in Functional Rehabilitation and Performance (PPGRDF), UPE, Petrolina, PE, Brazil; Department of Physiotherapy, University of Pernambuco (UPE), Petrolina, PE, Brazil
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Feasibility of Precision Medicine in Hypertension Management-Scope and Technological Aspects. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111861. [PMID: 36573720 PMCID: PMC9698650 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Personalized management of diseases by considering relevant patient features enables optimal treatment, instead of management according to an average patient. Precision management of hypertension is important, because both susceptibility to complications and response to treatment vary between individuals. While the use of genomic and proteomic personal features for widespread precision hypertension management is not practical, other features, such as age, ethnicity, and cardiovascular diseases, have been utilized in guidelines for hypertension management. In precision medicine, more blood-pressure-related clinical and physiological characteristics in the patient's profile can be utilized for the determination of the threshold of hypertension and optimal treatment. Several non-invasive and simple-to-use techniques for the measurement of hypertension-related physiological features are suggested for use in precision management of hypertension. In order to provide precise management of hypertension, accurate measurement of blood pressure is required, but the available non-invasive blood pressure measurement techniques, auscultatory sphygmomanometry and oscillometry, have inherent significant inaccuracy-either functional or technological-limiting the precision of personalized management of hypertension. A novel photoplethysmography-based technique for the measurement of systolic blood pressure that was recently found to be more accurate than the two available techniques can be utilized for more precise and personalized hypertension management.
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Hovaguimian A. Dysautonomia. Neurol Clin 2022; 41:193-213. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ncl.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Stute NL, Szeghy RE, Stickford JL, Province VP, Augenreich MA, Ratchford SM, Stickford ASL. Longitudinal observations of sympathetic neural activity and hemodynamics during 6 months recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15423. [PMID: 36151607 PMCID: PMC9508384 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cross-sectional data indicate that acute SARS-CoV-2 infection increases resting muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and alters hemodynamic responses to orthostasis in young adults. However, the longitudinal impact of contracting SARS-CoV-2 on autonomic function remains unclear. The aim of this study was to longitudinally track MSNA, sympathetic transduction to blood pressure (BP), and hemodynamics over 6 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Young adults positive with SARS-CoV-2 reported to the laboratory three times over 6 months (V1:41 ± 17, V2:108 ± 21, V3:173 ± 16 days post-infection). MSNA, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and heart rate (HR) were measured at rest, during a cold pressor test (CPT), and at 30° head-up tilt (HUT). Basal SBP (p = 0.019) and DBP (p < 0.001) decreased throughout the 6 months, whereas basal MSNA and HR were not different. Basal sympathetic transduction to BP and estimates of baroreflex sensitivity did not change over time. SBP and DBP were lower during CPT (SBP: p = 0.016, DBP: p = 0.007) and HUT at V3 compared with V1 (SBP: p = 0.041, DBP: p = 0.017), with largely no changes in MSNA. There was a trend toward a visit-by-time interaction for burst incidence (p = 0.055) during HUT, wherein at baseline immediately prior to tilting, burst incidence was lower at V3 compared with V1 (p = 0.014), but there were no differences between visits in the 30 HUT position. These results support impairments to cardiovascular health, and potentially autonomic function, which may improve over time. However, the improvements in BP over 6 months recovery from mild SARS-CoV-2 infection are likely not a direct result of changes in sympathetic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina L. Stute
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceAppalachian State UniversityBooneNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Rachel E. Szeghy
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceAppalachian State UniversityBooneNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jonathon L. Stickford
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceAppalachian State UniversityBooneNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Valesha P. Province
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceAppalachian State UniversityBooneNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Marc A. Augenreich
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceAppalachian State UniversityBooneNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Stephen M. Ratchford
- Department of Health and Exercise ScienceAppalachian State UniversityBooneNorth CarolinaUSA
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Monaghan A, Jennings G, Xue F, Byrne L, Duggan E, Romero-Ortuno R. Orthostatic Intolerance in Adults Reporting Long COVID Symptoms Was Not Associated With Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Front Physiol 2022; 13:833650. [PMID: 35309052 PMCID: PMC8931464 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.833650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In this observational cross-sectional study, we investigated predictors of orthostatic intolerance (OI) in adults reporting long COVID symptoms. Participants underwent a 3-min active stand (AS) with Finapres® NOVA, followed by a 10-min unmedicated 70° head-up tilt test. Eighty-five participants were included (mean age 46 years, range 25–78; 74% women), of which 56 (66%) reported OI during AS (OIAS). OIAS seemed associated with female sex, more fatigue and depressive symptoms, and greater inability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), as well as a higher heart rate (HR) at the lowest systolic blood pressure (SBP) point before the first minute post-stand (mean HRnadir: 88 vs. 75 bpm, P = 0.004). In a regression model also including age, sex, fatigue, depression, ADL inability, and peak HR after the nadir SBP, HRnadir was the only OIAS predictor (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.18, P = 0.027). Twenty-two (26%) participants had initial (iOH) and 5 (6%) classical (cOHAS) orthostatic hypotension, but neither correlated with OIAS. Seventy-one participants proceeded to tilt, of which 28 (39%) had OI during tilt (OItilt). Of the 53 who had a 10-min tilt, 7 (13%) had an HR increase >30 bpm without cOHtilt (2 to HR > 120 bpm), but six did not report OItilt. In conclusion, OIAS was associated with a higher initial HR on AS, which after 1 min equalised with the non-OIAS group. Despite these initial orthostatic HR differences, POTS was infrequent (2%). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05027724 (retrospectively registered on August 30, 2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Monaghan
- Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Glenn Jennings
- Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Feng Xue
- Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lisa Byrne
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eoin Duggan
- Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roman Romero-Ortuno
- Discipline of Medical Gerontology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Mercer’s Institute for Successful Ageing, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Roman Romero-Ortuno,
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Abstract
Purpose Autonomic dysfunction in patients with viral infections has been described before. In this study, we aimed to evaluate autonomic functions in patients with the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVİD-19). Methods In this cross-sectional study, we compared 112 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and 106 healthy controls. Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction were assessed with the SCOPA-AUT scale. Results Pupillomotor, urinary and sudomotor subscores of SCOPA-AUT scale were significantly higher in the COVID-19 patient group (p = 0.03, p = 0,006, p = 0.0001, respectively). There were no significant difference in terms of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, sexual subscores and total SCOPA-AUT scores between the patient and control groups. The presence of fatigue symptom in the acute phase of COVID-19 increased the total SCOPA-AUT score by 2.2 points (p = 0.04) whereas the presence of smell loss (OR = 5.82, p = 0.01) and dyspnea (OR = 5.8, p = 0.03) were significant risk factors for pupillomotor dysfunction. The urinary, cardiovascular, sexual subscores and the total score of SCOPA-AUT scale were positively correlated with the age of the patient group. Conclusion Our study suggests that many patients might have prolonged symptoms of autonomic dysfunction after the acute phase of COVID-19 that might worsen the clinical recovery.
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Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction: What Do We Know? J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:jcdd8110156. [PMID: 34821709 PMCID: PMC8621226 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8110156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), or long COVID syndrome, is emerging as a major health issue in patients with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptoms commonly experienced by patients include fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, dyspnea, reduced exercise tolerance, and “brain fog”. Additionally, symptoms of orthostatic intolerance and syncope suggest the involvement of the autonomic nervous system. Signs of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction appear to be common in PASC and are similar to those observed in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and inappropriate sinus tachycardia. In this review, we report on the epidemiology of PASC, discuss current evidence and possible mechanisms underpinning the dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, and suggest nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions to treat and relieve symptoms of PASC-associated dysautonomia.
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Yurttaser Ocak S, Ozturan SG, Bas E. Pupil responses in patients with COVID-19. Int Ophthalmol 2021; 42:385-391. [PMID: 34613562 PMCID: PMC8493048 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-021-02053-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aim To compare pupillary responses in patients with Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) during active infection and at 3rd months post-infection. Methods This study included 58 COVID-19 cases (mean age 47.23 ± 1.1 years). The scotopic, mesopic and photopic diameters were noted. Pupil diameters were noted at the 0, 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th seconds in reflex pupil dilation after the termination of a light. The average dilation speed was calculated at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, and 10th seconds. Pupil responses measured during COVID-19 infection and 3 months later were compared. Results The mean scotopic and mesopic pupil diameter value of during COVID-19 infection was found lower than the 3rd month post-infection. (p = 0.001, p = 0.023; respectively). No statistically significant difference was found in the mean photopic pupil diameter and the mean pupil diameter at 0 s between measurements (p > 0.05, p = 0.734; respectively). The mean pupil diameter was significantly lower during COVID-19 infection at the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th seconds (p < 0.01, for each). The average dilation speed measurements at every second measured were lower in during COVID-19 infection than the 3rd months later (p = 0.001; p < 0.01 for each). Conclusions Pupil responses were found significantly different in COVID-19 cases when compared with the measurements taken three months later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serap Yurttaser Ocak
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Darulaceze cad, Kaptanpasa mah, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Seyma Gulcenur Ozturan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Darulaceze cad, Kaptanpasa mah, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emine Bas
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu Education and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Darulaceze cad, Kaptanpasa mah, Sisli, Istanbul, Turkey
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Azabou E, Bao G, Bounab R, Heming N, Annane D. Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Potential Adjunct Therapy for COVID-19. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:625836. [PMID: 34026778 PMCID: PMC8137825 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.625836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through excessive end organ inflammation. Despite improved understanding of the pathophysiology, management, and the great efforts worldwide to produce effective drugs, death rates of COVID-19 patients remain unacceptably high, and effective treatment is unfortunately lacking. Pharmacological strategies aimed at modulating inflammation in COVID-19 are being evaluated worldwide. Several drug therapies targeting this excessive inflammation, such as tocilizumab, an interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitor, corticosteroids, programmed cell death protein (PD)-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibition, cytokine-adsorption devices, and intravenous immunoglobulin have been identified as potentially useful and reliable approaches to counteract the cytokine storm. However, little attention is currently paid for non-drug therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory and immunological processes that may be useful for reducing COVID-19-induced complications and improving patient outcome. Vagus nerve stimulation attenuates inflammation both in experimental models and preliminary data in human. Modulating the activity of cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways (CAPs) described by the group of KJ Tracey has indeed become an important target of therapeutic research strategies for inflammatory diseases and sepsis. Non-invasive transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (t-VNS), as a non-pharmacological adjuvant, may help reduce the burden of COVID-19 and deserve to be investigated. VNS as an adjunct therapy in COVID-19 patients should be investigated in clinical trials. Two clinical trials on this topic are currently underway (NCT04382391 and NCT04368156). The results of these trials will be informative, but additional larger studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Azabou
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Neuromodulation Unit, Departments of Physiology and Critical Care Medicine, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm UMR 1173, Infection and Inflammation (2I), University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Bao
- Clinical Neurophysiology and Neuromodulation Unit, Departments of Physiology and Critical Care Medicine, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm UMR 1173, Infection and Inflammation (2I), University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Rania Bounab
- General Intensive Care Unit - Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm UMR 1173, Infection and Inflammation (2I), University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Nicholas Heming
- General Intensive Care Unit - Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm UMR 1173, Infection and Inflammation (2I), University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
| | - Djillali Annane
- General Intensive Care Unit - Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Raymond Poincaré Hospital, Assistance Publique- Hôpitaux de Paris, Inserm UMR 1173, Infection and Inflammation (2I), University of Versailles Saint-Quentin en Yvelines (UVSQ), Paris-Saclay University, Paris, France
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Guaraldi P. Autonomic function test during the COVID-19 pandemic: is it safe and sound? Clin Auton Res 2021; 31:57-58. [PMID: 33528657 PMCID: PMC7851316 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-021-00776-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Guaraldi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica NeuroMet, Ospedale Bellaria, via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
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Three decades of Clinical Autonomic Research and beyond. Clin Auton Res 2021; 31:1-3. [PMID: 33426613 PMCID: PMC7797191 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-020-00762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Autonomic function test during the COVID-19 pandemic: the Stanford experience. Clin Auton Res 2021; 31:127-129. [PMID: 33387099 PMCID: PMC7778409 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-020-00752-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Guaraldi P, Barletta G, Baschieri F, Calandra-Buonaura G, Provini F, Cortelli P. Testing cardiovascular autonomic function in the COVID-19 era: lessons from Bologna's Autonomic Unit. Clin Auton Res 2020; 30:325-330. [PMID: 32661775 PMCID: PMC7355131 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-020-00710-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the way most medical procedures are performed. Autonomic units, as well as other healthcare sectors, are required to undergo a thorough reorganization of the protocols in order to guarantee the safety of patients and healthcare staff. Cardiovascular autonomic function testing (CAFT) is necessary in certain situations; however, it poses several concerns which need to be addressed. Here, we provide some practical advice based on current national and international health authorities' recommendations and our experience about how to perform CAFT during the COVID-19 emergency. We examine aspects regarding patients, healthcare staff, laboratory preparation, and test performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Guaraldi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica NeuroMet, Ospedale Bellaria, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Barletta
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica NeuroMet, Ospedale Bellaria, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Baschieri
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica NeuroMet, Ospedale Bellaria, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Calandra-Buonaura
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica NeuroMet, Ospedale Bellaria, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Provini
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica NeuroMet, Ospedale Bellaria, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Clinica Neurologica NeuroMet, Ospedale Bellaria, Via Altura 3, 40139, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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