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Kaza N, Sorbini M, Liu Z, Johal M, Porter B, Nowbar A, Levy S, Dani M, Taraborelli P, Eardley P, Zuhair M, Arnold A, Howard J, Whinnett ZI, Francis DP, Shun-Shin MJ, Lim PB, Keene D. Therapeutic options for neurocardiogenic syncope: a meta-analysis of randomised trials with and without blinding. Open Heart 2024; 11:e002669. [PMID: 38890128 PMCID: PMC11191821 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2024-002669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocardiogenic syncope is a common condition with significant associated psychological and physical morbidity. The effectiveness of therapeutic options for neurocardiogenic syncope beyond placebo remains uncertain. METHODS The primary endpoint was the risk ratio (RR) of spontaneously recurring syncope following any therapeutic intervention. We also examined the effect of blinding on treatment efficacy. We identified all randomised trials which evaluated the effect of any pharmacological, device-based or supportive intervention on patients with a history of syncope. A systematic search was conducted on Medline, Embase, PubMed databases and Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials from 1950 to 25 April 2023. Event rates, their RRs and 95% CIs were calculated, and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for each intervention. Data analysis was performed in R using RStudio. RESULTS We identified 47 eligible trials randomising 3518 patients. Blinded trials assessing syncope recurrence were neutral for beta blockers, fludrocortisone and conventional dual-chamber pacing but were favourable for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.63, p<0.001), midodrine (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.94, p=0.016) and closed-loop stimulation (CLS) pacing (RR 0.15, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.35, p<0.001). Unblinded trials reported significant benefits for all therapy categories other than beta blockers and consistently showed larger benefits than blinded trials. CONCLUSIONS Under blinded conditions, SSRIs, midodrine and CLS pacing significantly reduced syncope recurrence. Future trials for syncope should be blinded to avoid overestimating treatment effects. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022330148.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Shuli Levy
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Melanie Dani
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Alharbi A, Shah M, Gupta M, Rejent K, Mahmoud M, Alsughayer A, Alryheal A, Sayeh W, Siddiqi R, Jabr A, Kwak ES, Khuder S, Assaly R, Grubb B. The efficacy of non-pharmacological and non-pacing therapies in preventing vasovagal syncope: Tilt training, physical counter pressure maneuvers, and yoga - A systematic review and meta-analysis. Auton Neurosci 2024; 251:103144. [PMID: 38181551 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2023.103144] [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: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a prevalent condition characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate, leading to a brief loss of consciousness and postural control. Recurrent episodes of VVS significantly impact the quality of life and are a common reason for emergency department visits. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as tilt training, physical counter pressure maneuvers, and yoga, have been proposed as potential treatments for VVS. However, their efficacy in preventing VVS remains uncertain. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched up to March 2023 for randomized controlled trials comparing non-pharmacological interventions with control in preventing VVS recurrence. The primary outcome was the recurrence rate of VVS episodes. RESULTS A total of 1130 participants from 18 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall mean effect size for non-pharmacological interventions versus control was 0.245 (95 % CI: 0.128-0.471, p-value <0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that yoga had the largest effect size (odds ratio 0.068, 95 % CI: 0.018-0.250), while tilt training had the lowest effect size (odds ratio 0.402, 95 % CI: 0.171-0.946) compared to control. Physical counter pressure maneuvers demonstrated an odds ratio of 0.294 (95 % CI: 0.165-0.524) compared to control. CONCLUSION Non-pharmacological interventions show promise in preventing recurrent VVS episodes. Yoga, physical counter pressure maneuvers, and tilt training can be considered as viable treatment options. Further research, including randomized studies comparing pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these interventions for VVS treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Momin Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Monik Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Kassidy Rejent
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Mona Mahmoud
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Anas Alsughayer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Ahmad Alryheal
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Wasef Sayeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Rabbia Siddiqi
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Abed Jabr
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Eun Seo Kwak
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Sadik Khuder
- Department of Medicine and Public Health, University of Toledo Medical Center, OH, USA
| | - Ragheb Assaly
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA; Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Blair Grubb
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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Behnoush AH, Yazdani K, Khalaji A, Tavolinejad H, Aminorroaya A, Jalali A, Tajdini M. Pharmacologic prevention of recurrent vasovagal syncope: A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Heart Rhythm 2023; 20:448-460. [PMID: 36509319 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a transient loss of consciousness that currently imposes a high burden on health care systems with limited evidence of the comparative efficacy of available pharmacologic interventions. This study aims to compare all pharmacologic therapies suggested in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through systematic review and network meta-analysis. A systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted to identify RCTs evaluating pharmacologic therapies for patients with VVS. The primary outcome was spontaneous VVS recurrence. The secondary outcome was a positive head-up tilt test (HUTT) after receiving intervention, regarded as a lower level of evidence. Pooled risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated using random-effect network meta-analysis. Pairwise meta-analysis for comparison with placebo was also performed when applicable. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve analysis was conducted to rank the treatments for each outcome. Twenty-eight studies with 1744 patients allocated to different medications or placebo were included. Network meta-analysis of the reduction in the primary outcome showed efficacy for midodrine (RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.35-0.85) and fluoxetine (especially in patients with concomitant anxiety) (RR 0.36; 95% CI 0.16-0.84). In addition, midodrine and atomoxetine were superior to other treatment options, considering positive HUTT (RR 0.37; 95% CI 0.23-0.59; and RR 0.49; 95% CI 0.28-0.86, respectively). Overall, midodrine was the only agent shown to reduce spontaneous syncopal events. Fluoxetine also seems to be beneficial but should be studied further in RCTs. Our network meta-analysis did not find evidence of the efficacy of any other medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossein Behnoush
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kamran Yazdani
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirmohammad Khalaji
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Tavolinejad
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arya Aminorroaya
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Jalali
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masih Tajdini
- Tehran Heart Center, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Liu P, Mei W, Zhou M, Zhao T, Wang Y, Zou R, Wang C. Application of mind map can promote the health education effect of children with vasovagal syncope. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1051677. [PMID: 36873412 PMCID: PMC9978210 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1051677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the effect of mind map on health education in children with vasovagal syncope (VVS). Methods In this prospective controlled study, 66 children with VVS (29 males, 10.38 ± 1.80 years) and their parents (12 males, 39.27 ± 3.74 years) who were hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University from April 2020 to March 2021 were set as the control group. 66 children with VVS (26 males, 10.29 ± 1.90 years) and their parents (9 males, 38.65 ± 1.99 years) who were hospitalized in the same hospital from April 2021 to March 2022 were set as the research group. Traditional oral propaganda method was applied in the control group, and the health education method based on mind map was applied in the research group. The self-designed VVS health education satisfaction questionnaire and comprehensive health knowledge questionnaire were used to conduct on-site return visits to the children and their parents who had been discharged from the hospital for 1 month. Results There was no significant difference in age, sex, hemodynamic type of VVS, and the parental age, sex, education level between the control group and the research group (P > 0.05). Health education satisfaction score, health education knowledge mastery score, compliance score, subjective efficacy and objective efficacy in the research group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). If the satisfaction score, knowledge mastery score, and compliance score increase by 1 point, the risk of poor subjective efficacy is reduced by 48, 91, and 99%, respectively, and the risk of poor objective efficacy is reduced by 44, 92, and 93%, respectively. Conclusions Application of mind map can improve the health education effect of children with VVS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Liu
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wanzhen Mei
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mengying Zhou
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuwen Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Runmei Zou
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovasology, Children's Medical Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Hatoum T, Raj S, Sheldon RS. Current approach to the treatment of vasovagal syncope in adults. Intern Emerg Med 2023; 18:23-30. [PMID: 36117230 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-03102-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is the most common cause of transient loss of consciousness. Although not associated with mortality, it causes injuries, reduces quality of life, and is associated with anxiety and depression. The European and North American cardiac societies recently published syncope clinical practice guidelines. Most patients with VVS do well after specialist evaluation, reassurance and education. Adequate hydration, increased salt intake when not contraindicated, and careful withdrawal of diuretics and specific hypotension-inducing drugs are a reasonable initial strategy. Physical counterpressure maneuvers might be helpful but can be of limited efficacy in older patients and those with short or no prodromes. Orthostatic training lacks long term efficacy and is troubled by non-compliance. Yoga might be helpful, although the biomedical mechanism is unknown. Almost a third of VVS patients continue to faint despite these conservative measures. Metoprolol was not helpful in a pivotal randomized clinical trial. Fludrocortisone and midodrine significantly reduce syncope recurrences with tolerable side effects, when titrated to target doses. Pacing therapy with specialized sensors appears promising in carefully selected population who have not responded conservative measures. Cardioneuroablation may be helpful but has not been studied in a formal clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarek Hatoum
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Satish Raj
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Robert Stanley Sheldon
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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