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Fedorowski A, Fanciulli A, Raj SR, Sheldon R, Shibao CA, Sutton R. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in post-COVID-19 syndrome: a major health-care burden. Nat Rev Cardiol 2024; 21:379-395. [PMID: 38163814 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-023-00962-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CVAD) is a malfunction of the cardiovascular system caused by deranged autonomic control of circulatory homeostasis. CVAD is an important component of post-COVID-19 syndrome, also termed long COVID, and might affect one-third of highly symptomatic patients with COVID-19. The effects of CVAD can be seen at both the whole-body level, with impairment of heart rate and blood pressure control, and in specific body regions, typically manifesting as microvascular dysfunction. Many severely affected patients with long COVID meet the diagnostic criteria for two common presentations of CVAD: postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and inappropriate sinus tachycardia. CVAD can also manifest as disorders associated with hypotension, such as orthostatic or postprandial hypotension, and recurrent reflex syncope. Advances in research, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have identified new potential pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic methods and therapeutic targets in CVAD. For clinicians who daily see patients with CVAD, knowledge of its symptomatology, detection and appropriate management is more important than ever. In this Review, we define CVAD and its major forms that are encountered in post-COVID-19 syndrome, describe possible CVAD aetiologies, and discuss how CVAD, as a component of post-COVID-19 syndrome, can be diagnosed and managed. Moreover, we outline directions for future research to discover more efficient ways to cope with this prevalent and long-lasting condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
| | | | - Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Robert Sheldon
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Cyndya A Shibao
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
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2
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Ståhlberg M, Mahdi A, Johansson M, Fedorowski A, Olshansky B. Cardiovascular dysautonomia in postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol 2024; 35:608-617. [PMID: 37877234 DOI: 10.1111/jce.16117] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to a worldwide pandemic that continues to transform but will not go away. Cardiovascular dysautonomia in postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection has led to persistent symptoms in a large number of patients. Here, we define the condition and its associated symptoms as well as potential mechanisms responsible. We provide a careful and complete overview of the topic addressing novel studies and a generalized approach to the management of individuals with this complex and potentially debilitating problem. We also discuss future research directions and the important knowledge gaps to be addressed in ongoing and planned studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Ståhlberg
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ali Mahdi
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Johansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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3
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Hamrefors V, Kahn F, Holmqvist M, Carlson K, Varjus R, Gudjonsson A, Fedorowski A, Ohlsson B. Gut microbiota composition is altered in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3389. [PMID: 38336892 PMCID: PMC10858216 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53784-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) reflects an autonomic dysfunction, which can occur as a complication to COVID-19. Our aim was to examine gastrointestinal symptoms and gut microbiota composition in patients with POTS and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), compared with controls. POTS patients (n = 27), PACS patients (n = 32) and controls (n = 39) delivered fecal samples and completed a 4-day food diary, irritable bowel syndrome-severity scoring system (IBS-SSS), and visual analog scale for IBS (VAS-IBS). A total of 98 DNA aliquots were sequenced to an average depth of 28.3 million (M) read pairs (Illumina 2 × 150 PE) per sample. Diversity and taxonomic levels of the microbiome, as well as functional abundances were calculated for POTS and PACS groups, then compared with controls. There were several differences in taxonomic composition between POTS and controls, whereas only the abundance of Ascomycota and Firmicutes differed between PACS and controls. The clinical variables total IBS-SSS, fatigue, and bloating and flatulence significantly correlated with multiple individual taxa abundances, alpha diversity, and functional abundances. We conclude that POTS, and to a less extent PACS, are associated with differences in gut microbiota composition in diversity and at several taxonomic levels. Clinical symptoms are correlated with both alpha diversity and taxonomic and functional abundances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Hamrefors
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Fredrik Kahn
- Department of Infection Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Madlene Holmqvist
- Department of Infection Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Katherine Carlson
- Department of Infection Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Roosa Varjus
- Clinical Microbiomics, Symbion, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bodil Ohlsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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4
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Adler BL, Chung T, Rowe PC, Aucott J. Dysautonomia following Lyme disease: a key component of post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome? Front Neurol 2024; 15:1344862. [PMID: 38390594 PMCID: PMC10883079 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1344862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Dysautonomia, or dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), may occur following an infectious insult and can result in a variety of debilitating, widespread, and often poorly recognized symptoms. Dysautonomia is now widely accepted as a complication of COVID-19 and is an important component of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC or long COVID). PASC shares many overlapping clinical features with other infection-associated chronic illnesses including Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), suggesting that they may share common underlying mechanisms including autonomic dysfunction. Despite the recognition of this complication of Lyme disease in the care of patients with PTLD, there has been a scarcity of research in this field and dysautonomia has not yet been established as a complication of Lyme disease in the medical literature. In this review, we discuss the evidence implicating Borrelia burgdorferi as a cause of dysautonomia and the related symptoms, propose potential pathogenic mechanisms given our knowledge of Lyme disease and mechanisms of PASC and ME/CFS, and discuss the diagnostic evaluation and treatments of dysautonomia. We also outline gaps in the literature and priorities for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany L Adler
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tae Chung
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Peter C Rowe
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - John Aucott
- Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
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5
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Stavrakis S, Chakraborty P, Farhat K, Whyte S, Morris L, Abideen Asad ZU, Karfonta B, Anjum J, Matlock HG, Cai X, Yu X. Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024; 10:346-355. [PMID: 37999672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-level transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve at the tragus is antiarrhythmic and anti-inflammatory in animals and humans. Preliminary studies show that transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) is beneficial in animal models of postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). OBJECTIVES In this study the authors conducted a sham-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial to examine the effect of tVNS on POTS over a 2-month period relative to sham stimulation. METHODS tVNS (20 Hz, 1 mA below discomfort threshold) was delivered using an ear clip attached to either the tragus (active; n = 12) or the ear lobe (sham; n = 14) for 1 hour daily over a 2-month period. Postural tachycardia was assessed during the baseline and 2-month visit. Heart rate variability based on 5-minute electrocardiogram, serum cytokines, and antiautonomic autoantibodies were measured at the respective time points. RESULTS Mean age was 34 ± 11 years (100% female; 81% Caucasian). Adherence to daily stimulation was 83% in the active arm and 86% in the sham arm (P > 0.05). Postural tachycardia was significantly less in the active arm compared with the sham arm at 2 months (mean postural increase in heart rate 17.6 ± 9.9 beats/min vs 31.7 ± 14.4 beats/min; P = 0.01). Antiadrenergic autoantibodies and inflammatory cytokines were lower in the active arm compared with the sham arm at 2 months (P < 0.05). Heart rate variability was better in the active arm. No device-related side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the emerging paradigm of noninvasive neuromodulation to treat POTS. Mechanistically, this effect appears to be related to reduction of antiautonomic autoantibodies and inflammatory cytokines, and improvement in autonomic tone. Further studies are warranted. (Autoimmune Basis for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome; NCT05043051).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Stavrakis
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
| | | | - Kassem Farhat
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Seabrook Whyte
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Lynsie Morris
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | | | - Brittany Karfonta
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Juvaria Anjum
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - H Greg Matlock
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Xue Cai
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Xichun Yu
- University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Kell DB, Khan MA, Kane B, Lip GYH, Pretorius E. Possible Role of Fibrinaloid Microclots in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Focus on Long COVID. J Pers Med 2024; 14:170. [PMID: 38392604 PMCID: PMC10890060 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a common accompaniment of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including long COVID, as are small, insoluble, 'fibrinaloid' microclots. We here develop the argument, with accompanying evidence, that fibrinaloid microclots, through their ability to block the flow of blood through microcapillaries and thus cause tissue hypoxia, are not simply correlated with but in fact, by preceding it, may be a chief intermediary cause of POTS, in which tachycardia is simply the body's exaggerated 'physiological' response to hypoxia. Similar reasoning accounts for the symptoms bundled under the term 'fatigue'. Amyloids are known to be membrane disruptors, and when their targets are nerve membranes, this can explain neurotoxicity and hence the autonomic nervous system dysfunction that contributes to POTS. Taken together as a system view, we indicate that fibrinaloid microclots can serve to link POTS and fatigue in long COVID in a manner that is at once both mechanistic and explanatory. This has clear implications for the treatment of such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Kell
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Building 220, Chemitorvet 200, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Muhammed Asad Khan
- Directorate of Respiratory Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Binita Kane
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- Manchester University Foundation Trust and School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
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Novak P, Systrom DM, Marciano SP, Knief A, Felsenstein D, Giannetti MP, Hamilton MJ, Nicoloro-SantaBarbara J, Saco TV, Castells M, Farhad K, Pilgrim DM, Mullally WJ. Mismatch between subjective and objective dysautonomia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2513. [PMID: 38291116 PMCID: PMC10828385 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52368-x] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Autonomic symptom questionnaires are frequently used to assess dysautonomia. It is unknown whether subjective dysautonomia obtained from autonomic questionnaires correlates with objective dysautonomia measured by quantitative autonomic testing. The objective of our study was to determine correlations between subjective and objective measures of dysautonomia. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital Autonomic Laboratory between 2017 and 2023 evaluating the patients who completed autonomic testing. Analyses included validated autonomic questionnaires [Survey of Autonomic Symptoms (SAS), Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (Compass-31)] and standardized autonomic tests (Valsalva maneuver, deep breathing, sudomotor, and tilt test). The autonomic testing results were graded by a Quantitative scale for grading of cardiovascular reflexes, sudomotor tests and skin biopsies (QASAT), and Composite Autonomic Severity Score (CASS). Autonomic testing, QASAT, CASS, and SAS were obtained in 2627 patients, and Compass-31 in 564 patients. The correlation was strong between subjective instruments (SAS vs. Compass-31, r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and between objective instruments (QASAT vs. CASS, r = 0.81, p < 0.001). There were no correlations between SAS and QASAT nor between Compass-31 and CASS. There continued to be no correlations between subjective and objective instruments for selected diagnoses (post-acute sequelae of COVID-19, n = 61; postural tachycardia syndrome, 211; peripheral autonomic neuropathy, 463; myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, 95; preload failure, 120; post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome, 163; hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, 213; neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, 86; diabetes type II, 71, mast cell activation syndrome, 172; hereditary alpha tryptasemia, 45). The lack of correlation between subjective and objective instruments highlights the limitations of the commonly used questionnaires with some patients overestimating and some underestimating true autonomic deficit. The diagnosis-independent subjective-objective mismatch further signifies the unmet need for reliable screening surveys. Patients who overestimate the symptom burden may represent a population with idiosyncratic autonomic-like symptomatology, which needs further study. At this time, the use of autonomic questionnaires as a replacement of autonomic testing cannot be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Novak
- Autonomic Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David M Systrom
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonary and Critical Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sadie P Marciano
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra Knief
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Donna Felsenstein
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Infectious Disease and Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew P Giannetti
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Mastocytosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew J Hamilton
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Mastocytosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Tara V Saco
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Mastocytosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mariana Castells
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Mastocytosis Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Khosro Farhad
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David M Pilgrim
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William J Mullally
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Tufvesson H, Hamrefors V, Fedorowski A, Hansson M, Ohlsson B. Gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in relation to hemodynamic findings and immunological factors. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1342351. [PMID: 38348221 PMCID: PMC10859499 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1342351] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). We aimed to explore the prevalence and severity of GI symptoms in POTS, and to investigate immunological factors, hemodynamic findings, and their possible association with GI symptoms in POTS. Forty-three patients (93% female, median age 30.6 (26.0-41.0) years), previously diagnosed with POTS and 74 healthy controls (78% female, median age 35.6 (28.8-41.7) years) were included. The participants completed a questionnaire including prevalence of GI symptoms, the irritable bowel syndrome severity scoring system (IBS-SSS), and visual analog scale for IBS (VAS-IBS). All POTS patients were previously examined by tilt test (2010-2021) and the vast majority with more recent active standing test (2017-2021), which included monitoring of heart rate (HR). ΔHR was calculated as difference between supine and upright position. Continuous variables from IBS-SSS and VAS-IBS were correlated to ΔHR. A microarray containing several autoantigens commonly targeted in systemic autoimmune disorders was used to assess prevalent autoantibodies in POTS and controls. Total IgE and S-tryptase were analyzed. GI symptoms were more prevalent and severe in POTS than in controls; nausea being the most prevalent (79.1% vs 4.9%, p < 0.001) and bloating and flatulence being the most severe (median 65 (25-88) vs 0 (0-14), p < 0.001). The median total IBS-SSS was 213 (135-319) in POTS vs 13 (0-54) in controls (p < 0.001). Total IBS-SSS was associated with low psychological wellbeing (r = 0.539, p < 0.001) in POTS. ΔHRmax correlated inversely with abdominal pain (r = -0.406, p = 0.007). After adjustments for psychological wellbeing, total IBS-SSS still associated inversely with ΔHR10min (β: 4.748; 95% CI: -9.172 to -0.324; p = 0.036). Similar results were seen with active standing test. The prevalence of autoantibodies did not differ between POTS and controls (29.4% vs 33.3%, p = 0.803). There was no association between GI symptoms and autoantibody status. Total IgE and tryptase were elevated in a few cases. This study confirms the high prevalence of GI symptoms in POTS. More pronounced tachycardia upon tilt table testing seems to be inversely correlated with severity of chronic GI symptoms in POTS. This study did not support the hypothesis that POTS is associated with immunological factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Tufvesson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Viktor Hamrefors
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, and Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Monika Hansson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institute, and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bodil Ohlsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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9
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Tarbell SE, Olufs EL, Fischer PR, Chelimsky G, Numan MT, Medow M, Abdallah H, Ahrens S, Boris JR, Butler IJ, Chelimsky TC, Coleby C, Fortunato JE, Gavin R, Gilden J, Gonik R, Klaas K, Marsillio L, Marriott E, Pace LA, Pianosi P, Simpson P, Stewart J, Van Waning N, Weese-Mayer DE. Assessment of comorbid symptoms in pediatric autonomic dysfunction. Clin Auton Res 2023; 33:843-858. [PMID: 37733160 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-023-00984-4] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pediatric patients with autonomic dysfunction and orthostatic intolerance (OI) often present with co-existing symptoms and signs that might or might not directly relate to the autonomic nervous system. Our objective was to identify validated screening instruments to characterize these comorbidities and their impact on youth functioning. METHODS The Pediatric Assembly of the American Autonomic Society reviewed the current state of practice for identifying symptom comorbidities in youth with OI. The assembly includes physicians, physician-scientists, scientists, advanced practice providers, psychologists, and a statistician with expertise in pediatric disorders of OI. A total of 26 representatives from the various specialties engaged in iterative meetings to: (1) identify and then develop consensus on the symptoms to be assessed, (2) establish committees to review the literature for screening measures by member expertise, and (3) delineate the specific criteria for systematically evaluating the measures and for making measure recommendations by symptom domains. RESULTS We review the measures evaluated and recommend one measure per system/concern so that assessment results from unrelated clinical centers are comparable. We have created a repository to apprise investigators of validated, vetted assessment tools to enhance comparisons across cohorts of youth with autonomic dysfunction and OI. CONCLUSION This effort can facilitate collaboration among clinical settings to advance the science and clinical treatment of these youth. This effort is essential to improving management of these vulnerable patients as well as to comparing research findings from different centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally E Tarbell
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Erin L Olufs
- Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Philip R Fischer
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Gisela Chelimsky
- Children's Hospital of Richmond, Richmond, VA, USA
- Virginia Commonwealth University Health, Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ian J Butler
- University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | | | - John E Fortunato
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Raewyn Gavin
- Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Janice Gilden
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Renato Gonik
- University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Lauren Marsillio
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- Stanley Manne Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erin Marriott
- American Family Children's Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Paul Pianosi
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Debra E Weese-Mayer
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- Stanley Manne Research Institute, Chicago, IL, USA
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10
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Mahdi A, Zhao A, Fredengren E, Fedorowski A, Braunschweig F, Nygren-Bonnier M, Runold M, Bruchfeld J, Nickander J, Deng Q, Checa A, Desta L, Pernow J, Ståhlberg M. Dysregulations in hemostasis, metabolism, immune response, and angiogenesis in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome with and without postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: a multi-omic profiling study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20230. [PMID: 37981644 PMCID: PMC10658082 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47539-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-acute COVID-19 (PACS) are associated with cardiovascular dysfunction, especially postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Patients with PACS, both in the absence or presence of POTS, exhibit a wide range of persisting symptoms long after the acute infection. Some of these symptoms may stem from alterations in cardiovascular homeostasis, but the exact mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to provide a broad molecular characterization of patients with PACS with (PACS + POTS) and without (PACS-POTS) POTS compared to healthy subjects, including a broad proteomic characterization with a focus on plasma cardiometabolic proteins, quantification of cytokines/chemokines and determination of plasma sphingolipid levels. Twenty-one healthy subjects without a prior COVID-19 infection (mean age 43 years, 95% females), 20 non-hospitalized patients with PACS + POTS (mean age 39 years, 95% females) and 22 non-hospitalized patients with PACS-POTS (mean age 44 years, 100% females) were studied. PACS patients were non-hospitalized and recruited ≈18 months after the acute infection. Cardiometabolic proteomic analyses revealed a dysregulation of ≈200 out of 700 analyzed proteins in both PACS groups vs. healthy subjects with the majority (> 90%) being upregulated. There was a large overlap (> 90%) with no major differences between the PACS groups. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed alterations in hemostasis/coagulation, metabolism, immune responses, and angiogenesis in PACS vs. healthy controls. Furthermore, 11 out of 33 cytokines/chemokines were significantly upregulated both in PACS + POTS and PACS-POTS vs. healthy controls and none of the cytokines were downregulated. There were no differences in between the PACS groups in the cytokine levels. Lastly, 16 and 19 out of 88 sphingolipids were significantly dysregulated in PACS + POTS and PACS-POTS, respectively, compared to controls with no differences between the groups. Collectively, these observations suggest a clear and distinct dysregulation in the proteome, cytokines/chemokines, and sphingolipid levels in PACS patients compared to healthy subjects without any clear signature associated with POTS. This enhances our understanding and might pave the way for future experimental and clinical investigations to elucidate and/or target resolution of inflammation and micro-clots and restore the hemostasis and immunity in PACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahdi
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Allan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emelie Fredengren
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frieder Braunschweig
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Nygren-Bonnier
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Women's Health and Allied Health Professionals Theme, Medical Unit Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Runold
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Judith Bruchfeld
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jannike Nickander
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Checa
- Unit of Integrative Metabolomics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Liyew Desta
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Pernow
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlberg
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Reilly CC, Floyd SV, Raniwalla S, Gall N, Rafferty GF. The clinical utility of the Breathing Pattern Assessment Tool (BPAT) to identify dysfunctional breathing (DB) in individuals living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Auton Neurosci 2023; 248:103104. [PMID: 37393657 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2023.103104] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysfunctional breathing (DB) resulting in inappropriate breathlessness is common in individuals living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). DB in POTS is complex, multifactorial, and not routinely assessed clinically outside of specialist centres. To date DB in POTS has been identified and diagnosed predominately via cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPEX), hyperventilation provocation testing and/or specialist respiratory physiotherapy assessment. The Breathing Pattern Assessment Tool (BPAT) is a clinically validated diagnostic tool for DB in Asthma. There are, however, no published data regarding the use of the BPAT in POTS. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the potential clinic utility of the BPAT in the diagnosis of DB in individuals with POTS. METHODS A retrospective observational cohort study of individuals with POTS referred to respiratory physiotherapy for formal assessment of DB. DB was determined by specialist respiratory physiotherapist assessment which included physical assessment of chest wall movement/breathing pattern. The BPAT and Nijgmegen questionnaire were also completed. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to compare the physiotherapy assessment based diagnosis of DB to the BPAT score. RESULTS Seventy-seven individuals with POTS [mean (sd) age 32 (11) years, 71 (92 %) female] were assessed by a specialist respiratory physiotherapist, with 65 (84 %) being diagnosed with DB. Using the established BPAT cut off of four or more, receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis indicated a sensitivity of 87 % and specificity of 75 % for diagnosing DB in individuals with POTS with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.901 (95 % CI 0.803-0.999), demonstrating excellent discriminatory ability. CONCLUSION BPAT has high sensitivity and moderate specificity for identifying DB in individuals living with POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles C Reilly
- Department of Physiotherapy, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK; Cicely Saunders Institute of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, King's College London, UK.
| | - Sarah V Floyd
- Department of Physiotherapy, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Shehnaz Raniwalla
- Department of Physiotherapy, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Nicholas Gall
- Department of Cardiology, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Gerrard F Rafferty
- Centre for Human & Applied Physiological Sciences, King's College London, UK
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12
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Gloeckl R, Leitl D, Schneeberger T, Jarosch I, Koczulla AR. Rehabilitative interventions in patients with persistent post COVID-19 symptoms-a review of recent advances and future perspectives. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023:10.1007/s00406-023-01631-9. [PMID: 37326700 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01631-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has not only caused millions of deaths but left also millions of people with persistent symptoms behind. These long-term COVID-19 sequelae cause a considerable burden on individuals´ health, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide given the high rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Therefore, rehabilitative interventions and strategies are needed to counteract the post COVID-19 sequelae. The importance of rehabilitation for patients with persistent COVID-19 symptoms has been recently also highlighted in a Call for Action by the World Health Organisation. Based on previously published research, but also in line with clinical experience, COVID-19 is not one specific disease but rather presents in different phenotypes that vary in their pathophysiological mechanisms, symptomatic manifestations, and potential interventional approaches. This review provides a proposal for differentiating post COVID-19 patients in non-organ-specific phenotypes that may help clinicians to evaluate patients and to plan therapeutic options. Furthermore, we present current unmet needs and suggest a potential pathway for a specific rehabilitation approach in people with persistent post-COVID symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Gloeckl
- Institute for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research, Schoen Klinik Berchtesgadener Land, Malterhoeh 1, 83471, Schoenau Am Koenigssee, Germany.
- Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany.
| | - Daniela Leitl
- Institute for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research, Schoen Klinik Berchtesgadener Land, Malterhoeh 1, 83471, Schoenau Am Koenigssee, Germany
- Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany
| | - Tessa Schneeberger
- Institute for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research, Schoen Klinik Berchtesgadener Land, Malterhoeh 1, 83471, Schoenau Am Koenigssee, Germany
- Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany
| | - Inga Jarosch
- Institute for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research, Schoen Klinik Berchtesgadener Land, Malterhoeh 1, 83471, Schoenau Am Koenigssee, Germany
- Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Rembert Koczulla
- Institute for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Research, Schoen Klinik Berchtesgadener Land, Malterhoeh 1, 83471, Schoenau Am Koenigssee, Germany
- Department of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL), University Medical Center Giessen and Marburg, Philipps-University Marburg (UGMLC), Marburg, Germany
- Teaching Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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13
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Sociodemographic Factors, Nutritional Status, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Acta Neurol Scand 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/3992718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterized by cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction of unknown etiology with high a prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of the present study was to examine sociodemographic, lifestyle, and nutritional factors as well as inflammatory markers in patients with POTS. Materials and Methods. Forty-three patients with POTS and 61 healthy controls completed questionnaires about sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Blood samples were analyzed for serum levels of cobalamins, folic acid, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, albumin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vitamin D). Results. POTS patients were predominantly women with a lower education level and were more often working part-time, on sick leave, and living alone compared with healthy controls. They reported lower alcohol intake and physical activity levels than controls. The nutrient intake was in general similar in both groups, but POTS patients had a higher intake of different drinks and reported more gastrointestinal symptoms than controls. POTS was associated with higher CRP levels (β: 1.370; 95% CI: 0.004–2.737;
), lower albumin levels (β: -1.443; 95% CI: -2.648–(-0.238);
), and higher sodium levels (β: 1.392; 95% CI: 0.559–2.225;
). Abdominal pain (
) and intestinal symptoms’ influence on daily life (
) were negatively associated with albumin levels. Abdominal pain (
), vomiting and nausea (
), and intestinal symptoms’ influence on daily life (
) were associated with higher sodium levels. Serum levels representing iron and vitamin metabolism were equal between groups. Conclusions. POTS is associated with poorer sociodemographic status, but malnutrition cannot explain POTS or related gastrointestinal symptoms. Higher CRP and lower albumin levels suggest low-grade inflammation as one possible etiological factor.
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14
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El-Rhermoul FZ, Fedorowski A, Eardley P, Taraborrelli P, Panagopoulos D, Sutton R, Lim PB, Dani M. Autoimmunity in Long Covid and POTS. OXFORD OPEN IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 4:iqad002. [PMID: 37255928 PMCID: PMC10224806 DOI: 10.1093/oxfimm/iqad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Orthostatic intolerance and other autonomic dysfunction syndromes are emerging as distinct symptom clusters in Long Covid. Often accompanying these are common, multi-system constitutional features such as fatigue, malaise and skin rashes which can signify generalized immune dysregulation. At the same time, multiple autoantibodies are identified in both Covid-related autonomic disorders and non-Covid autonomic disorders, implying a possible underlying autoimmune pathology. The lack of specificity of these findings precludes direct interpretations of cause and association, but their prevalence with its supporting evidence is compelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema-Zahra El-Rhermoul
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Philip Eardley
- Imperial Syncope Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, UK
| | | | | | - Richard Sutton
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LY, UK
| | - Phang Boon Lim
- Imperial Syncope Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Melanie Dani
- Imperial Syncope Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, UK
- Cutrale Perioperative and Ageing Group, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
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15
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Fedorowski A, Sutton R. Autonomic dysfunction and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Nat Rev Cardiol 2023; 20:281-282. [PMID: 36732397 PMCID: PMC9893964 DOI: 10.1038/s41569-023-00842-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Artur Fedorowski
- grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Richard Sutton
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden ,grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
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