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Brignole M, Rivasi G, Fedorowski A. Mechanism-based therapy of non-cardiac syncope: a practical guide. Europace 2024; 26:euae073. [PMID: 38529800 PMCID: PMC10988836 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae073] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The term non-cardiac syncope includes all forms of syncope, in which primary intrinsic cardiac mechanism and non-syncopal transient loss of consciousness can be ruled out. Reflex syncope and orthostatic hypotension are the most frequent aetiologies of non-cardiac syncope. As no specific therapy is effective for all types of non-cardiac syncope, identifying the underlying haemodynamic mechanism is the essential prerequisite for an effective personalized therapy and prevention of syncope recurrences. Indeed, choice of appropriate therapy and its efficacy are largely determined by the syncope mechanism rather than its aetiology and clinical presentation. The two main haemodynamic phenomena leading to non-cardiac syncope include either profound hypotension or extrinsic asystole/pronounced bradycardia, corresponding to two different haemodynamic syncope phenotypes, the hypotensive and bradycardic phenotypes. The choice of therapy-aimed at counteracting hypotension or bradycardia-depends on the given phenotype. Discontinuation of blood pressure-lowering drugs, elastic garments, and blood pressure-elevating agents such as fludrocortisone and midodrine are the most effective therapies in patients with hypotensive phenotype. Cardiac pacing, cardioneuroablation, and drugs preventing bradycardia such as theophylline are the most effective therapies in patients with bradycardic phenotype of extrinsic cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Brignole
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint and Fall Research Centre, Department of Cardiology, S. Luca Hospital, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Lukačišinová A, Reissigová J, Ortner-Hadžiabdić M, Brkic J, Okuyan B, Volmer D, Tadić I, Modamio P, Mariño EL, Tachkov K, Liperotti R, Onder G, Finne-Soveri H, van Hout H, Howard EP, Fialová D. Prevalence, country-specific prescribing patterns and determinants of benzodiazepine use in community-residing older adults in 7 European countries. BMC Geriatr 2024; 24:240. [PMID: 38454372 PMCID: PMC10921596 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-04742-7] [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: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) in older population is often accompanied by drug-related complications. Inappropriate BZD use significantly alters older adults' clinical and functional status. This study compares the prevalence, prescribing patterns and factors associated with BZD use in community-dwelling older patients in 7 European countries. METHODS International, cross-sectional study was conducted in community-dwelling older adults (65 +) in the Czech Republic, Serbia, Estonia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Turkey, and Spain between Feb2019 and Mar2020. Structured and standardized questionnaire based on interRAI assessment scales was applied. Logistic regression was used to evaluate factors associated with BZD use. RESULTS Out of 2,865 older patients (mean age 73.2 years ± 6.8, 61.2% women) 14.9% were BZD users. The highest prevalence of BZD use was identified in Croatia (35.5%), Spain (33.5%) and Serbia (31.3%). The most frequently prescribed BZDs were diazepam (27.9% of 426 BZD users), alprazolam (23.7%), bromazepam (22.8%) and lorazepam (16.7%). Independent factors associated with BZD use were female gender (OR 1.58, 95%CI 1.19-2.10), hyperpolypharmacy (OR 1.97, 95%CI 1.22-3.16), anxiety (OR 4.26, 95%CI 2.86-6.38), sleeping problems (OR 4.47, 95%CI 3.38-5.92), depression (OR 1.95, 95%CI 1.29-2.95), repetitive anxious complaints (OR 1.77, 95%CI 1.29-2.42), problems with syncope (OR 1.78, 95%CI 1.03-3.06), and loss of appetite (OR 0.60, 95%CI 0.38-0.94). In comparison to Croatia, residing in other countries was associated with lower odds of BZD use (ORs varied from 0.49 (95%CI 0.32-0.75) in Spain to 0.01 (95%CI 0.00-0.03) in Turkey), excluding Serbia (OR 1.11, 95%CI 0.79-1.56). CONCLUSIONS Despite well-known negative effects, BZDs are still frequently prescribed in older outpatient population in European countries. Principles of safer geriatric prescribing and effective deprescribing strategies should be individually applied in older BZD users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Lukačišinová
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy - Research Group "Ageing, Polypharmacy and Changes in the Therapeutic Value of Drugs in the Aged", Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, Hradec Králové, 500 05, Czech Republic.
| | - Jindra Reissigová
- Department of Statistical Modelling, Institute of Computer Science of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Maja Ortner-Hadžiabdić
- Center for Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Jovana Brkic
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy - Research Group "Ageing, Polypharmacy and Changes in the Therapeutic Value of Drugs in the Aged", Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, Hradec Králové, 500 05, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Betul Okuyan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Daisy Volmer
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ivana Tadić
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Pilar Modamio
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo L Mariño
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Care Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Rosa Liperotti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziano Onder
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Hein van Hout
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth P Howard
- Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
- The Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research (The Marcus Institute), Hebrew Senior Life, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniela Fialová
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy - Research Group "Ageing, Polypharmacy and Changes in the Therapeutic Value of Drugs in the Aged", Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, Hradec Králové, 500 05, Czech Republic
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 1st Faculty of Medicine in Prague, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Martone AM, Parrini I, Ciciarello F, Galluzzo V, Cacciatore S, Massaro C, Giordano R, Giani T, Landi G, Gulizia MM, Colivicchi F, Gabrielli D, Oliva F, Zuccalà G. Recent Advances and Future Directions in Syncope Management: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:727. [PMID: 38337421 PMCID: PMC10856004 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030727] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Syncope is a highly prevalent clinical condition characterized by a rapid, complete, and brief loss of consciousness, followed by full recovery caused by cerebral hypoperfusion. This symptom carries significance, as its potential underlying causes may involve the heart, blood pressure, or brain, leading to a spectrum of consequences, from sudden death to compromised quality of life. Various factors contribute to syncope, and adhering to a precise diagnostic pathway can enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. A standardized initial assessment, risk stratification, and appropriate test identification facilitate determining the underlying cause in the majority of cases. New technologies, including artificial intelligence and smart devices, may have the potential to reshape syncope management into a proactive, personalized, and data-centric model, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. This review addresses key aspects of syncope management, including pathogenesis, current diagnostic testing options, treatments, and considerations in the geriatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Martone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Iris Parrini
- Department of Cardiology, Mauriziano Hospital, Largo Filippo Turati, 62, 10128 Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciciarello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
| | - Stefano Cacciatore
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Claudia Massaro
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Rossella Giordano
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Tommaso Giani
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
| | - Giovanni Landi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
| | | | - Furio Colivicchi
- Division of Cardiology, San Filippo Neri Hospital-ASL Roma 1, Via Giovanni Martinotti, 20, 00135 Rome, Italy;
| | - Domenico Gabrielli
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Medicine and Surgery, Division of Cardiology, S. Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Circonvallazione Gianicolense, 87, 00152 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Oliva
- “A. De Gasperis” Cardiovascular Department, Division of Cardiology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Piazza dell’Ospedale Maggiore, 3, 20162 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Zuccalà
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli” IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.M.M.); (F.C.); (V.G.); (G.L.); (G.Z.)
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics, and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (C.M.); (R.G.); (T.G.)
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Brignole M, Groppelli A, Russo V, Fedorowski A, van Dijk G, Alboni P. The Rate of Asystolic Reflex Syncope Is Not Influenced by Age. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023:S2405-500X(23)00901-5. [PMID: 38243997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.11.021] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The head-up tilt test (HUT) and other evidence suggest that the vagal effect on the heart decreases with age. OBJECTIVES The main aim of the study was to assess whether this age effect also affects the rate of asystole in spontaneous reflex syncope (RS). METHOD We performed an analysis of pooled individual data from 4 studies that recruited patients ≥40 years of age affected by certain or suspected RS who received an implantable loop recorder (ILR) and reported follow-up data on syncope recurrence. We assessed the presence of asystolic syncope of >3 seconds or nonsyncopal asystole of >6 seconds recorded by ILR and compared the findings to tilt test results on the same patients. RESULTS A total of 1,046 patients received ILR because of unexplained syncope. Of these, 201 (19.2%) had a documentation of an asystolic event of 10-second (Q1-Q3: 6- to 15-second) duration. They were subdivided in 3 age tertiles: ≤60 years (n = 64), 61 to 72 years (n = 72), and ≥73 years (n = 65). The rate of asystolic events was similar in the 3 subgroups (50.1%, 50.1%, and 49.2%, respectively; P = 0.99). Conversely, the rate of asystolic syncope induced during HUT (performed in 169 of 201) was greatly age dependent (31.0%, 12.1%, and 11.1% in increasing age tertiles, respectively; P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS The rate of the spontaneous asystolic form of RS documented by ILR is constant at any age >40 years. Conversely, the rate of asystolic syncope induced by HUT is higher in younger patients and decreases with age. The contrasting results between spontaneous and tilt-induced events cast doubt on the concept that asystole in RS is less common in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Brignole
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint and Fall Research Centre, Ospedale San Luca, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Groppelli
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint and Fall Research Centre, Ospedale San Luca, Milan, Italy.
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Cardiology and Syncope Unit, Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Monaldi Hospital, Naples, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Gert van Dijk
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paolo Alboni
- Section of Cardiology, Ospedale Privato Quisisana, Ferrara, Italy
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Johansson M, Fedorowski A. Situational vs vasovagal syncope: one but different? Heart 2023; 110:3-4. [PMID: 37591689 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2023-323180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Johansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Groppelli A, Rafanelli M, Testa GD, Agusto S, Rivasi G, Carbone E, Soranna D, Zambon A, Castiglioni P, Ungar A, Brignole M, Parati G. Detection of impending reflex syncope by means of an integrated multisensor patch-type recorder. J Hum Hypertens 2023; 37:1098-1104. [PMID: 37208523 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-023-00840-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the capability of an integrated multisensory patch-type monitor (RootiRx®) in detecting episodes of reflex (pre)syncope induced by tilt table test (TTT). Firstly, we performed an intrapatient comparison of cuffless systolic blood pressure (SBP), R-R interval (RRI) and variability (power spectrum analysis) obtained by means of the RootiRx® with those obtained with conventional methods (CONV) with validated finger pressure devices at baseline in supine position and repeatedly during TTT in 32 patients affected by likely reflex syncope. Secondly, the LF/HF values obtained with RootiRx® during TTT were analyzed in 50 syncope patients. Compared with baseline supine recordings, during TTT a decrement of median SBP was observed with CONV (-53.5 mmHg) but not with RootiRx® ®(-1 mmHg). Conversely, RRI reduction (CONV: 102 ms; RootiRx®: 127 ms) and RRI Low Frequency/High Frequency powers ratio (LF/HF) increase (CONV: 1.6; RootiRx®: 2.5) were similar. The concordance was good for RRI (0.97 [95% CI 0.96-0.98]) and fair for LF/HF ratio (0.69 [95% CI 0.46-0.83]). During the first 5 min of TTT the LF/HF ratio was higher in patients who later developed syncope than in no-syncope patients. This ratio was significantly different among patients with syncope, presyncope or without symptoms at the time of syncope (p value = 0.02). In conclusion, cuffless RootiRx® was unable to detect rapid drops of SBP occurring during impending reflex syncope and thus cannot be used as a diagnostic tool for hypotensive syncope. On the other hand, RRI mean values and LF/HF power ratios obtained with RootiRx® were consistent with those simultaneously obtained using conventional methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Groppelli
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall programme, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Rafanelli
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Dario Testa
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Samuele Agusto
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Erika Carbone
- Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Soranna
- Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Zambon
- Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Castiglioni
- IRCCS Fondazione Don C. Gnocchi ONLUS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Life sciences (DBSV), University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Brignole
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall programme, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy.
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall programme, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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Sfairopoulos D, Konstantinou CS, Korantzopoulos P. Syncope in the setting of trifascicular block and retrograde concealed conduction: A case report. MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL 2023; 3:64. [PMID: 38099149 PMCID: PMC10719962 DOI: 10.3892/mi.2023.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In clinical practice, the accurate diagnosis of the causes of syncope is often challenging and demanding. Moreover, certain rare electrocardiographic phenomena may complicate the diagnostic workup, leading to imprecise diagnoses. The present study briefly describes the case of an 82-year-old male patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy who suffered syncopal episodes in the setting of trifascicular block. The 12-lead electrocardiogram revealed premature ventricular contractions and non-conducted P waves due to the phenomenon of retrograde concealed conduction. Following the exclusion of myocardial ischemia, an electrophysiological study yielded abnormal results and a biventricular pacemaker was implanted. Although retrograde concealed conduction is considered a benign phenomenon caused by the transient modification of antegrade atrioventricular conduction characteristics, further meticulous investigation is required in patients with concomitant baseline conduction abnormalities and/or structural heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Sfairopoulos
- First Department of Cardiology, University of Ioannina Faculty of Medicine, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christos S. Konstantinou
- First Department of Cardiology, University of Ioannina Faculty of Medicine, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
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Rivasi G, Fedorowski A. Harm vs. benefit of antihypertensive treatment in very old and frail people - do not miss the forest for the trees. J Hypertens 2023; 41:1551-1553. [PMID: 37642590 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Fedorowski A, Kulakowski P, Brignole M, de Lange FJ, Kenny RA, Moya A, Rivasi G, Sheldon R, Van Dijk G, Sutton R, Deharo JC. Twenty-five years of research on syncope. Europace 2023; 25:euad163. [PMID: 37622579 PMCID: PMC10450792 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euad163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last 25 years, the Europace journal has greatly contributed to dissemination of research and knowledge in the field of syncope. More than 400 manuscripts have been published in the journal. They undoubtedly improved our understanding of syncope. This symptom is now clearly differentiated from other forms of transient loss of consciousness. The critical role of vasodepression and/or cardioinhibition as final mechanisms of reflex syncope is emphasized. Current diagnostic approach sharply separates between cardiac and autonomic pathways. Physiologic insights have been translated, through rigorously designed clinical trials, into non-pharmacological or pharmacological interventions and interventional therapies. The following manuscript is intended to give the reader the current state of the art of knowledge of syncope by highlighting landmark contributions of the Europace journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Eugeniavägen 3, 171 76 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 1, 171 77 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, 214 28 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Piotr Kulakowski
- Department of Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, Grochowski Hospital, Ul. Grenadierow 51/59, 04-073 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michele Brignole
- Department of Cardiology, S. Luca Hospital, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Frederik J de Lange
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, 152-160 Pearse St, Dublin, Ireland
- Mercer Institute for Successful Ageing, St. James Hospital, James St, Dublin 8, D08 NHY1Ireland
| | - Angel Moya
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitari Dexeus, Carrer de Sabino Arana 5-19, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Robert Sheldon
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, 3310 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Gert Van Dijk
- Department of Neurology, Canisius Wilhelmina Hospital, Weg door Jonkerbos 100, 6532 SZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0HS, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Claude Deharo
- Assistance Publique − Hôpitaux de Marseille, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire La Timone, Service de Cardiologie, Marseille, France and Aix Marseille Université, C2VN, 264 Rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseille, France
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Sharad B, Rivasi G, Hamrefors V, Johansson M, Ungar A, Sutton R, Brignole M, Parati G, Fedorowski A. Twenty-Four-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Profile in Patients With Reflex Syncope and Matched Controls. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e028704. [PMID: 37026553 PMCID: PMC10227244 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.028704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring has long been used to monitor BP in hypertension and lately emerged as a useful tool to detect hypotensive susceptibility in reflex syncope. However, hemodynamic characteristics in reflex syncope have not been sufficiently explored. The present study investigated the differences between ambulatory BP monitoring profiles associated with reflex syncope and normal population. Methods and Results This is an observational study comparing ambulatory BP monitoring data from 50 patients with reflex syncope and 100 controls without syncope, age- and sex-matched 1:2. Mean 24-hour systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP, pulse pressure (24-hour PP), dipping status, and number of daytime SBP drops <90 to 100 mm Hg were analyzed. Variables associated with reflex syncope were investigated using multivariable logistic regression. Patients with reflex syncope displayed significantly lower 24-hour SBP (112.9±12.6 versus 119.3±11.5 mm Hg, P=0.002), higher 24-hour diastolic BP (85.2±9.6 versus 79.1±10.6 mm Hg, P<0.001), and markedly lower 24-hour PP (27.7±7.6 versus 40.3±9.0 mm Hg, P<0.001) compared with controls. Daytime SBP drops <90 mm Hg were more prevalent in patients with syncope (44% versus 17%, P<0.001). Daytime SBP drops <90 mm Hg, 24-hour PP <32 mm Hg, 24-hour SBP ≤110 mm Hg, and 24-hour diastolic BP ≥82 mm Hg were independently associated with reflex syncope, with 24-hour PP <32 mm Hg achieving the highest sensitivity (80%) and specificity (86%). Conclusions Patients with reflex syncope have lower 24-hour SBP but higher 24-hour diastolic BP and more frequent daytime SBP drops <90 mm Hg than individuals without syncope. Our results support the presence of lower SBP and PP in reflex syncope and suggest a role for ambulatory BP monitoring in the diagnostic work-up of this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashaaer Sharad
- Department of Clinical SciencesLund University, and Skåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care MedicineUniversity of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria CareggiFlorenceItaly
| | - Viktor Hamrefors
- Department of Clinical SciencesLund University, and Skåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Department of CardiologySkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
| | - Madeleine Johansson
- Department of Clinical SciencesLund University, and Skåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Department of CardiologySkåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care MedicineUniversity of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria CareggiFlorenceItaly
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Clinical SciencesLund University, and Skåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial CollegeHammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Michele Brignole
- IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cardiology UnitS.Luca HospitalMilanItaly
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic SciencesS.Luca HospitalMilanItaly
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cardiology UnitS.Luca HospitalMilanItaly
- Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic SciencesS.Luca HospitalMilanItaly
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical SciencesLund University, and Skåne University HospitalMalmöSweden
- Department of CardiologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
- Department of MedicineKarolinska InstituteStockholmSweden
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11
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de Jong JSY, van Zanten S, Thijs RD, van Rossum IA, Harms MPM, de Groot JR, Sutton R, de Lange FJ. Syncope Diagnosis at Referral to a Tertiary Syncope Unit: An in-Depth Analysis of the FAST II. J Clin Med 2023; 12:2562. [PMID: 37048646 PMCID: PMC10095278 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A substantial number of patients with a transient loss of consciousness (T-LOC) are referred to a tertiary syncope unit without a diagnosis. This study investigates the final diagnoses reached in patients who, on referral, were undiagnosed or inaccurately diagnosed in secondary care. METHODS This study is an in-depth analysis of the recently published Fainting Assessment Study II, a prospective cohort study in a tertiary syncope unit. The diagnosis at the tertiary syncope unit was established after history taking (phase 1), following autonomic function tests (phase 2), and confirming after critical follow-up of 1.5-2 years, with the adjudicated diagnosis (phase 3) by a multidisciplinary committee. Diagnoses suggested by the referring physician were considered the phase 0 diagnosis. We determined the accuracy of the phase 0 diagnosis by comparing this with the phase 3 diagnosis. RESULTS 51% (134/264) of patients had no diagnosis upon referral (phase 0), the remaining 49% (130/264) carried a diagnosis, but 80% (104/130) considered their condition unexplained. Of the patients undiagnosed at referral, three major causes of T-LOC were revealed: reflex syncope (69%), initial orthostatic hypotension (20%) and psychogenic pseudosyncope (13%) (sum > 100% due to cases with multiple causes). Referral diagnoses were either inaccurate or incomplete in 65% of the patients and were mainly altered at tertiary care assessment to reflex syncope, initial orthostatic hypotension or psychogenic pseudosyncope. A diagnosis of cardiac syncope at referral proved wrong in 17/18 patients. CONCLUSIONS Syncope patients diagnosed or undiagnosed in primary and secondary care and referred to a syncope unit mostly suffer from reflex syncope, initial orthostatic hypotension or psychogenic pseudosyncope. These causes of T-LOC do not necessarily require ancillary tests, but can be diagnosed by careful history-taking. Besides access to a network of specialized syncope units, simple interventions, such as guideline-based structured evaluation, proper risk-stratification and critical follow-up may reduce diagnostic delay and improve diagnostic accuracy for syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle S. Y. de Jong
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven van Zanten
- Department of Cardiology, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, 2625 AD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Roland D. Thijs
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), 2103 SW Heemstede, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ineke A. van Rossum
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark P. M. Harms
- Department of Internal and Emergency Medicine, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joris R. de Groot
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Cardiology, National Heart & Lung Institute, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Imperial College, London SW7 6LY, UK
| | - Frederik J. de Lange
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Heart Center, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Brignole M, Rivasi G, Fedorowski A, Ståhlberg M, Groppelli A, Ungar A. Tests for the identification of reflex syncope mechanism. Expert Rev Med Devices 2023; 20:109-119. [PMID: 36814102 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2023.2174428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment efficacy of reflex syncope is mainly related to the mechanism underlying syncope rather than its etiology or clinical presentation. The predominant mechanism underlying reflex syncope can be assigned to hypotensive or to bradycardic phenotypes. AREAS COVERED Methodology and diagnostic criteria of the most useful tests for the identification of hypotensive and bradycardic phenotypes are discussed. Diagnostic tests for the hypotensive phenotype include office blood pressure measurement with active standing test, home, and wearable blood pressure monitoring, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and tilt table test. Diagnostic tests for the bradycardic phenotype include carotid sinus massage, tilt table test and prolonged ECG monitoring. EXPERT OPINION In reflex syncope, the documentation of bradycardia/asystole during a syncopal episode does not rule out the possibility that a preceding or parallel hypotensive reflex plays an important role. Similarly, even when a hypotensive mechanism is established, the possibility of an associated cardioinhibitory reflex should be investigated. Investigating the mechanism of reflex syncope is mandatory in patients with severe recurrent episodes, with the final aim to develop a personalized treatment strategy. Recent trials have demonstrated the benefits of personalized mechanism-based therapy, thus highlighting the importance of a comprehensive assessment of the mechanisms underlying syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Brignole
- Department of Cardiology, S. Luca Hospital, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlberg
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
| | - Antonella Groppelli
- Department of Cardiology, S. Luca Hospital, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
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13
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Bačkorová B, Lazúrová I. Selected biomarkers of orthostatic intolerance. VNITRNI LEKARSTVI 2023; 69:15-19. [PMID: 37827818 DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2023.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is defined as a group of diseases which symptoms are typically manifested in a standing position. These symptoms result from cerebral hypoperfusion and disappear in the supine position. We include postural orthostatic intolerance syndrome (POTS), orthostatic hypotension (OH) and vasovagal orthostatic syncope in this group of diseases. Each of them have similar clinical presentation (blurred vision, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headaches, fatigue). However, they vary from each other in biochemical, autonomic and hemodynamic characteristics. The aim of the work is to provide an overview of humoral and non-human markers that are involved in the etiopathogenesis of orthostatic intolerance.
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14
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Fumagalli C, Rafanelli M, Brignole M, Guarducci C, Bettoni N, Rivasi G, Pieragnoli P, Ricciardi G, Checchi L, Gambardella M, Casolaro F, Paolisso G, Marfella R, Signoriello G, Marchionni N, Ungar A, Sardu C. Low incidence of arrhythmic syncope and pacemaker implantation in older patients with bifascicular block and implantable cardiac monitor. Int J Cardiol 2023; 370:215-218. [PMID: 36332751 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.10.171] [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: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with unexplained syncope, bifascicular block (BFB) is considered associated with syncope due to either heart block or sinus arrest. Immediate or delayed pacemaker (PM) implantation after ECG documentation of syncopal recurrence by means of implantable cardiac monitors (ICM) is still debated. We aimed to assess the incidence of recurrent syncope and guideline-based PM implantation in patients with syncope and BFB implanted with ICM. METHODS Consecutive patients with syncope and BFB followed at two tertiary care syncope units and implanted with ICM from 2012 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with ≥2 clinical visits and ≥ 18 years of age were included. Incidence of a Class I indication for PM implantation was the primary outcome. RESULTS Of 635 syncope patients implanted with an ICM, 55 (8.7%) had a BFB and were included. Median age at implantation was 75 [interquartile range, IQR:64-81] years, and 28(49.1%) were women. At 26 [IQR:12-41] months follow-up, 20 (36.3%,16.3%/year) patients experienced syncope: in 6(10.9%) patients syncope was classified 'arrhythmic' with a higher prevalence in older individuals (p = 0.048). PM implantation (N = 14,25.5%) was more frequent in patients ≥75 years (p = 0.024). At survival analysis, patients ≥75 years were at highest risk of arrhythmic syncope and guideline directed PM implantation (Hazard Ratio: 4.5, 95% Confidence Intervals 1.5-13.3). CONCLUSIONS Most older patients with syncope who received an ICM did not have events during follow-up. One-in-three experienced syncope, and an even smaller number had an arrhythmic syncope with indication for PM implantation. Older age was strongly associated with PM implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Fumagalli
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy.
| | - Martina Rafanelli
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Brignole
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy; Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Faint and Fall Programme, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Guarducci
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Niccolò Bettoni
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Pieragnoli
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ricciardi
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Italy
| | - Luca Checchi
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Italy
| | - Marco Gambardella
- Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Italy
| | - Flavia Casolaro
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Paolisso
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, Naples, Italy; Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Marfella
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, Naples, Italy; Mediterranea Cardiocentro, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Signoriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, Naples, Italy
| | - Niccolò Marchionni
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Syncope Unit, Geriatrics and Intensive Care Unit, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Celestino Sardu
- Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Piazza Luigi Miraglia 2, Naples, Italy
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15
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Numeroso F, Casagranda I. Improving the approach to non-cardiac syncope in the emergency department observation unit. World J Emerg Med 2023; 14:128-132. [PMID: 36911052 PMCID: PMC9999131 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2023.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Numeroso
- Emergency Department, University Hospital of Parma, Parma 43126, Italy
| | - Ivo Casagranda
- Academy of Emergency Medicine and Care (AcEMC), Pavia 27100, Italy
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16
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Groppelli A, Rafanelli M, Testa GD, Agusto S, Rivasi G, Ungar A, Carbone E, Soranna D, Zambon A, Brignole M, Parati G. Feasibility of Blood Pressure Measurement With a Wearable (Watch-Type) Monitor During Impending Syncopal Episodes. J Am Heart Assoc 2022; 11:e026420. [PMID: 35929469 PMCID: PMC9496316 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background We assessed the reliability and feasibility of blood pressure (BP) measurements by means of a new wearable watch‐type BP monitor (HeartGuide) in detecting episodes of hypotensive (pre)syncope induced by tilt table test. Methods and Results An intrapatient comparison between systolic BP (SBP) measured by means of the HeartGuide device and noninvasive finger beat‐to‐beat BP monitoring was undertaken both at baseline in supine position and repeatedly during tilt table test in patients evaluated for reflex syncope. Intrapatient fall of systolic BP from baseline was measured. Eighty‐one patients (mean age, 61±19 years; 46 women) were included. Overall, HeartGuide was able to yield BP values at the time of BP nadir in 58 (72%) patients (average HeartGuide SBP 102±18 mm Hg, versus finger SBP 101±19 mm Hg). Compared with baseline, the maximum SBP decrease was on average −28.5±27.8 and −30.3±33.9 mm Hg respectively (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient=0.78, r=0.79, P=0.001). In the subgroup of 38 patients with tilt table test induced (pre)syncope, the average HeartGuide SBP during symptoms was 97±16 mm Hg, and the finger SBP was 94±18 mm Hg. Compared with baseline, the maximum SBP decrease was on average −35.2±29.3 and −43.3±31.8 mm Hg, respectively (Lin's concordance correlation coefficient=0.83, r=0.87, P=0.001). Conclusions Our data indicate that the HeartGuide BP monitor can detect low BP during presyncope and that its measure of SBP change is consistent with that simultaneously obtained through continuous BP monitoring, despite some intrapatient variability. Thus, this device might be useful in determining the hypotensive nature of spontaneous (pre)syncopal symptoms, a possibility that should be verified by field studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Groppelli
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall Programme, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology San Luca Hospital Milan Italy
| | - Martina Rafanelli
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi Florence Italy
| | - Giuseppe Dario Testa
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi Florence Italy
| | - Samuele Agusto
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi Florence Italy
| | - Giulia Rivasi
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi Florence Italy
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Syncope Unit, Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi Florence Italy
| | - Erika Carbone
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall Programme, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology San Luca Hospital Milan Italy
| | - Davide Soranna
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall Programme, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology San Luca Hospital Milan Italy
| | - Antonella Zambon
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall Programme, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology San Luca Hospital Milan Italy.,Department of Statistics University of Milano-Bicocca Milan Italy
| | - Michele Brignole
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall Programme, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology San Luca Hospital Milan Italy
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall Programme, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology San Luca Hospital Milan Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery University of Milano Bicocca Milan Italy
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17
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Leys F, Fanciulli A. The extended role of 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for reflex syncope. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:3777-3780. [PMID: 35924302 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Leys
- Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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18
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Rivasi G, Groppelli A, Brignole M, Soranna D, Zambon A, Bilo G, Pengo M, Sharad B, Hamrefors V, Rafanelli M, Testa GD, Rice C, Kenny RA, Sutton R, Ungar A, Fedorowski A, Parati G. Association between hypotension during 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and reflex syncope: the SynABPM 1 study. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:3765-3776. [PMID: 35766175 PMCID: PMC9553097 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Diagnostic criteria for ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in patients with suspected reflex syncope are lacking. The study hypothesis was that patients with reflex syncope have a higher prevalence of systolic blood pressure (SBP) drops on ABPM. METHODS AND RESULTS ABPM data from reflex syncope patients and controls, matched by average 24 h SBP, age, sex, and hypertension were compared. Patients with constitutional hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, and predominant cardioinhibition during carotid sinus massage or prolonged electrocardiogram monitoring or competing causes of syncope were excluded. Daytime and nighttime SBP drops (<110, 100, 90, 80 mmHg) were assessed. Findings were validated in an independent sample. In the derivation sample, daytime SBP drops were significantly more common in 158 syncope patients than 329 controls. One or more daytime drops <90 mmHg achieved 91% specificity and 32% sensitivity [odds ratio (OR) 4.6, P < 0.001]. Two or more daytime drops <100 mmHg achieved 84% specificity and 40% sensitivity (OR 3.5, P = 0.001). Results were confirmed in the validation sample of 164 syncope patients and 164 controls: one or more daytime SBP drops <90 mmHg achieved 94% specificity and 29% sensitivity (OR 6.2, P < 0.001), while two or more daytime SBP drops <100 mmHg achieved 83% specificity and 35% sensitivity (OR 2.6, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION SBP drops during ABPM are more common in reflex syncope patients than in controls. Cut-off values that may be applied in clinical practice are defined. This study expands the current indications for ABPM to patients with reflex syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonella Groppelli
- IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, S.Luca Hospital, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Brignole
- IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, S.Luca Hospital, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Soranna
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Biostatistics Unit, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Zambon
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Biostatistics Unit, 20149 Milan, Italy.,Department of Statistics and quantitative methods, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Grzegorz Bilo
- IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, S.Luca Hospital, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Martino Pengo
- IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, S.Luca Hospital, 20149 Milan, Italy
| | - Bashaaer Sharad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, 50332 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Viktor Hamrefors
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, 50332 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Martina Rafanelli
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Dario Testa
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Ciara Rice
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- Falls and Syncope Unit, Mercer's Institute for Successful Ageing, St James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland.,Department of Medical Gerontology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, 50332 Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Andrea Ungar
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Florence and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Largo Brambilla 3, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, and Skåne University Hospital, 50332 Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gianfranco Parati
- IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Cardiology Unit and Department of Cardiology, S.Luca Hospital, 20149 Milan, Italy
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19
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Sutton R, Ricci F, Fedorowski A. Risk stratification of syncope: Current syncope guidelines and beyond. Auton Neurosci 2022; 238:102929. [PMID: 34968831 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Syncope is an alarming event carrying the possibility of serious outcomes, including sudden cardiac death (SCD). Therefore, immediate risk stratification should be applied whenever syncope occurs, especially in the Emergency Department, where most dramatic presentations occur. It has long been known that short- and long-term syncope prognosis is affected not only by its mechanism but also by presence of concomitant conditions, especially cardiovascular disease. Over the last two decades, several syncope prediction tools have been developed to refine patient stratification and triage patients who need expert in-hospital care from those who may receive nonurgent expert care in the community. However, despite promising results, prognostic tools for syncope remain challenging and often poorly effective. Current European Society of Cardiology syncope guidelines recommend an initial syncope workup based on detailed patient's history, physical examination supine and standing blood pressure, resting ECG, and laboratory tests, including cardiac biomarkers, where appropriate. Subsequent risk stratification based on screening of features aims to identify three groups: high-, intermediate- and low-risk. The first should immediately be hospitalized and appropriately investigated; intermediate group, with recurrent or medium-risk events, requires systematic evaluation by syncope experts; low-risk group, sporadic reflex syncope, merits education about its benign nature, and discharge. Thus, initial syncope risk stratification is crucial as it determines how and by whom syncope patients are managed. This review summarizes the crucial elements of syncope risk stratification, pros and cons of proposed risk evaluation scores, major challenges in initial syncope management, and how risk stratification impacts management of high-risk/recurrent syncope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Sutton
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, Dept. of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Du Cane Road, London W12 0HS, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G.d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Luigi Polacchi, 11, 66100 Chieti, Italy; Casa di Cura Villa Serena, Città Sant'Angelo, Italy
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Dept. of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Brignole M. Establishing the Efficacy of Midodrine to Prevent Vasovagal Syncope. Ann Intern Med 2021; 174:1460-1461. [PMID: 34339220 DOI: 10.7326/m21-2859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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21
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Sutton R. Syncope presenting to the emergency department. J Intern Med 2021; 290:755-756. [PMID: 33586173 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Sutton
- From the, Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, National Heart & Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
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22
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Rafanelli M, Testa GD, Rivasi G, Ungar A. Evaluation of Patients with Syncope in the Emergency Department: How to Adjust Pharmacological Therapy. Medicina (B Aires) 2021; 57:medicina57060603. [PMID: 34208045 PMCID: PMC8231040 DOI: 10.3390/medicina57060603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate of syncope in the Emergency Department ranges between 0.9 and 1.7%. Syncope is mostly related to a underlying reflex or orthostatic mechanism. A bradycardic or a hypotensive phenotype, may be identified. The latter is the most common and could be constitutional or drug induced. Consequently, obtaining an accurate drug history is an important step of the initial assessment of syncope. As anti-hypertensive medication might be responsible for orthostatic hypotension, managing hypertension in patients with syncope requires finding an ideal balance between hypotensive and cardiovascular risks. The choice of anti-hypertensive molecule as well as the therapeutic regimen and dosage, influences the risk of syncope. Not only could anti-hypertensive drugs have a hypotensive effect but opioids and psychoactive medications may also be involved in the mechanism of syncope. Proper drug management could reduce syncope recurrences and their consequences.
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Abstract
Hypertension and hypotension are strictly related phenomena, that frequently coexist within the spectrum of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, especially at advanced age. Indeed, antihypertensive treatment may predispose to orthostatic and post-prandial hypotension, while intensive blood pressure lowering may be responsible for systemic hypotension. Over recent years, systemic and orthostatic hypotension have emerged as important although often neglected risk factors for adverse outcomes, paralleling the widely recognized arterial hypertension. Both hypertension and hypotension are associated with detrimental effects on target organs and survival, thus significantly impacting patients' prognosis, functional autonomy and quality of life. Balancing low and high blood pressure requires accurate diagnostic assessment of blood pressure values and patients' hypotensive susceptibility, which allow for the development of customized treatment strategies based on individual hypo/hypertensive risk profile. The present review illustrates the complex interrelationship between hypotension and hypertension and discusses the relevant prognostic role of these conditions. Additionally, it provides an overview on hypotension detection and treatment in patients with hypertension, focusing on customized diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Rivasi
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, Careggi Hospital and University of Florence, Florence, Italy -
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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