New insights into orthostatic hypotension in multiple system atrophy: a European multicentre cohort study

Diagnostic value and correlation analysis of serum cytokine levels in patients with multiple system atrophy

Background

The association between cytokines in peripheral blood and clinical symptoms of multiple system atrophy (MSA) has been explored in only a few studies with small sample size, and the results were obviously controversial. Otherwise, no studies have explored the diagnostic value of serum cytokines in MSA.

Methods

Serum cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), were measured in 125 MSA patients and 98 healthy controls (HCs). Correlations of these serum cytokines with clinical variables were analyzed in MSA patients. Diagnostic value of cytokines for MSA was plotted by receiver operating curves.

Results

No significant differences were found in sex and age between the MSA group and the HCs. TNF-α in MSA patients were significantly higher than those in HCs (area under the curve (AUC) 0.768), while IL-6 and IL-8 were not. Only Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) has a positive correlation between with TNF-α in MSA patients with age and age at onset as covariates. Serum IL-6 was associated with HAMA, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Unified MSA Rating Scale I (UMSARS I) scores, the UMSARS IV and the Instrumental Activity of Daily Living scores. However, IL-8 was not associated with all clinical variables in MSA patients. Regression analysis showed that HAMA and age at onset were significantly associated with TNF-α, and only HAMA was mild related with IL-6 levels in MSA patients.

Conclusion

Serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels in MSA patients may be associated with anxiety symptom; however, only TNF-α was shown to be a useful tool in distinguishing between MSA and HCs.

Imaging Markers of Multiple System Atrophy and Their Association With Disease Severity: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder marked by autonomic failure, parkinsonism, and cerebellar ataxia, with subtypes classified as parkinsonian (MSA-P), cerebellar (MSA-C), and autonomic (MSA-A). This study aims to identify MRI biomarkers for MSA and their correlation with disease severity. Methodology A total of 30 patients with probable MSA (20 MSA-C, 10 MSA-P) aged 45-65 years were studied. Motor and non-motor symptoms were assessed using the Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS), and all patients underwent 3T MRI brain imaging. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) with Spearman's correlation for clinical-imaging correlations. Results The mean age of the study population was 54.43 years, with a male predominance (56.7%). The most common symptoms included gait ataxia (43.3%) and urinary dysfunction (96.7%), with orthostatic symptoms in 33.3%. Moderate disease severity was observed, with mean UMSARS scores of 15.9 (Part 1) and 16 (Part 2), showing no significant subtype differences. MRI revealed abnormalities in all patients, predominantly cerebellar atrophy (90%). The "hot cross bun" (HCB) sign was seen in 75% of MSA-C patients, but none of MSA-P patients showed the same. The HCB sign was significantly correlated with severity in MSA-C (USMSARS-4). Putaminal signs were less frequent and slightly more prevalent in MSA-P, without significant clinical-imaging correlation. Conclusions This study reinforces the critical role of MRI biomarkers in the diagnosis of MSA patients. Notably, the HCB sign exhibited a significant association with clinical severity in MSA-C patients, while such correlation was absent in MSA-P cases.

Aberrant microstructural integrity of white matter in mild and severe orthostatic hypotension: A NODDI study

OBJECTIVE

Scarce evidence is available to elucidate the association between the abnormal microstructure of white matter (WM) and cognitive performance in patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH). This study investigated the microstructural integrity of WM in patients with mild OH (MOH) and severe OH (SOH) and evaluated the association of abnormal WM microstructure with the broad cognitive domains and cognition-related plasma biomarkers.

METHODS

Our study included 72 non-OH (NOH), 17 MOH, and 11 SOH participants. Across the groups, the WM integrity was analyzed by neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI), and differences in WM microstructure were evaluated by nonparametric tests and post hoc models. The correlations between WM microstructure and broad cognitive domains and cognition-related plasma biomarkers were assessed by Spearman's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The abnormal WM microstructure was localized to the WM fiber bundles in MOH patients but distributed widely in SOH cohorts (p < 0.05). Further analysis showed that the neurite density index of the left cingulate gyrus was negatively associated with amyloid β-40, glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament light chain, phospho-tau181 (p < 0.05) but positively with global cognitive function (MOCA, MMSE, AER-III), memory, attention, language, language fluency, visuospatial function and amyloid β-40 / amyloid β-42 (p < 0.05). Additionally, other abnormal WM microstructures of OH were associated with broad cognitive domains and cognition-related plasma biomarkers to varying degrees.

CONCLUSION

The findings evidence that abnormal WM microstructures may present themselves as early as in the MOH phase and that these structural abnormalities are associated with cognitive functions and cognition-related plasma biomarkers.

Orthostatic hypotension: Review and expert position statement

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a drop in systolic blood pressure of at least 20mmHg or a drop in diastolic blood pressure of at least 10mmHg within 3minutes of standing. It is a common disorder, especially in high-risk populations such as elderly subjects and patients with neurological diseases, and is associated with markedly increased morbidity and mortality. Its management can be challenging, particularly in cases where supine hypertension is associated with severe orthostatic hypotension. Education of the patient, non-pharmacological measures, and drug adaptation are the cornerstones of treatment. Pharmacological treatment should be individualized according to the severity, underlying cause, 24-hour blood pressure profile, and associated coexisting conditions. First-line therapies are midodrine and fludrocortisone, which may need to be combined for optimal care of severe cases.

In vivo cerebral metabolic and dopaminergic characteristics in multiple system atrophy with orthostatic hypotension

PURPOSE

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease, often presented with orthostatic hypotension (OH), which is a disabling symptom but has not been very explored. Here, we investigated MSA patients with OH by using positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) and 11C-N-2-carbomethoxy-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-tropane (11C-CFT) for in vivo evaluation of the glucose metabolism and dopaminergic function of the brain.

METHODS

Totally, 51 patients with MSA and 20 healthy controls (HC) who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT were retrospectively enrolled, among which 24 patients also underwent 11C-CFT PET/CT. All patients were divided into MSA-OH(+) and MSA-OH(-) groups. Then, statistical parametric mapping (SPM) method was used to reveal the regional metabolic and dopaminergic characteristics of MSA-OH(+) compared with MSA-OH(-). Moreover, the metabolic networks of MSA-OH(+), MSA-OH(-) and HC groups were also constructed and analyzed based on graph theory to find possible network-level changes in MSA patients with OH.

RESULTS

The SPM results showed significant hypometabolism in the pons and right cerebellar tonsil, as well as hypermetabolism in the left parahippocampal gyrus and left superior temporal gyrus in MSA-OH(+) compared with MSA-OH(-). A reduced 11C-CFT uptake in the left caudate was also shown in MSA-OH(+) compared with MSA-OH(-). In the network analysis, significantly reduced local efficiency and clustering coefficient were shown in MSA-OH(+) compared with HC, and decreased nodal centrality in the frontal gyrus was found in MSA-OH(+) compared with MSA-OH(-).

CONCLUSION

In this study, the changes in glucose metabolism in the pons, right cerebellar tonsil, left parahippocampal gyrus and left superior temporal gyrus were found closely related to OH in MSA patients. And the decreased presynaptic dopaminergic function in the left caudate may contribute to OH in MSA. Taken together, this study provided in vivo pathophysiologic information on MSA with OH from neuroimaging approach, which is essential for a better understanding of MSA with OH.

Non-Pharmacological Treatment of Autonomic Dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease and Other Synucleinopathies

Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction are prevalent and can be very debilitating, reducing the quality of life in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies such as dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy. Non-pharmacological therapies are key to effective management and are frequently used alone in patients with mild autonomic symptoms, or in combination with pharmacological therapies in patients with moderate and severe symptoms. This article focuses on non-pharmacological approaches. Our objective was to review the non-drug and non-surgical approaches to treating autonomic symptoms in patients with PD and other synucleinopathies, focusing on cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary autonomic dysfunction. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of non-pharmacological treatment for the management of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, supine hypertension, constipation, and bladder and sexual dysfunction is available. High-quality prospective trials are scarce, yet some non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., physical counter maneuvers) can be evaluated relatively quickly on an individual basis and often seem effective. The emerging variety of clinical presentations advocates for a stepwise, individualized, and non-pharmacological approach for the management of autonomic symptoms. Often, the first step is to reduce or discontinue drugs that cause or aggravate autonomic symptoms followed by lifestyle measures. While non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatments are available and, in many cases, effective to improve symptoms of autonomic dysfunction in PD and other synucleinopathies, they are often overlooked. Large randomized trials testing and comparing non-pharmacological approaches are warranted.

Longitudinal evolution of sleep disturbances in early multiple system atrophy: a 2-year prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The progression of sleep disturbances remains unclear in patients with early multiple system atrophy (MSA). We aimed to explore the frequency, severity, and coexistence of 2-year longitudinal changes of sleep disturbances including REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and Parkinson's disease-related sleep problems (PD-SP) in early MSA.

METHODS

MSA patients with a disease duration < 3 years were enrolled to complete a 2-year follow-up visit. Sleep disturbances including RBD, EDS, and PD-SP were assessed using the RBD Screening Questionnaire, Epworth sleepiness scale, and PD sleep scale-2, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 220 patients with MSA enrolled in the study and 90 patients completed the 2-year follow-up visit. The score of all three sleep disturbances significantly increased over the 2-year follow-up in MSA and MSA with the predominant parkinsonism group (all p < 0.05). The frequency of PD-SP (from 14.5 to 26.7%) and EDS (from 17.7 to 37.8%) was progressively increased (all p < 0.05) except for RBD (from 51.8 to 65.6%, p = 0.152) over the 2-year follow-up in MSA. The frequency of coexistence of two or three sleep disturbances also increased over time. The most common sleep disturbance was RBD, followed by EDS and PD-SP over the 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that the frequency of different types of sleep disturbances progressively increased except for RBD and the coexistence of two or three sleep disturbances became more common over time in early MSA. Our study suggested that the assessment and management of sleep disturbances should begin early in MSA.

A Review on the Clinical Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare, adult-onset, progressive neurodegenerative disorder with major diagnostic challenges. Aiming for a better diagnostic accuracy particularly at early disease stages, novel Movement Disorder Society criteria for the diagnosis of MSA (MDS MSA criteria) have been recently developed. They introduce a neuropathologically established MSA category and three levels of clinical diagnostic certainty including clinically established MSA, clinically probable MSA, and the research category of possible prodromal MSA. The diagnosis of clinically established and clinically probable MSA is based on the presence of cardiovascular or urological autonomic failure, parkinsonism (poorly L-Dopa-responsive for the diagnosis of clinically established MSA), and cerebellar syndrome. These core clinical features need to be associated with supportive motor and non-motor features (MSA red flags) and absence of any exclusion criteria. Characteristic brain MRI markers are required for a diagnosis of clinically established MSA. A research category of possible prodromal MSA is devised to capture patients manifesting with autonomic failure or REM sleep behavior disorder and only mild motor signs at the earliest disease stage. There is a number of promising laboratory markers for MSA that may help increase the overall clinical diagnostic accuracy. In this review, we will discuss the core and supportive clinical features for a diagnosis of MSA in light of the new MDS MSA criteria, which laboratory tools may assist in the clinical diagnosis and which major differential diagnostic challenges should be borne in mind.

Serum lipid levels are associated with orthostatic hypotension in multiple system atrophy patients

OBJECTIVES

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is one of the most important autonomic features of multiple system atrophy (MSA). This study was established to confirm the correlation between lipid levels and OH in MSA.

METHODS

A total of 580 patients with probable or possible MSA from neurological wards in six hospitals in Tianjin, Beijing, Hebei Province, and Henan Province, China, were included in this study. The tilt test or stand test was used to assess the severity of OH. Lipid contents, including total cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride were evaluated.

RESULTS

Serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride in MSA-OH patients were significantly lower than those in MSA without OH. The risks of OH were significantly higher in the lowest quartiles of triglyceride and LDL-C than in the highest quartiles, after adjusting for confounders (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.23-3.82, P = 0.008 and OR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.16-3.47, P = 0.012). The risk of severe OH was significantly higher in the lowest quartile and the second quartile of triglyceride than in the highest quartile after adjusting for confounders (OR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.20-3.87, P = 0.010 and OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.24-4.07, P = 0.007). Moreover, the risk of OH was significantly higher in the lowest quartile, and the third quartile of TC than in the highest quartile after adjusting for confounders (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.18-3.52, P = 0.010 and OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.19-3.56, P = 0.010).

CONCLUSION

Low levels of TC, LDL-C, and triglyceride increased the risk of OH in MSA. A low level of triglyceride predicted severe OH in MSA.

Persistent Orthostatic Hypotension Following Surgery for Adult Spinal Deformity: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Cardiovascular Evaluation

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

PURPOSE

To understand the prevalence of persistent orthostatic hypotension (POH), as well as its risk factors and cardiovascular pathology, in patients receiving surgery for the adult spinal deformity (ASD).

OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE

Although reports of the incidence of and risk factors for POH in different spinal disorders have recently been published, we are not aware of the comprehensive evaluation of POH following surgery for ASD.

METHODS

We examined medical records from a single central database for 65 patients receiving surgical treatment for ASD. Statistical comparisons were made between patients who experienced postoperative POH and those who did not, by examining patient and operative characteristics, such as age, sex, comorbidities, functional status, preoperative neurological function, vertebral fractures, three-column osteotomy, total operative time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, and radiographic parameters. The determinants of POH were assessed using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

We showed that postoperative POH was a complication of ASD surgery, with a 9% incidence rate. Patients with POH were statistically considerably more likely to require supported walkers due to partial paralysis and to have comorbidities including diabetes and neurodegenerative disease (ND). Furthermore, ND was an independent risk factor for postoperative POH (odds ratio, 4.073; 95% confidence interval, 1.094-8.362; p =0.020). Moreover, perioperative evaluation of the inferior vena cava showed that patients with postoperative POH had preoperative congestive heart failure and had hypovolemia lower postoperative diameter of the inferior vena cava than patients without POH.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative POH is a potential complication of ASD surgery. The most pertinent risk factor is having an ND. According to our study, patients who have surgery for ASD may experience alterations in their hemodynamics.

Diagnostic utility of movement disorder society criteria for multiple system atrophy

Background

The 2008 criteria for the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) has been widely used for more than 10 years, but the sensitivity is low, particularly for patients in the early stage. Recently, a new MSA diagnostic criteria was developed.

Objective

The objective of the study was to assess and compare the diagnostic utility of the new movement disorder society (MDS) MSA criteria with the 2008 MSA criteria.

Methods

This study included patients diagnosed with MSA between January 2016 and October 2021. All patients underwent regular face-to-face or telephonic follow-ups every year until October 2022. A total of 587 patients (309 males and 278 females) were retrospectively reviewed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of the MDS MSA criteria to that of the 2008 MSA criteria (determined by the proportion of patients categorized as established or probable MSA). Autopsy is the gold standard diagnosis of MSA, which is not available in clinical practice. Thus, we applied the 2008 MSA criteria at the last review as the reference standard.

Results

The sensitivity of the MDS MSA criteria (93.2%, 95% CI = 90.5-95.2%) was significantly higher than that of the 2008 MSA criteria (83.5%, 95% CI = 79.8-86.6%) (P < 0.001). Additionally, the sensitivity of the MDS MSA criteria was maintained robustly across different subgroups, defined by diagnostic subtype, disease duration, and the type of symptom[s] at onset. Importantly, the specificities were not significantly different between the MDS MSA criteria and the 2008 MSA criteria (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrated that the MDS MSA criteria exhibited good diagnostic utility for MSA. The new MDS MSA criteria should be considered as a useful diagnostic tool for clinical practice and future therapeutic trials.

Characteristics of Mild Cognitive Impairment and Associated Factors in MSA Patients

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in multiple-system atrophy (MSA) patients is common but remains poorly characterized, and the related factors are unclear. This retrospective study included 200 consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of possible or probable MSA, 102 MSA patients with MCI (MSA-MCI), and 98 MSA patients with normal cognition (MSA-NC). Cognitive profiles were compared between MSA-MCI and MSA-NC patients using the MoCA. In addition, demographic as well as major motor and nonmotor symptom differences were compared between MSA-MCI and MSA-NC patients. The median MMSE score was 26 points. Overall, MSA-MCI was observed in 51% of patients, with predominant impairment in visuospatial, executive, and attention functions compared with MSA-NC patients. MSA-MCI patients were older (p = 0.015) and had a later onset age (p = 0.024) and a higher frequency of hypertension, motor onset, and MSA with the predominant parkinsonism (MSA-P) phenotype than MSA-NC patients. The positive rate of orthostatic hypotension (OH) in MSA-MCI patients was significantly decreased and depression/anxiety was significantly increased compared with MSA-NC patients (p = 0.004). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that motor onset was independently associated with MCI in MSA patients. MSA-MCI patients had impairment in visuospatial, executive, and attention functions. More prominent memory impairment was observed in MSA-P than in MSA-C patients. Motor onset was independently associated with MCI in MSA patients. MCI was commonly presented in MSA with more prominent memory impairment in MSA-P. Future follow-up studies are warranted to identify more factors that influence cognitive impairment in MSA.

Pathological Validation of the MDS Criteria for the Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy

BACKGROUND

The recent International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society diagnostic criteria for multiple system atrophy (MDS-MSA) have been developed to improve diagnostic accuracy although their diagnostic properties have not been evaluated.

OBJECTIVES

The aims were to validate the MDS-MSA diagnostic criteria against neuropathological diagnosis and compare their diagnostic performance to previous criteria and diagnosis in clinical practice.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with sporadic, progressive, adult-onset parkinsonism, or cerebellar ataxia from the Queen Square Brain Bank between 2009 and 2019 were selected and divided based on neuropathological diagnosis into MSA and non-MSA. Medical records were systematically reviewed, and clinical diagnosis was documented by retrospectively applying the MDS-MSA criteria, second consensus criteria, and diagnosis according to treating clinicians at early (within 3 years of symptom onset) and final stages. Diagnostic parameters (sensitivity, specificity, positive/negative predictive value, and accuracy) were calculated using neuropathological diagnosis as gold standard and compared between different criteria.

RESULTS

Three hundred eighteen patients (103 MSA and 215 non-MSA) were included, comprising 248 patients with parkinsonism and 70 with cerebellar ataxia. Clinically probable MDS-MSA showed excellent sensitivity (95.1%), specificity (94.0%), and accuracy (94.3%), although their sensitivity at early stages was modest (62.1%). Clinically probable MDS-MSA outperformed diagnosis by clinicians and by second consensus criteria. Clinically established MDS-MSA showed perfect specificity (100%) even at early stages although to the detriment of low sensitivity. MDS-MSA diagnostic accuracy did not differ according to clinical presentation (ataxia vs. parkinsonism).

CONCLUSIONS

MDS-MSA criteria demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance against neuropathological diagnosis and are useful diagnostic tools for clinical practice and research. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

The differences of orthostatic hypotension in patients with Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy

Background

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease (PD) have similar clinical presentations in their early stages. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common autonomic dysfunction associated with MSA and PD. Heart rate (HR) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) changes are measured in response to the active standing test, which is widely used to screen for cardiovascular autonomic function.

Objectives and methods

Overall, 255 patients (67 MSA, 188 PD) underwent continuous beat-to-beat non-invasive BP monitoring and active standing test. The total standing time was 10 min, and the BP differences between both groups were compared to determine whether the ΔHR/ΔSBP can differentiate both conditions.

Results

Classical orthostatic hypotension (COH) (52%) and initial OH (19%) were most common in MSA and PD, respectively. MSA had a higher HR (75.0 ± 9.7 vs. 71.0 ± 10.7, P = 0.008) than PD in the supine position. SBP (135.70 ± 15.68 mmHg vs. 127.31 ± 15.14 mmHg, P = 0.106), diastolic BP (78.45 ± 12.36 mmHg vs. 67.15 ± 13.39 mmHg, P = 0.009) and HR (73.94 ± 8.39 bpm vs. 71.08 ± 13.52 bpm, P = 0.389) at baseline were higher in MSA-COH than in PD-COH. After adjusting for age and disease duration, the ΔHR/ΔSBP-10 min significantly discriminated MSA-COH from PD-COH (P = 0.031). An ΔHR/ΔSBP-10 min of 0.517 showed a sensitivity of 67% and specificity of 84% (AUC = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63-0.91).

Conclusion

The SBP, diastolic BP, and HR were higher in the supine position; however, ΔHR and ΔSBP were lower after standing in MSA patients than in PD patients. The ΔHR/ΔSBP-10 min discriminated between MSA-COH and PD-COH with quiet acceptable accuracy.

Orthostatic Hypotension in Multiple System Atrophy: Related Factors and Disease Prognosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by Parkinsonism, ataxia, and autonomic nervous failure. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is the main feature of central vascular autonomic failure in MSA.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed elucidate the effects of OH on cognitive function, disease milestones, and survival.

METHODS

A total of 444 patients with clinically established MSA were enrolled. Mild and severe OH were defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP)/diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >20/10 mmHg and SBP/DBP ≥30/15 mmHg, respectively.

RESULTS

In this study, 215 MSA patients presented without OH, 88 had mild OH, and 141 had severe OH. The proportion of MSA-C in the severe OH subgroup was significantly higher than that in the subgroup without OH (95/46 vs. 113/102, p = 0.021). The UMSARS I score and the frequency of supine hypertension (SH) in patients with OH were significantly higher than those in patients without OH (16.22 vs. 16.89 vs. 14.60, p < 0.001; 77/64 vs. 29/59 vs. 32/183, p < 0.001). Factors related to the severity of OH included sex (OR, 0.65; p = 0.031), onset age (OR, 0.98; p = 0.029), and SH (OR, 0.21; p < 0.001). The median survival time of patients with severe OH was significantly lower than that of patients without OH (6.79 vs. 8.13 years, p = 0.001). Consistently, Cox survival analysis found that compared with patients without OH, patients with severe OH had a significantly increased risk of death (OR, 2.22; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our large cohort study of MSA provides additional evidence for the negative impact of severe OH on survival.

Abnormal circadian blood pressure regulation and cognitive impairment in α-synucleinopathies

Circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythm is important for the maintenance of healthy daily life, and its disruption is associated with poor outcomes. Cardiovascular autonomic failure is often observed in older populations but has a greater impact on neurodegenerative disorders such as α-synucleinopathies. These BP abnormalities include orthostatic hypotension (OH), supine hypertension (SH), and a loss of nocturnal BP fall. OH not only causes falls or syncope but is also related to cognitive impairment in α-synucleinopathies. For example, OH doubles or triples the risk for the development of cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD). The diffuse central and peripheral neuropathology of α-synuclein may contribute to both OH and cognitive impairment. Moreover, repeated cerebral hypoperfusion in OH is thought to be related to cerebrovascular and neuronal damage, which may cause cognitive impairment. SH, which often coexists with OH, is also associated with cognitive impairment through cerebrovascular damage, such as white matter lesions and cerebral microbleeds. The reverse-dipping (riser) pattern on ambulatory BP monitoring is commonly observed in PD (∼56%), regardless of disease duration and severity. It is also related to cognitive impairment and more pronounced when coexisting with OH. These abnormal circadian BP profiles may be synergistically associated with cognitive impairment and poor outcomes in α-synucleinopathies. Although evidence for aggressive control of BP dysregulation improving cognitive impairment and outcomes is limited, regular BP monitoring appears to be important for total management of α-synucleinopathies.

The Movement Disorder Society Criteria for the Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy

BACKGROUND

The second consensus criteria for the diagnosis of multiple system atrophy (MSA) are widely recognized as the reference standard for clinical research, but lack sensitivity to diagnose the disease at early stages.

OBJECTIVE

To develop novel Movement Disorder Society (MDS) criteria for MSA diagnosis using an evidence-based and consensus-based methodology.

METHODS

We identified shortcomings of the second consensus criteria for MSA diagnosis and conducted a systematic literature review to answer predefined questions on clinical presentation and diagnostic tools relevant for MSA diagnosis. The criteria were developed and later optimized using two Delphi rounds within the MSA Criteria Revision Task Force, a survey for MDS membership, and a virtual Consensus Conference.

RESULTS

The criteria for neuropathologically established MSA remain unchanged. For a clinical MSA diagnosis a new category of clinically established MSA is introduced, aiming for maximum specificity with acceptable sensitivity. A category of clinically probable MSA is defined to enhance sensitivity while maintaining specificity. A research category of possible prodromal MSA is designed to capture patients in the earliest stages when symptoms and signs are present, but do not meet the threshold for clinically established or clinically probable MSA. Brain magnetic resonance imaging markers suggestive of MSA are required for the diagnosis of clinically established MSA. The number of research biomarkers that support all clinical diagnostic categories will likely grow.

CONCLUSIONS

This set of MDS MSA diagnostic criteria aims at improving the diagnostic accuracy, particularly in early disease stages. It requires validation in a prospective clinical and a clinicopathological study. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Ambulatory blood pressure and drug treatment for orthostatic hypotension as predictors of mortality in patients with Multiple System Atrophy

OBJECTIVES

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia and autonomic failure. This study aimed at investigating possible associations between mortality, 24H blood pressure (BP) level and variability, and drug treatments for orthostatic hypotension (OH) in MSA patients.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-nine patients followed at the French Reference Center for MSA who underwent routine 24H ambulatory BP monitoring, were included. Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS) scores, drug treatments and the occurrence and cause of death were recorded.

RESULTS

Seventy patients died during follow-up (2.9±1.8 years), mainly from terminal illness, pulmonary or sudden death. Multivariate Cox regression analysis, after adjustment for gender, disease duration and severity (UMSARS I+II score), showed that increased daytime systolic BP variability, OH severity and OH drug treatment were independently correlated with mortality. OH treatment was associated with the risk of cardiac causes and/or sudden death (p=0.01). In a fully adjusted model, male gender [(female vs male) Hazard ratio (HR): 0.56 95% CI [0.34-0.94] p=0.03], UMSARS I+II score [HR: 1.04 95% CI [1.02-1.06] p<0.01], systolic BP daytime variability [HR: 3.66 95% CI (1.46-9.17 p<0.01] and OH treatment [HR: 2.13 95 % CI [1.15- 3.94]; p=0.02] predicted mortality.

CONCLUSION

Increased daytime BP variability and OH treatment were predictive of mortality in patients with MSA, independently from disease severity. Further studies are required to assess if these associations are explained by more severe autonomic dysfunction or if OH treatment exposes "per se" to a specific risk in this population.

Recommendations for tilt table testing and other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests in conditions that may cause transient loss of consciousness : Consensus statement of the European Federation of Autonomic Societies (EFAS) endorsed by the American Autonomic Society (AAS) and the European Academy of Neurology (EAN)

An expert committee was formed to reach consensus on the use of tilt table testing (TTT) in the diagnosis of disorders that may cause transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) and to outline when other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests are needed. While TTT adds to history taking, it cannot be a substitute for it. An abnormal TTT result is most meaningful if the provoked event is recognised by patients or eyewitnesses as similar to spontaneous events. The minimum requirements to perform TTT are a tilt table, a continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure monitor, at least one ECG lead, protocols for the indications stated below and trained staff. This basic equipment lends itself to the performance of (1) additional provocation tests, such as the active standing test, carotid sinus massage and autonomic function tests; (2) additional measurements, such as video, EEG, transcranial Doppler, NIRS, end-tidal CO2 or neuro-endocrine tests; and (3) tailor-made provocation procedures in those with a specific and consistent trigger of TLOC. TTT and other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests are indicated if the initial evaluation does not yield a definite or highly likely diagnosis, but raises a suspicion of (1) reflex syncope, (2) the three forms of orthostatic hypotension (OH), i.e. initial, classic and delayed OH, as well as delayed orthostatic blood pressure recovery, (3) postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or (4) psychogenic pseudosyncope. A therapeutic indication for TTT is to teach patients with reflex syncope and OH to recognise hypotensive symptoms and to perform physical counter manoeuvres.

Recommendations for tilt table testing and other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests in conditions that may cause transient loss of consciousness : Consensus statement of the European Federation of Autonomic Societies (EFAS) endorsed by the American Autonomic Society (AAS) and the European Academy of Neurology (EAN)

An expert committee was formed to reach consensus on the use of Tilt Table Testing (TTT) in the diagnosis of disorders that may cause transient loss of consciousness (TLOC) and to outline when other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests are needed. While TTT adds to history taking, it cannot be a substitute for it. An abnormal TTT result is most meaningful if the provoked event is recognised by patients or eyewitnesses as similar to spontaneous ones. The minimum requirements to perform TTT are a tilt table, a continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure monitor, at least one ECG lead, protocols for the indications stated below and trained staff. This basic equipment lends itself to perform (1) additional provocation tests, such as the active standing test carotid sinus massage and autonomic function tests; (2) additional measurements, such as video, EEG, transcranial Doppler, NIRS, end-tidal CO₂ or neuro-endocrine tests; (3) tailor-made provocation procedures in those with a specific and consistent trigger of TLOC. TTT and other provocative cardiovascular autonomic tests are indicated if the initial evaluation does not yield a definite or highly likely diagnosis, but raises a suspicion of (1) reflex syncope, (2) the three forms of orthostatic hypotension (OH), i.e. initial, classic and delayed OH, as well as delayed orthostatic blood pressure recovery, (3) postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or (4) psychogenic pseudosyncope. A therapeutic indication for TTT is to teach patients with reflex syncope and OH to recognise hypotensive symptoms and to perform physical counter manoeuvres.

Pathological laughter and crying in multiple system atrophy with different subtypes: Frequency and related factors

OBJECTIVE

The current study was aimed at examining the frequency of and potential factors related to pathological laughter and crying (PLC) in multiple system atrophy (MSA) as well as evaluating the impact of PLC on the survival of patients with early stage MSA.

METHODS

A total of 465 MSA patients were enrolled in the study. The binary logistic regression model was used to explore the potential factors related to PLC. Altogether, 142 patients in their early stage (disease duration ≤3 years), who were followed up for at least two years, were included in the propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. A Cox regression model was used to analyze the impact of PLC on the survival of patients with early stage MSA.

RESULTS

The frequency of PLC was 12.7%, 12.0%, and 13.2% in MSA, MSA-parkinsonian subtype (MSA-P), and MSA-cerebellar type (MSA-C), respectively. The binary logistic regression model indicated that younger age and higher total UMSARS scores were associated with PLC in MSA, MSA-P, and MSA-C patients. Additionally, for patients in the early stage, it was found that PLC was not a predictor for mortality in MSA, as indicated by the multivariate Cox regression model.

CONCLUSION

PLC was not uncommon in patients with MSA, MSA-P, and MSA-C. Younger age and greater disease severity were associated with PLC in MSA, MSA-P, and MSA-C patients. PLC was not a predictor of mortality in patients with MSA.

Can Autonomic Testing and Imaging Contribute to the Early Diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy? A Systematic Review and Recommendations by the Movement Disorder Society Multiple System Atrophy Study Group

Background

In the current consensus diagnostic criteria, the diagnosis of probable multiple system atrophy (MSA) is based solely on clinical findings, whereas neuroimaging findings are listed as aid for the diagnosis of possible MSA. There are overlapping phenotypes between MSA-parkinsonian type and Parkinson's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and dementia with Lewy bodies, and between MSA-cerebellar type and sporadic adult-onset ataxia resulting in a significant diagnostic delay and misdiagnosis of MSA during life.

Objectives

In light of an ongoing effort to revise the current consensus criteria for MSA, the Movement Disorders Society Multiple System Atrophy Study Group performed a systematic review of original articles published before August 2019.

Methods

We included articles that studied at least 10 patients with MSA as well as participants with another disorder or control group for comparison purposes. MSA was defined by neuropathological confirmation, or as clinically probable, or clinically probable plus possible according to consensus diagnostic criteria.

Results

We discuss the pitfalls and benefits of each diagnostic test and provide specific recommendations on how to evaluate patients in whom MSA is suspected.

Conclusions

This systematic review of relevant studies indicates that imaging and autonomic function tests significantly contribute to increasing the accuracy of a diagnosis of MSA.

An update on MSA: premotor and non-motor features open a window of opportunities for early diagnosis and intervention

In this review, we describe the wide clinical spectrum of features that can be seen in multiple system atrophy (MSA) with a focus on the premotor phase and the non-motor symptoms providing an up-to-date overview of the current understanding in this fast-growing field. First, we highlight the non-motor features at disease onset when MSA can be indistinguishable from pure autonomic failure or other chronic neurodegenerative conditions. We describe the progression of clinical features to aid the diagnosis of MSA early in the disease course. We go on to describe the levels of diagnostic certainty and we discuss MSA subtypes that do not fit into the current diagnostic criteria, highlighting the complexity of the disease as well as the need for revised diagnostic tools. Second, we describe the pathology, clinical description, and investigations of cardiovascular autonomic failure, urogenital and sexual dysfunction, orthostatic hypotension, and respiratory and REM-sleep behavior disorders, which may precede the motor presentation by months or years. Their presence at presentation, even in the absence of ataxia and parkinsonism, should be regarded as highly suggestive of the premotor phase of MSA. Finally, we discuss how the recognition of the broader spectrum of clinical features of MSA and especially the non-motor features at disease onset represent a window of opportunity for disease-modifying interventions.

Difference in cardiovascular response during orthostatic stress in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy

Although orthostatic hypotension is more prominent in multiple system atrophy (MSA) than in Parkinson's disease (PD), there is no study comparing the degree of decrease in total peripheral resistance and cardiac response during orthostatic stress between both diseases. In this study, we examined whether there is a difference in cardiovascular response between MSA and PD. We examined the results of the head-up tilt test in 68 patients with MSA, 28 patients with cardiac non-denervated PD, and 70 patients with cardiac denervated PD whose total peripheral resistance after 60° tilting was lower than the value at 0°. Differences in cardiac output and blood pressure changes were compared against the decrease in total peripheral resistance. There was no difference in the degree of decrease in total peripheral resistance among the three groups. However, the slope of the regression line revealed that the increase in cardiac output against the change in total peripheral resistance was significantly lower in the MSA group than in the cardiac non-denervated and denervated PD groups, and that the decrease in systolic blood pressure against the change in total peripheral resistance was significantly greater in the MSA group than in the cardiac non-denervated and denervated PD groups. In MSA, the cardiac response during orthostatic stress is lower than that in PD, possibly underlying the fact that orthostatic hypotension is more prominent in MSA than in PD.

Cardiovascular Safety Considerations in the Treatment of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH), a drop in blood pressure upon standing resulting from autonomic malfunction, may cause debilitating symptoms that can affect independence in daily activities and quality-of-life. nOH may also be associated with cardiovascular comorbidities (e.g., supine hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and arrhythmias), making treatment decisions complicated and requiring management that should be based on a patient's cardiovascular profile. Additionally, drugs used to treat the cardiovascular disorders (e.g., vasodilators, β-blockers) can exacerbate nOH and concomitant symptoms. When orthostatic symptoms are severe and not effectively managed with nonpharmacologic strategies (e.g., water ingestion, abdominal compression), droxidopa or midodrine may be effective. Droxidopa may be less likely than midodrine to exacerbate supine hypertension, based on conclusions of a limited meta-analysis. In conclusion, treating nOH in patients with cardiovascular conditions requires a balance between symptom relief and minimizing adverse outcomes.

Prevalence of Orthostatic Hypotension and the Distribution of Pressure Variation in the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health

Fundamento

A hipotensão ortostática (HO) tem sido negligenciada na clínica não havendo estudos sobre sua prevalência na população brasileira.

Objetivo

Determinar a prevalência de HO e a variação da pressão arterial (PA) após manobra postural no Estudo Longitudinal da Saúde do Adulto.

Métodos

No presente estudo descritivo da linha de base (N = 14.833 indivíduos, 35-74 anos), os participantes ficavam deitados por 20 minutos e então levantavam ativamente, com a medida da PA em supino e aos 2, 3, e 5 minutos de ortostase. A HO foi definida por queda ≥ 20 mmHg na PA sistólica e/ou queda ≥ 10 mmHg na PA diastólica aos 3 minutos, sendo determinada a sua prevalência com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC_95%). A distribuição da variação da PA após a manobra postural foi determinada numa subamostra (N = 8.011) após remoção de participantes com morbidade cardiovascular e/ou diabetes.

Resultados

A prevalência de HO foi de 2,0% (IC_95%: 1,8 – 2,3), crescente com a idade. Se o critério for a mesma queda pressórica em qualquer das medidas, a prevalência aumenta para 4,3% (IC_95%: 4,0 – 4,7). Em presença de HO houve relato de sintomas (tontura, escotomas, náuseas, etc.) em 19,7% dos participantes (IC_95%: 15,6 – 24,6) e em apenas 1,4% (IC_95%: 1,2 – 1,6) dos sem HO. Os escores-Z −2 das variações da PA antes e após manobra postural na subamostra foram de −14,1 mmHg na PA sistólica e −5,4 mmHg na diastólica.

Conclusão

A prevalência de HO varia em função do momento da aferição da PA. Os pontos de corte atuais podem subestimar a ocorrência de HO na população. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(6):1040-1048)

Central auditory processing in parkinsonian disorders: A systematic review

Altered auditory processing has been increasingly recognized as a non-motor feature in parkinsonian disorders. This systematic review provides an overview of behavioral and electrophysiological literature on central auditory processing in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). A systematic database search was conducted and yielded 88 studies that met the intelligibility criteria. The collected data revealed distinct impairments in a range of central auditory processes in PD, including altered deviance detection of basic auditory features, auditory brainstem processing, auditory gating and selective auditory attention. In contrast to PD, literature on central auditory processing in atypical parkinsonian disorders was relatively scarce, but provided some evidence for impaired central auditory processing in MSA and PSP. The interpretation of these findings is discussed and suggestions for further research are offered.

Iatrogenic hypertension: a bioinformatic analysis

It is well known that a myriad of medications and substances can induce side effects that are related to blood pressure (BP) regulation. This study aims to investigate why certain drugs tend to cause iatrogenic hypertension (HTN) and focus on drug targets that are implicated in these conditions.Databases and resources such as SIDER, DrugBank, and Genomatix were utilized in order to bioinformatically investigate HTN-associated drug target-genes for which HTN is a side effect. A tree-like map was created, representing interactions between 198 human genes that relate to the blood pressure system. 72 HTN indicated drugs and 160 HTN-inducing drugs were investigated. HTN-associated genes affected by these drugs were identified. HTN indicated drugs, which target nearly all branches of the interaction tree, were shown to exert an effect on most functional sub-systems of the BP regulatory system; and specifically, for the adrenergic and dopaminergic receptor pathways. High prevalence (25 genes) of shared targets between the HTN indicated and HTN-inducing drug categories was demonstrated. We focus on six drug families which are not indicated for HTN treatment, yet are reported as a major cause for blood pressure side effects. We show the molecular mechanisms that may lead to this iatrogenic effect. Such an analysis may have clinical implications that could allow for the development of tailored medicine with fewer side effects.

Possible multiple system atrophy with predominant parkinsonism in a patient with chronic schizophrenia: a case report

BACKGROUND

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult-onset, rare, and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by a varying combination of autonomic failure, cerebellar ataxia, and parkinsonism. MSA is categorized as MSA-P with predominant parkinsonism, and as MSA-C with predominant cerebellar features. The prevalence of MSA has been reported to be between 1.86 and 4.9 cases per 100,000 individuals. In contrast, approximately 1% of the population is affected by schizophrenia during their lifetime; therefore, MSA-P comorbidity is very rare in schizophrenic patients. However, when the exacerbation or progression of parkinsonism occurs in patients with schizophrenia treated with antipsychotics, it is necessary to consider rare neurodegenerative disorders, including MSA-P, in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 60-year-old female patient with chronic schizophrenia developed possible MSA-P. She had been treated mainly with typical antipsychotics, and presented with urinary incontinence, nocturnal polyuria, and dysarthria around 2011. In 2014, she developed worsening parkinsonian symptoms and autonomic dysfunction. Although her antipsychotic medication was switched to an atypical antipsychotic and the dose reduced, her parkinsonism was not improved. In 2015, modified electroconvulsive therapy produced slight improvements in the symptoms; however, she shortly returned to her symptomatic state. A combination of cardiac ¹²³I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy and ¹²³I-FP-CIT single-photon emission computed tomography imaging, in addition to brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, helped to discriminate MSA-P from other sources of parkinsonism. L-dopa had been prescribed, but she responded poorly and died in the spring of 2016.

CONCLUSIONS

This case report highlights the importance of considering MSA-P in the differential diagnosis for parkinsonism in a patient being treated with antipsychotics for chronic schizophrenia. MSA-P should be considered in patients presenting with worsening and progressing parkinsonism, especially when accompanied by autonomic dysfunction or cerebellar ataxia. Although a definite diagnosis of MSA-P requires autopsy confirmation, a combination of brain magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine scans may help to differentiate suspected MSA-P from the other parkinsonian syndromes. This case also demonstrates that MSA with parkinsonism that is poorly responsive to L-dopa may improve shortly after modified electroconvulsive therapy without worsening psychiatric symptoms.

Consensus statement on the definition of neurogenic supine hypertension in cardiovascular autonomic failure by the American Autonomic Society (AAS) and the European Federation of Autonomic Societies (EFAS) : Endorsed by the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) and the European Society of Hypertension (ESH)

PURPOSE

Patients suffering from cardiovascular autonomic failure often develop neurogenic supine hypertension (nSH), i.e., high blood pressure (BP) in the supine position, which falls in the upright position owing to impaired autonomic regulation. A committee was formed to reach consensus among experts on the definition and diagnosis of nSH in the context of cardiovascular autonomic failure.

METHODS

As a first and preparatory step, a systematic search of PubMed-indexed literature on nSH up to January 2017 was performed. Available evidence derived from this search was discussed in a consensus expert round table meeting in Innsbruck on February 16, 2017. Statements originating from this meeting were further discussed by representatives of the American Autonomic Society and the European Federation of Autonomic Societies and are summarized in the document presented here. The final version received the endorsement of the European Academy of Neurology and the European Society of Hypertension.

RESULTS

In patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, nSH is defined as systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg, measured after at least 5 min of rest in the supine position. Three severity degrees are recommended: mild, moderate and severe. nSH may also be present during nocturnal sleep, with reduced-dipping, non-dipping or rising nocturnal BP profiles with respect to mean daytime BP values. Home BP monitoring and 24-h-ambulatory BP monitoring provide relevant information for a customized clinical management.

CONCLUSIONS

The establishment of expert-based criteria to define nSH should standardize diagnosis and allow a better understanding of its epidemiology, prognosis and, ultimately, treatment.

Orthostatic hypotension for the cardiologist

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Orthostatic hypotension is a phenomenon commonly encountered in a cardiologist's clinical practice that has significant diagnostic and prognostic value for a cardiologist. Given the mounting evidence associating cardiovascular morbidity and mortality with orthostatic hypotension, cardiologists will play an increasing role in treating and managing patients with orthostatic hypotension.

RECENT FINDINGS

The American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and Heart Rhythm Society recently published consensus guidelines on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of syncope and their instigators, including orthostatic hypotension. Additionally, consensus guidelines have also been recently updated, reinforcing the universal definition orthostatic hypotension and its closely associated pathologies. Finally, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved droxidopa, a synthetic oral norepinephrine prodrug, in 2014 for the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH), and it represents a well tolerated, effective, and easy to use intervention for nOH. This represents only the second drug approved by the FDA for orthostatic hypotension, the first being midodrine in 1986. A handful of smaller head-to-head studies have pitted not only pharmacologic agents to one another but also nonpharmacologic interventions to pharmacologic agents. Additionally, recent studies have also reported on more convenient screening tools for orthostatic hypotension.

SUMMARY

Though there have been many advances in the management of orthostatic hypotension, nOH remains a chronic, debilitating, and often progressively fatal condition. Cardiologists can play a very important role in optimizing hemodynamics in this patient population to improve quality of life and minimize cardiovascular risk.

Multiple System Atrophy: An Oligodendroglioneural Synucleinopathy1

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an orphan, fatal, adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder of uncertain etiology that is clinically characterized by various combinations of parkinsonism, cerebellar, autonomic, and motor dysfunction. MSA is an α-synucleinopathy with specific glioneuronal degeneration involving striatonigral, olivopontocerebellar, and autonomic nervous systems but also other parts of the central and peripheral nervous systems. The major clinical variants correlate with the morphologic phenotypes of striatonigral degeneration (MSA-P) and olivopontocerebellar atrophy (MSA-C). While our knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of this devastating disease is still incomplete, updated consensus criteria and combined fluid and imaging biomarkers have increased its diagnostic accuracy. The neuropathologic hallmark of this unique proteinopathy is the deposition of aberrant α-synuclein in both glia (mainly oligodendroglia) and neurons forming glial and neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions that cause cell dysfunction and demise. In addition, there is widespread demyelination, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. The pathogenesis of MSA is characterized by propagation of misfolded α-synuclein from neurons to oligodendroglia and cell-to-cell spreading in a "prion-like" manner, oxidative stress, proteasomal and mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of myelin lipids, decreased neurotrophic factors, neuroinflammation, and energy failure. The combination of these mechanisms finally results in a system-specific pattern of neurodegeneration and a multisystem involvement that are specific for MSA. Despite several pharmacological approaches in MSA models, addressing these pathogenic mechanisms, no effective neuroprotective nor disease-modifying therapeutic strategies are currently available. Multidisciplinary research to elucidate the genetic and molecular background of the deleterious cycle of noxious processes, to develop reliable biomarkers and targets for effective treatment of this hitherto incurable disorder is urgently needed.

Multiple System Atrophy - State of the Art

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare and fatal neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by a variable combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar impairment, and autonomic dysfunction. Some symptomatic treatments are available while neuroprotection or disease-modification remain unmet treatment needs. The pathologic hallmark is the accumulation of aggregated alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in oligodendrocytes forming glial cytoplasmic inclusions, which qualifies MSA as synucleinopathy together with Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Despite progress in our understanding of the pathogenesis of MSA, the origin of α-syn aggregates in oligodendrocytes is still a matter of an ongoing debate. We critically review here studies published in the field over the past 5 years dealing with pathogenesis, genetics, clinical signs, biomarker for improving diagnostic accuracy, and treatment development.

Prediction of orthostatic hypotension in multiple system atrophy and Parkinson disease

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is common in multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson disease (PD), generally assessed through a lying-to-standing orthostatic test. However, standing blood pressure may not be available due to orthostatic intolerance or immobilization for such patients. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were successively measured in supine, sitting, and standing positions in patients with MSA and PD. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate diagnostic performance of the drops of sitting SBP or DBP. OH and severe OH were respectively regarded as “gold standard”. The drops of SBP in standing position were associated with increased disease severity for MSA and correlated with age for PD. In MSA group, drops in sitting SBP ≥ 14 mmHg or DBP ≥ 6 mmHg had highest validity for prediction of OH, and drops in sitting SBP ≥ 18 mmHg or DBP ≥ 8 mmHg for severe OH. In PD group, drops in sitting SBP ≥ 10 mmHg or DBP ≥ 6 mmHg had highest validity for prediction of OH. The lying-to-sitting orthostatic test is an alternative method for detection of OH in MSA and PD, especially when standing BP could not be validly measured due to various reasons.

Supine hypertension in Parkinson's disease and multiple system atrophy

OBJECTIVE

Supine hypertension (SH) is a feature of cardiovascular autonomic failure that often accompanies orthostatic hypotension and may represent a negative prognostic factor in parkinsonian syndromes. Here we investigated the frequency rate as well as the clinical and tilt test correlates of SH in Parkinson's disease (PD) and multiple system atrophy (MSA).

METHODS

197 PD (33 demented) and 78 MSA (24 MSA-Cerebellar, 54 MSA-Parkinsonian) patients who had undergone a tilt test examination were retrospectively included. Clinical-demographic characteristics were collected from clinical records at the time of the tilt test examination.

RESULTS

SH (>140 mmHg systolic, >90 mmHg diastolic) occurred in 34 % of PD patients (n = 66, mild in 71 % of patients, moderate in 27 %, severe in 2 %) and 37 % of MSA ones (n = 29, mild in 55 % of patients, moderate in 17 %, severe in 28 %). No difference was observed in SH frequency between demented versus gender-, age- and disease duration-matched non-demented PD patients, or between patients with the parkinsonian (MSA-P) versus the cerebellar (MSA-C) variant of MSA. In PD, SH was associated with presence of cardiovascular comorbidities (p = 0.002) and greater systolic (p = 0.007) and diastolic (p = 0.002) orthostatic blood pressure fall. Orthostatic hypotension (p = 0.002), and to a lesser degree, lower daily dopaminergic intake (p = 0.01) and use of anti-hypertensive medications (p = 0.04) were associated with SH in MSA.

INTERPRETATION

One-third of PD and MSA patients suffer from mild to severe SH, independently of age, disease duration or stage. In PD, cardiovascular comorbidities significantly contribute to the development of SH, while in MSA, SH appears to reflect cardiovascular autonomic failure.