Management of Orthostatic Hypotension in Parkinson's Disease

Abnormal brain-heart electrophysiology in mild and severe orthostatic hypotension

INTRODUCTION

This study investigated the changes in cardiocerebral electrophysiology in patients with mild orthostatic hypotension (MOH) and severe orthostatic hypotension (SOH) and their relationship with the severity of orthostatic hypotension, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive dysfunction.

METHODS

This study included 72 nonorthostatic hypotension (NOH), 17 with MOH, and 11 with SOH. Seated resting-state heart rate variability (HRV) and quantitative electroencephalogram parameters were synchronized and recorded. HRV measures in the time and frequency domains were analyzed, along with the peak frequency and power of the brain waves.

RESULTS

Abnormal neuronal activity was found in FP1 in patients with MOH, whereas it was more widespread in FP1, FP2, and O2 in patients with SOH (P < 0.05). Cardiac and cerebral electrophysiological abnormalities were significantly associated with orthostatic hypotension severity, psychiatric symptoms, and cognitive dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal EEG activity in patients are mainly manifested in the prefrontal and occipital lobes, especially in patients with SOH. These results may help patients to better understand the mechanisms underlying orthostatic hypotension severity and psychiatric and cognitive impairment in orthostatic hypotension.

Increased adrenocortical activity in patients with vasovagal syncope

OBJECTIVE

Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness resulting from cerebral hypoperfusion. Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a form of orthostatic intolerance (OI). Its clinical signs such as dizziness and hypotension may mimic symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adrenal gland function in patients with vasovagal syncope after stimulation with synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

DESIGN

Case-control study on patients with VVS and healthy controls.

METHODS

The study involved 42 participants, including 27 patients diagnosed with VVS using the head-up tilt test and 15 healthy individuals with no history of syncope or any orthostatic symptoms. Serum cortisol and aldosterone concentrations were measured under basal conditions and at 30 and 60 min after intramuscular ACTH stimulation.

RESULTS

Patients with VVS had significantly higher cortisol levels at baseline (441 ± 143 vs. 331 ± 84.7 nmol/L, p = 0.01), at 30 min (802 ± 143 vs. 686 ± 105 nmol/L, p = 0.01) and at 60 min (931 ± 141 nmol/L vs. 793 ± 147 nmol/L, p = 0.001) after ACTH administration (Synacthen 250 μg). Plasma aldosterone increased after ACTH stimulation, but did not show significant differences among groups. Furthermore, there was also no significant correlation between cortisol levels and blood pressure or heart rate.

CONCLUSION

Patients diagnosed with VVS have higher cortisol levels both at baseline and after ACTH stimulation. This finding indicates that individuals with VVS have higher adrenocortical activity potentially as a response to the orthostatic stress induced by syncope, which acts as a stressful stimulus on the autonomic nervous system.

Pyridostigmine for the Management of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension: A Systemic Review

BACKGROUND

Pyridostigmine is hypothesized to improve neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) symptoms without causing or exacerbating supine hypertension. The objective of this review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pyridostigmine for management of nOH.

METHODS

A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL was performed in December 2023 for prospective trials with a placebo or active comparator.

RESULTS

Four randomized and two non-randomized studies were reviewed. Three studies utilizing a single dose, crossover design found significant differences of orthostatics using adjunctive pyridostigmine. Two studies assessing longer-term endpoints demonstrated conflicting efficacy of pyridostigmine with one trial finding significant improvement in orthostatics and symptoms after three months of therapy. Use of pyridostigmine did not lead to supine hypertension with most adverse effects being cholinergic.

CONCLUSION

Pyridostigmine may be considered as an adjunctive medication in individuals with nOH refractory to standard treatment options as it carries a favorable safety profile with low risk for supine hypertension.

Short term cardiovascular symptoms improvement after deep brain stimulation in patients with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Autonomic dysfunction is common and disabling in Parkinson's disease (PD). The effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on the cardiovascular system in PD remain poorly understood. We aimed to assess the effect of DBS on cardiovascular symptoms and objective measures in PD patients.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE.

RESULTS

36 out of 472 studies were included, mostly involving DBS of the subthalamic nucleus, and to a lesser extent the globus pallidus pars interna and pedunculopontine nucleus. Seventeen studies evaluated the effect of DBS on patient-reported or clinician-rated cardiovascular symptoms, showing an improvement in the first year after surgery but not with longer-term follow-up. DBS has no clear direct effects on blood pressure during an orthostatic challenge (n = 10 studies). DBS has inconsistent effects on heart rate variability (n = 10 studies).

CONCLUSION

Current evidence on the impact of DBS on cardiovascular functions in PD is inconclusive. DBS may offer short-term improvement of cardiovascular symptoms in PD, particularly orthostatic hypotension, which may be attributed to dopaminergic medication reduction after surgery. There is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions on the direct effect of DBS on blood pressure and heart rate variability.

The correlation of orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson disease with the disease course and severity and its impact on quality of life

We investigated the correlation of orthostatic hypotension (OH) in Parkinson disease (PD) with the disease course and severity, and its possible impact on quality of life. 171 PD patients were recruited and divided into the PD-NOH (n = 91) and PD-OH groups (n = 80). Clinical data were collected. The severity and quality of life of PD patients were evaluated. The impact of disease severity was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The ROC curve was plotted. There were significant differences (P < .05) between PD-NOH and PD-OH groups in terms of the disease course, non-motor symptoms (somnipathy), Hoehn&Yahr stage, LEDD score, RBDSQ score, PDQ-39 score, MMSE score, MoCA, MDS-UPDRS Part III scores during off- and on-periods, and NMSS score. Hoehn&Yahr stage (OR 4.950, 95% CI 1.516-16.157, P = .008) was closely associated with the risk of OH in PD. PDQ-39 score (OR 1.079, 95% CI 1.033-1.127, P = .001) in PD patients with OH further decreased. Patients with PD-OH experienced severe impairment in 4 dimensions of quality of life, including motor function, cognitive function, physical discomfort, and activities of daily living. Different clinical symptoms of PD-OH were positively correlated with PDQ39 subscales. The area under the ROC curve of the Hoehn&Yahr stage in predicting the occurrence of OH was 0.679 (95% CI 0.600-0.758), and that of the Hoehn&Yahr stage combined with levodopa equivalent dose, and MDS-UPDRS Part III score during off-period was 0.793 (95% CI 0.727-0.862). Higher Hoehn&Yahr stage is associated with increased risk of OH in PD patients, and deteriorated quality of life of PD patients. Patients with different OH symptoms are affected in different dimensions of their quality of life. The Hoehn & Yahr stage can independently predict the risk of OH in PD patients.

Sex-related differences in the clinical presentation of multiple system atrophy

PURPOSE

To investigate sex-related differences in the clinical presentation of multiple system atrophy (MSA) through a literature review and an analysis of a retrospective cohort.

METHODS

The PubMed database was searched for articles including sex-related information in MSA. In a retrospective Innsbruck cohort, we investigated the baseline to last available follow-up clinical-demographic differences between men and women with MSA in a univariate fashion, followed by multivariable binary regression analysis.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 46 publications with sex-related information in MSA. Most studies found comparable survival rates between the sexes, while some recent reports suggested a potential survival benefit for women, possibly due to initial motor onset and overall less severe autonomic failure compared to men. The retrospective Innsbruck MSA cohort comprised 56 female and 60 male individuals with a comparable median follow-up of 27 months. At baseline, female sex was independently associated with depression (odds ratio [OR] 4.7; p = 0.007) and male sex with severe orthostatic hypotension (OR 5.5; p = 0.016). In addition, at last follow-up, female sex was associated with the intake of central nervous system-active drugs (OR 4.1; p = 0.029), whereas male sex was associated with the presence of supine hypertension (OR 3.0; p = 0.020) and the intake of antihypertensive medications (OR 8.7; p = 0.001). Male sex was also associated with initiation of antihypertensive medications over the observation period (OR 12.4; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The available literature and findings of the present study indicate sex-related differences in the clinical presentation of MSA and its evolution over time, highlighting the importance of considering sex in symptom exploration, therapeutic decision-making, and future clinical trial design.

Monitoring autonomic responses in Parkinson's disease individuals: non-linear and chaotic global metrics of heart rate variability

AIM

To examine and compare the autonomic responses, as assessed through the non-linear and chaotic global metrics of heart rate variability in two groups: the Parkinson's Disease Group (PDG) and the Control Group (CG), both at rest and during an active tilt test.

METHODS

The study encompassed 46 participants (PDG: n = 23; 73.73 ± 7.28 years old; CG: n = 23; 70.17 ± 8.20 years old). Initial data collection involved the acquisition of participant's characteristics. The autonomic modulation was estimated both at rest and during the active tilt test. For this assessment, we computed non-linear indices derived from five entropies (Approximate, Sample, Shannon, Renyi, Tsallis), Detrended Fluctuation Analysis and the seven chaotic global metrics (hsCFP1-hsCFP7).

RESULTS

At rest, the PDG exhibited lower values of hsCFP3 (0.818 ± 0.116 vs. 0.904 ± 0.065; p < 0.05) and Sample Entropy (0.720 ± 0.149 vs. 0.799 ± 0.171; p < 0.05). During the test, the PDG demonstrated lower values of ApEn, while the CG presented lower values of SampEn, hsCFP1, hsCFP3, hsCFP7, and higher values of hsCFP5. An interaction was observed, indicating that hsCFP1 and hsCFP3 exhibit differential behavior for the CG and PDG in response to the test.

CONCLUSION

subjects with PD exhibited reduced complexity of the RR interval series at rest, and a diminished autonomic response to the active tilt test when compared with the CG. The test, together with non-linear indices, may serve for assessing the Autonomic Nervous System in individuals with PD in a clinical setting. The interpretation of these data should be approached with caution, given the possible influences of pharmacotherapies and the inclusion of diabetic participants.

Medical, surgical, and physical treatments for Parkinson's disease

Although dopamine replacement therapy remains a core component of Parkinson's disease treatment, the onset of motor fluctuations and dyskinetic movements might require a range of medical and surgical approaches from a multidisciplinary team, and important new approaches in the delivery of dopamine replacement are becoming available. The more challenging, wide range of non-motor symptoms can also have a major impact on the quality of life of a patient with Parkinson's disease, and requires careful multidisciplinary management using evidence-based knowledge, as well as appropriately tailored strategies according to the individual patient's needs. Disease-modifying therapies are urgently needed to prevent the development of the most disabling refractory symptoms, including gait and balance difficulties, cognitive impairment and dementia, and speech and swallowing impairments. In the third paper in this Series, we present the latest evidence supporting the optimal treatment of Parkinson's disease, and describe an expert approach to many aspects of treatment choice where an evidence base is insufficient.

Study protocol for the Heads-Up trial: a phase II randomized controlled trial investigating head-up tilt sleeping to alleviate orthostatic intolerance in Parkinson's Disease and parkinsonism

BACKGROUND

In persons with Parkinson's Disease (PD) or certain forms of atypical parkinsonism, orthostatic hypotension is common and disabling, yet often underrecognized and undertreated. About half of affected individuals also exhibit supine hypertension. This common co-occurrence of both orthostatic hypotension and supine hypertension complicates pharmacological treatments as the treatment of the one can aggravate the other. Whole-body head-up tilt sleeping (HUTS) is the only known intervention that may improve both. Evidence on its effectiveness and tolerability is, however, lacking, and little is known about the implementability.

METHODS

In this double-blind multicenter randomized controlled trial (phase II) we will test the efficacy and tolerability of HUTS at different angles in 50 people with PD or parkinsonism who have both symptomatic orthostatic hypotension and supine hypertension. All participants start with one week of horizontal sleeping and subsequently sleep at three different angles, each maintained for two weeks. The exact intervention will vary between the randomly allocated groups. Specifically, the intervention group will consecutively sleep at 6°, 12° and 18°, while the delayed treatment group starts with a placebo angle (1°), followed by 6° and 12°. We will evaluate tolerability using questionnaires and compliance to the study protocol. The primary endpoint is the change in average overnight blood pressure measured by a 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure recording. Secondary outcomes include orthostatic blood pressure, orthostatic tolerance, supine blood pressure, nocturia and various other motor and non-motor tests and questionnaires.

DISCUSSION

We hypothesize that HUTS can simultaneously alleviate orthostatic hypotension and supine hypertension, and that higher angles of HUTS are more effective but less tolerable. The Heads-Up trial will help to clarify the effectiveness, tolerability, and feasibility of this intervention at home and can guide at-home implementation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05551377; Date of registration: September 22, 2022.

Synchronous Bilateral Brachial Blood Pressure Measurements Increased Orthostatic Hypotension Detection in the Elderly

BACKGROUND

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common clinical sign, but its detection rate is low, and it is difficult to repeat because there is no standardized screening method available.

AIM

This study aimed to establish a method for detecting blood pressure and assess whether it could increase the OH detection rate in the elderly.

METHODS

From May to October, 2022, 178 patients with symptomatic OH and 286 subjects with asymptomatic OH were selected. BP from the bilateral brachial artery was measured using two electronic sphygmomanometers on both arms at the same time, in the order of supine, sitting, and standing at 0-3 min. OH should meet 20/10 mmHg, standing BP minus sitting BP. The OH detection rates were calculated and compared. The symptomatic OH group was more often older, slimmer, had lower ADL scores, and contained fewer smokers (all P< 0.05).

RESULTS

The detection rate of the symptomatic OH group using the modified method was 59.55%, which was higher than that of the routine method (34.83% vs. 59.55%, P<0.05). The detection rate using the modified method in the OH group with asymptomatic OH was 20.63%, which was higher than that of the routine method (20.63% vs. 5.59%, P< 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Synchronous measurement of bilateral brachial artery BP in supine, sitting, and standing positions increased the detection rate of OH in the elderly.

Association between falls and nonmotor symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease

INTRODUCTION

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder. Falls are common in patients with PD and can lead to disability, bedridden status, and death. The mechanisms of falls induced by symptoms of PD have not been fully clarified. We investigated the association between falls and nonmotor symptoms in PD patients.

METHODS

A total of 361 patients with Parkinson's disease were included. Whether the patients had fallen in the past half a year was recorded. Nonmotor symptoms were assessed by 30 items from the nonmotor symptom questionnaire (NMS Quest), Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale (PDSS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MOCA).

RESULTS

A total of 63 patients experienced falls in the past six months, with an incidence of 17.5%. The patients with falls were elderly, had severe motor symptoms and disease severity, and the proportion of diabetic patients who experienced falls was higher. Adjusted for the above factors, the results showed that patients with falls had higher PD-NMS, HAMD and HAMA scores, but there was no significant difference in the total score and subscores of the MoCA scale between the two groups. The risk factors related to falling included age, history of diabetes, depression (HAMD), HAMD cognitive impairment, NMS urinary tract and NMS postural hypotension.

CONCLUSIONS

Falls were a common symptom in patients with PD and were not only related to motor symptoms but also closely related to nonmotor symptoms. urinary tract symptoms, postural hypotension, depression and HAMD cognitive impairment were risk factors related to falling in patients with PD.

Setting the clinical context to non-motor symptoms reflected by Park-pain, Park-sleep, and Park-autonomic subtypes of Parkinson's disease

Non-motor symptoms (NMS) of Parkinson's disease (PD) are well described in both clinical practice and the literature, enabling their management and enhancing our understanding of PD. NMS can dominate the clinical pictures and NMS subtypes have recently been proposed, initially based on clinical observations, and later confirmed in data driven analyses of large datasets and in biomarker-based studies. In this chapter, we provide an update on what is known about three common subtypes of NMS in PD. The pain (Park-pain), sleep dysfunction (Park-sleep), and autonomic dysfunction (Park-autonomic), providing an overview of their individual classification, clinical manifestation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and potential treatments.

The Effect of Skeletal Muscle-Pump on Blood Pressure and Postural Control in Parkinson's Disease

PURPOSE

Activation of the calf (gastrocnemius and soleus) and tibialis anterior muscles play an important role in blood pressure regulation (via muscle-pump mechanism) and postural control. Parkinson's disease is associated with calf (and tibialis anterior muscles weakness and stiffness, which contribute to postural instability and associated falls. In this work, we studied the role of the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and soleus muscle contractions in maintaining blood pressure and postural stability in Parkinson's patients and healthy controls during standing. In addition, we investigated whether the activation of the calf and tibialis anterior muscles is baroreflex dependent or postural-mediated.

METHODS

We recorded electrocardiogram, blood pressure, center of pressure as a measure of postural sway, and muscle activity from the medial and lateral gastrocnemius, tibialis anterior, and soleus muscles from twenty-six Parkinson's patients and eighteen sex and age-matched healthy controls during standing and with eyes open. The interaction and bidirectional causalities between the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and postural variables were studied using wavelet transform coherence and convergent cross-mapping techniques, respectively.

RESULTS

Parkinson's patients experienced a higher postural sway and demonstrated mechanical muscle-pump dysfunction of all individual leg muscles, all of which contribute to postural instability. Moreover, our results showed that coupling between the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and postural variables is affected by Parkinson's disease while the contribution of the calf and tibialis anterior muscles is greater for blood pressure regulation than postural sway.

CONCLUSION

The outcomes of this study could assist in the development of appropriate physical exercise programs that target lower limb muscles to improve the muscle-pump function and reduce postural instability in Parkinson's disease.

Acute effect of levodopa on orthostatic hypotension and its association with motor responsiveness in Parkinson's disease: Results of acute levodopa challenge test

OBJECTIVE

Levodopa administration can induce or worsen orthostatic hypotension (OH) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Understanding of acute OH post levodopa (AOHPL) is important for rational drug use in PD patients. Primary objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of AOHPL in PD patients. The secondary objectives were a) hemodynamic character of AOHPL; b) risk factors of AOHPL; c) relationship between motor responsiveness and blood pressure (BP) change.

METHODS

490 PD inpatients underwent acute levodopa challenge test (LCT). Supine-to-standing test (STS) was done 4 times during LCT, including before levodopa and every hour post levodopa intake within 3 h. Patients were classified into two groups, AOHPL and non-AOHPL. A comprehensive set of clinical features scales was assessed, including both motor (e.g., motor response, wearing-off) and nonmotor symptoms (e.g., autonomic dysfunction, neuropsychology).

RESULTS

33.1% PD patients had OH before drug, 50.8% the same subjects had AOHPL during levodopa effectiveness. PD patients who had better response to levodopa likely to have lower standing mean artery pressure (MAP) and severer systolic BP drop after levodopa intake. BP increased when the motor performance worsened and vice versa. Beneficial response was a risk factors of AOHPL (OR = 1.624, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

AOHPL was very common in PD patients. We suggested that PD patients with risk factors should monitor hemodynamic change during LCT to avoid AOHPL following the introduction or increase of oral levodopa. The fluctuations of BP were complicated and multifactorial, likely caused by the process of PD and levodopa both.

Dexmedetomidine after deep brain stimulation for prevention of delirium in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease: protocol for a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in China

INTRODUCTION

Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve motor symptoms in patients with middle and late Parkinson's disease, reduce the use of levodopa, and thus reduce drug-related side effects. Postoperative delirium can significantly reduce the short-term and long-term quality of life in elderly patients, which can be alleviated by dexmedetomidine (DEX). However, whether prophylactic DEX could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients with Parkinson's disease was still unknown.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a single-centre, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled group trial. A total of 292 patients aged 60 years and above elected for DBS will be stratified according to DBS procedure, subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus interna, then randomly allocated to the DEX group or the placebo control group with a 1:1 ratio, respectively. In the DEX group, patients will be injected with the DEX continuously with an electronic pump at a rate of 0.1 µg/kg/hour for 48 hours at the beginning of general anaesthesia induction. In the control group, normal saline will be administered at the same rate for patients as in the DEX group. The primary endpoint is the incidence of postoperative delirium within 5 days after surgery. Postoperative delirium is assessed by the combination of the Richmond Anxiety Scale and the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for the intensive care unit or the 3-minute diagnostic interview for CAM as applicable. The secondary endpoints include the incidence of adverse events and non-delirium complications, the length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital and all-cause 30-day mortality after the operation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University (KY2022-003-03). The results of this study will be disseminated through presentation at scientific conferences and publication in scientific journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05197439.

Ampreloxetine Versus Droxidopa in Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension: A Comparative Review

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) is a disabling problem of autonomic dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease, which is associated with poor quality of life and higher mortality rates. The purpose of this literature review was to explore and compare the efficacy and safety of droxidopa (an existing treatment) and ampreloxetine (a newer medication) in the treatment of nOH. We used a mixed-method literature review that addresses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of nOH in Parkinson's disease in a general way, with a more exploratory approach to droxidopa- and ampreloxetine-controlled trial studies. We included a total of 10 studies of randomized controlled trials with eight studies focused on droxidopa and two studies focused on ampreloxetine. These two drugs were analyzed and compared based on the collected individual study results. Treatment of nOH in Parkinson's disease patients with droxidopa or ampreloxetine showed clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements relative to placebo on the components of the OHSA (Orthostatic Hypotension Symptom Assessment) composite score and OHDAS (Orthostatic Hypotension Daily Activity Scale composite scores) composite score. Droxidopa had an improved effect on daily activities, with an associated increase in standing systolic blood pressure (BP), but the long-term efficacy of droxidopa has not been documented. Standing systolic BP was maintained by ampreloxetine and worsened after the withdrawal phase. This highlights the importance of conducting further research which will help us to improve the therapeutic approach for patients with nOH and Parkinson's disease.

Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel via percutaneous endoscopic transgastric jejunostomy in advanced Parkinson's disease: hitting two birds with one stone?

Here we focus on people with advanced PD undergoing percutaneous endoscopic transgastric jejunostomy (PEG-J) ("one stone") for LCIG infusion therapy for managing severe motor fluctuations ("first bird") and discuss its implications for improving accompanying symptoms of cardiovascular, urinary, and gastrointestinal autonomic failure ("second bird").

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between orthostatic hypotension and mild cognitive impairment and dementia in Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Cognitive impairment is a frequent disabling feature of Parkinson's disease (PD). Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is treatable and may be a risk factor for cognitive impairment.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the relationship between OH with PD-associated minimal cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) and dementia (PDD) and assess the mitigating effects of potential confounding factors.

METHODS

Observational studies published in English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese up to January 2022 were searched for in PubMed, EBSCO, and SciELO databases. The primary aim of this study was to revise the association between OH with PD-MCI and PDD. Alongside, we assessed OH as related to cognitive rating scales. Fixed and random models were fitted. Meta-regression was used to assess the mitigating effects of confounding variables.

RESULTS

We identified 18 studies that reported OH association with PDD or PD-MCI, 15 of them reporting OH association with cognitive rating scales. OH was significantly associated with PDD/PD-MCI (OR, 95% CI: 3.31, 2.16-5.08; k = 18, n = 2251; p < 0.01). OH association with PDD (4.64, 2.68-8.02; k = 13, n = 1194; p < 0.01) was stronger than with PD-MCI (1.82, 0.92-3.58; k = 5, n = 1056; p = NS). The association between OH and PD-MCI/PDD was stronger in studies with a higher proportion of women and in those with a lower frequency of supine hypertension. Global cognition rating scale scores were lower in patients with OH (SMD, 95% CI: - 0.55, - 0.83/ - 0.26; k = 12, n = 1427; p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Orthostatic hypotension shows as a significant risk factor for cognitive impairment in PD, especially in women and patients not suffering from hypertension.

Parkinson disease primer, part 2: management of motor and nonmotor symptoms

OBJECTIVE

To provide family physicians with an approach to the management of motor and nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD).

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Published guidelines on the management of PD were reviewed. Database searches were conducted to retrieve relevant research articles published between 2011 and 2021. Evidence levels ranged from I to III.

MAIN MESSAGE

Family physicians can play an important role in identifying and treating motor and nonmotor symptoms of PD. Family physicians should initiate levodopa treatment for motor symptoms if they affect function and if specialist wait times are long, and they should be aware of basic titration approaches and possible side effects of dopaminergic therapies. Abrupt withdrawal of dopaminergic agents should be avoided. Nonmotor symptoms are common and underrecognized and are a major factor in disability, quality of life, and risk of hospitalization and poor outcomes for patients. Family physicians can manage common autonomic symptoms such as orthostatic hypotension and constipation. Family physicians can treat common neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression and sleep disorders, and they can help recognize and treat psychosis and PD dementia. Referrals to physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech language therapy, and exercise groups are recommended to help preserve function.

CONCLUSION

Patients with PD present with complex combinations of motor and nonmotor symptoms. Family physicians should have basic knowledge of dopaminergic treatments and their side effects. Family physicians can play important roles in management of motor symptoms and particularly nonmotor symptoms and can have a positive impact on patients' quality of life. An interdisciplinary approach involving specialty clinics and allied health experts is an important part of management.

Tests for the identification of reflex syncope mechanism

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.

Abécédaire de la maladie de Parkinson, partie 2 : prise en charge des symptômes moteurs et non moteurs

Objectif

Présenter aux médecins de famille une approche pour la prise en charge des symptômes moteurs et non moteurs de la maladie de Parkinson (MP).

Sources de l’information

Les lignes directrices sur la prise en charge de la MP ont été passées en revue. Des recensions dans les bases de données ont été effectuées pour en extraire les articles de recherche publiés entre 2011 et 2021. Le niveau des données probantes varie entre I et III.

Message principal

Les médecins de famille peuvent jouer un rôle important dans la détection et le traitement des symptômes moteurs et non moteurs de la MP. Les médecins de famille devraient amorcer un traitement à la lévodopa pour les symptômes moteurs s’ils nuisent au fonctionnement et si les temps d’attente pour voir un spécialiste sont longs. Ils devraient être au courant des approches de base du titrage, de même que les effets secondaires possibles des thérapies dopaminergiques. Il faudrait éviter une cessation abrupte des agents dopaminergiques. Les symptômes non moteurs sont fréquents et peu reconnus, et ils influent grandement sur l’incapacité, la qualité de vie, le risque d’hospitalisation et les mauvais résultats chez les patients. Les médecins de famille peuvent prendre en charge les symptômes courants du fonctionnement autonome, comme l’hypotension orthostatique et la constipation. Ils peuvent traiter les symptômes neuropsychiatriques communs, comme la dépression et les troubles du sommeil, et aider à reconnaître et à traiter la psychose et la démence de la MP. Il est recommandé de demander des consultations en physiothérapie, en ergothérapie et en orthophonie, et de conseiller les groupes d’activité physique pour aider à préserver le fonctionnement.

Conclusion

Les patients atteints de la MP présentent des combinaisons complexes de symptômes moteurs et non moteurs. Les médecins de famille devraient avoir des connaissances de base sur les traitements dopaminergiques et leurs effets secondaires. Les médecins de famille peuvent jouer des rôles importants dans la prise en charge des symptômes moteurs, et surtout des symptômes non moteurs, et ils peuvent exercer une influence positive sur la qualité de vie des patients. Une approche interdisciplinaire impliquant des cliniques et d’autres professionnels de la santé spécialisés est une importante composante de la prise en charge.

Co-administration of Nanowired DL-3-n-Butylphthalide (DL-NBP) Together with Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Monoclonal Antibodies to Alpha Synuclein and TDP-43 (TAR DNA-Binding Protein 43) Enhance Superior Neuroprotection in Parkinson's Disease Following Concussive Head Injury

dl-3-n-butylphthalide (dl-NBP) is one of the potent antioxidant compounds that induces profound neuroprotection in stroke and traumatic brain injury. Our previous studies show that dl-NBP reduces brain pathology in Parkinson's disease (PD) following its nanowired delivery together with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exacerbated by concussive head injury (CHI). CHI alone elevates alpha synuclein (ASNC) in brain or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) associated with elevated TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43). TDP-43 protein is also responsible for the pathologies of PD. Thus, it is likely that exacerbation of brain pathology in PD following brain injury may be thwarted using nanowired delivery of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to ASNC and/or TDP-43. In this review, the co-administration of dl-NBP with MSCs and mAb to ASNC and/or TDP-43 using nanowired delivery in PD and CHI-induced brain pathology is discussed based on our own investigations. Our observations show that co-administration of TiO2 nanowired dl-NBP with MSCs and mAb to ASNC with TDP-43 induced superior neuroprotection in CHI induced exacerbation of brain pathology in PD, not reported earlier.

Frequency and Factors Associated with Orthostatic Hypotension in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A Case-Control Observational Study

Background

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common and considered the most incapacitating non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Little is known about OH in Ethiopian PD patients. The objectives of the present study were to determine the frequency and factors associated with OH in individuals diagnosed with PD compared to a healthy control.

Methods

A multi-center case-control observational study was conducted. A total of 53 PD cases and 53 age and sex matched healthy controls were included. Both descriptive and Chi-square proportional statistical analysis were used.

Results

The mean age distribution was comparable between the two study groups (61.9 vs. 59.9 years). Distribution of male gender was comparable between PD and control groups (71.7% vs. 67.9%). Nearly all the individuals diagnosed with PD were on levodopa treatment, and close to half of them were on anticholinergic drugs. Hypertension was the commonest comorbid disorder in both groups. The prevalence of orthostatic hypotension was higher in PD patients (22.6%) compared to the control group (9.4%). The proportion of constipation (p=0.007), urinary urgency (p=0.007), and nocturia (p<0.0001) was significantly higher among Parkinson's disease patients compared to the healthy control group. Falls and excessive sweating were only reported by PD patients.

Conclusion

The present study shows the frequency of orthostatic hypotension in Ethiopian Parkinson's disease patients is comparable to other regions. The presence of constipation, urinary urgency, and nocturia was associated with Parkinson's disease compared to the control group.

Effect of Parkinson’s Disease on Cardio-postural Coupling During Orthostatic Challenge

Cardiac baroreflex and leg muscles activation are two important mechanisms for blood pressure regulation, failure of which could result in syncope and falls. Parkinson’s disease is known to be associated with cardiac baroreflex impairment and skeletal muscle dysfunction contributing to falls. However, the mechanical effect of leg muscles contractions on blood pressure (muscle-pump) and the baroreflex-like responses of leg muscles to blood pressure changes is yet to be comprehensively investigated. In this study, we examined the involvement of the cardiac baroreflex and this hypothesized reflex muscle-pump function (cardio-postural coupling) to maintain blood pressure in Parkinson’s patients and healthy controls during an orthostatic challenge induced via a head-up tilt test. We also studied the mechanical effect of the heart and leg muscles contractions on blood pressure. We recorded electrocardiogram blood pressure and electromyogram from 21 patients with Parkinson’s disease and 18 age-matched healthy controls during supine, head-up tilt at 70°, and standing positions with eyes open. The interaction and bidirectional causalities between the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal signals were studied using wavelet transform coherence and convergent cross mapping techniques, respectively. Parkinson’s patients displayed an impaired cardiac baroreflex and a reduced mechanical effect of the heart on blood pressure during supine, tilt and standing positions. However, the effectiveness of the cardiac baroreflex decreased in both Parkinson’s patients and healthy controls during standing as compared to supine. In addition, Parkinson’s patients demonstrated cardio-postural coupling impairment along with a mechanical muscle pump dysfunction which both could lead to dizziness and falls. Moreover, the cardiac baroreflex had a limited effect on blood pressure during standing while lower limb muscles continued to contract and maintain blood pressure via the muscle-pump mechanism. The study findings highlighted altered bidirectional coupling between heart rate and blood pressure, as well as between muscle activity and blood pressure in Parkinson’s disease. The outcomes of this study could assist in the development of appropriate physical exercise programs to reduce falls in Parkinson’s disease by monitoring the cardiac baroreflex and cardio-postural coupling effect on maintaining blood pressure.

Comprehensive telemedicine solution for remote monitoring of Parkinson's disease patients with orthostatic hypotension during COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVE

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) represents a frequent but under-recognized phenomenon in Parkinson's disease (PD). During COVID-19 pandemic, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have become pivotal in the management of chronic diseases like PD, not only to assess motor impairment, but also for vital signs monitoring. This pilot study aimed to propose a real-time remote home-monitoring system and protocol for PD patients with OH.

METHODS

Vital parameters were acquired by wireless devices and transmitted to an ICT platform, providing data and smart notifications to the healthcare provider through an interactive web portal. Eight patients with idiopathic PD and OH underwent 5-day monitoring. Data about OH episodes, therapeutic interventions, impact on daily activities, and patient satisfaction were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

The proposed solution allowed the identification of 65 OH episodes and subsequent medical interventions. Thirty-five episodes were asymptomatic, especially in the postprandial and in the afternoon recordings. Systolic-blood-pressure (SBP) and diastolic-blood-pressure (DBP) were significantly lower in symptomatic episodes, while the pressure drops resulted significantly higher in presence of symptoms. High usability and patient satisfaction scores were observed.

CONCLUSION

The proposed home-monitoring system and protocol have proved to provide useful information and to allow prompt interventions in the management of PD patients with OH during COVID-19 pandemic.

How I treat Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative condition. Treatment strategies through all stages of disease progression could affect quality of life and influence the development of future complications, making it crucial for the clinician to be on top of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

This paper reviews the current treatment of PD, from early to advanced stages.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted focusing on the treatment of PD, in the different stages of progression.

RESULTS

Every individual with a new diagnosis of PD should be encouraged to start exercising regularly. In the early stage, treatment should focus on using the lowest dose of levodopa or combination therapy that provides maximum functional capacity, and does not increase the risk of complications, such as peak dose dyskinesias and impulse control disorders. At the moderate and advanced stages, motor fluctuations and complications of treatment dominate the picture, making quality of life one important issue. Rehabilitation programs can improve motor symptoms and should be offered to all patients at any stage of disease progression.

CONCLUSION

Many factors need to be considered when deciding on the best treatment strategy for PD, such as disease progression, presence of risk factors for motor and behavioral complications, potential side effects from dopaminergic therapy and phenotypical variabilities. Treatment should focus on functional capacity and quality of life throughout the whole disease course.

Cardiovascular/Stroke Risk Stratification in Parkinson's Disease Patients Using Atherosclerosis Pathway and Artificial Intelligence Paradigm: A Systematic Review

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a severe, incurable, and costly condition leading to heart failure. The link between PD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not available, leading to controversies and poor prognosis. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already shown promise for CVD/stroke risk stratification. However, due to a lack of sample size, comorbidity, insufficient validation, clinical examination, and a lack of big data configuration, there have been no well-explained bias-free AI investigations to establish the CVD/Stroke risk stratification in the PD framework. The study has two objectives: (i) to establish a solid link between PD and CVD/stroke; and (ii) to use the AI paradigm to examine a well-defined CVD/stroke risk stratification in the PD framework. The PRISMA search strategy selected 223 studies for CVD/stroke risk, of which 54 and 44 studies were related to the link between PD-CVD, and PD-stroke, respectively, 59 studies for joint PD-CVD-Stroke framework, and 66 studies were only for the early PD diagnosis without CVD/stroke link. Sequential biological links were used for establishing the hypothesis. For AI design, PD risk factors as covariates along with CVD/stroke as the gold standard were used for predicting the CVD/stroke risk. The most fundamental cause of CVD/stroke damage due to PD is cardiac autonomic dysfunction due to neurodegeneration that leads to heart failure and its edema, and this validated our hypothesis. Finally, we present the novel AI solutions for CVD/stroke risk prediction in the PD framework. The study also recommends strategies for removing the bias in AI for CVD/stroke risk prediction using the PD framework.

Effect of cerebral small vessel disease on cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The occurrence of various cerebrovascular diseases can easily induce cognitive impairment in the elderly. Therefore, it is of great clinical significance to correctly understand the relationship between these key pathogenic factors and cognitive impairment of Parkinson's disease. To explore the effect of cerebrovascular disease on cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease by meta-analysis.

Methods

PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases were selected as the sources for the literature search. English language articles were included. Literature related to this study were published from January 2001 to January 2021. Literature was screened and the quality was evaluated. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the meta-analysis on the effects of cerebrovascular disease on cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease.

Results

Six articles were finally included, involving a total of 5,552 cases. Of these, 2,684 were positive cases, accounting for 48.3%. Compared with patients with non-Parkinson's cognitive impairment, patients with cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease caused by cerebral small vessel disease had significant differences in executive ability (OR =1.62, 95% CI: 1.21-2.16, P=0.001), memory (OR =1.48, 95% CI: 1.30-1.68, P<0.00001), information processing (OR =0.60, 95% CI: 0.35-1.03, P=0.07), language communication (OR= 4.72, 95% CI: 3.26-6.85, P<0.00001), and overall cognitive function (OR =0.72, 95% CI: 0.52-0.99, P=0.05).

Conclusions

A total of 6 studies were included in this meta-analysis on the influence of cerebral small vessel disease on cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease. This study shows that cerebrovascular disease has different effects on all aspects of cognitive function of Parkinson's disease.

The role of cardiovascular autonomic failure in the differential diagnosis of α-synucleinopathies

The α-synucleinopathies comprise a group of adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB,) and — as a restricted non-motor form — pure autonomic failure (PAF). Neuropathologically, the α-synucleinopathies are characterized by aggregates of misfolded α-synuclein in the central and peripheral nervous system. Cardiovascular autonomic failure is a common non-motor symptom in people with PD, a key diagnostic criterion in MSA, a supportive feature for the diagnosis of DLB and disease-defining in PAF. The site of autonomic nervous system lesion differs between the α-synucleinopathies, with a predominantly central lesion pattern in MSA versus a peripheral one in PD, DLB, and PAF. In clinical practice, overlapping autonomic features often challenge the differential diagnosis among the α-synucleinopathies, but also distinguish them from related disorders, such as the tauopathies or other neurodegenerative ataxias. In this review, we discuss the differential diagnostic yield of cardiovascular autonomic failure in individuals presenting with isolated autonomic failure, parkinsonism, cognitive impairment, or cerebellar ataxia.

Cardiovascular, perceived exertion and affective responses during aerobic exercise performed with imposed and a self-selected intensity in patients with Parkinson's disease

BACKGROUND

Exercise with self-selected intensity (SSI) has emerged as a new strategy for exercise prescription aiming to increase exercise adherence in Parkinson's disease (PD).

OBJECTIVE

We compared the cardiovascular, perceived exertion and affective responses during traditional aerobic exercise and with SSI in PD.

METHODS

Twenty patients with PD performed two aerobic exercise sessions in random order with an interval of at least 72 h between them: Traditional session (cycle ergometer, 25 min, 50 rpm) with imposed intensity (II) (60-80% maximum heart rate [HR]) and SSI: (cycle ergometer, 25 min, 50 rpm) with SSI. The HR (Polar V800 monitor), systolic blood pressure (auscultatory method), rating of perceived exertion (Borg scale 6-20) and affective responses (feeling scale) were assessed during the exercise at 8th and 18th minute. The Generalized Estimating Equation Model was used for comparison between both sessions (P < 0.05).

RESULTS

The exercise intensity was not significantly different between both exercise sessions (8th minute: II -76.3±1.0 vs. SSI -76.5±1.3 % of maximal HR; 18th minute: II -78.9±0.9 vs. SSI -79.1±1.3 % of maximal HR, p = 0.93). Blood pressure, perceived exertion and affective responses were also not significantly different between both sessions (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiovascular and psychophysiological responses were not different during aerobic exercise performed with II and with SSI in patients with PD.

Hypertension, hypotension and syncope

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.