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Peltier AC. Autonomic Dysfunction from Diagnosis to Treatment. Prim Care 2024; 51:359-373. [PMID: 38692780 DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Autonomic disorders can present with hypotension, gastrointestinal, genitourinary symptoms, and heat intolerance. Diabetes is the most common causes of autonomic failure, and management should focus on glucose control to prevent developing autonomic symptoms. The most prevalent cause of dysautonomia, or autonomic dysfunction, is Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Autonomic testing characterizes causes for nonspecific symptoms but is not necessary in patients with classic presentations. Treatment for autonomic dysfunction and failure focus on discontinuing offending medications, behavioral modification, and pharmacologic therapy to decrease symptom severity. Autonomic failure has no cure; therefore, the focus remains on improving quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Peltier
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1611 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1611 21st Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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2
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Liu X, Reaso JN, Kote A, Andersson KT, Chen PS. Skin sympathetic nerve activity during unprovoked syncope in an ambulatory patient with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:691-692. [PMID: 38219889 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2024.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Jewel N Reaso
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Anxhela Kote
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - K Taiga Andersson
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Peng-Sheng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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3
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Frye WS, Greenberg B. Exploring quality of life in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: A conceptual analysis. Auton Neurosci 2024; 252:103157. [PMID: 38364354 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a complex autonomic disorder characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate upon orthostatic change. While primarily described in its effect on the autonomic and cardiovascular system, it can cause significant functional impairment, leading to a diminished quality of life (QoL). This review paper aims to delve into the multifaceted dimensions of QoL in individuals with POTS by providing a conceptual model to discuss factors influencing QoL. Current QoL assessments used in the POTS population and their findings are described for each domain in this conceptual model. Limitations to this body of research include the literature having no consensus in the most appropriate measure of QoL to use for individuals with POTS, the absence of a POTS-specific measure of QoL, and current measures not assessing concerns germane to this population. The authors emphasize the necessity of a POTS-specific measure to be developed to improve our assessment and understanding of how living with POTS impacts QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- William S Frye
- Department of Psychology, Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, USA.
| | - Brooke Greenberg
- Department of Clinical and School Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
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McGeoch CLB, Steinberg RS, Bortfeld KS, Almuwaqqat Z, Rheudasil JM, Bhatia NK, Cutchins AC. Radiofrequency venous ablation for symptomatic relief in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: a case series. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2024; 8:ytae029. [PMID: 38328599 PMCID: PMC10849078 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytae029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Hypovolemic postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is thought to be caused by dysregulated circulating blood volume. Management is mainly limited to symptom-targeted lifestyle changes. Radiofrequency venous ablation (RFA) represents a minimally invasive method of increasing circulating blood volume. The following case series describes a novel application of RFA to successfully target POTS symptoms in patients demonstrating venous insufficiency. The use of RFA in alleviating POTS symptoms has not previously been reported. Case summary We describe four patients with either a well-established historical POTS diagnosis or dysautonomia symptoms refractory to both medical management and lifestyle modifications. They all demonstrated venous reflux on lower extremity venous ultrasound testing. Upon vascular surgery referral, all underwent great and small saphenous vein RFA. They each subsequently reported subjective improvement in their dysautonomia symptoms and quality-of-life. Two with symptom recurrence years later were found to have new-onset pelvic venous congestion and are being evaluated for pelvic venous insufficiency interventions. Discussion Lower extremity venous pooling can exacerbate dysautonomia symptoms in POTS patients. Patients refractory to conventional treatment strategies should undergo venous insufficiency workup, and if positive, should be referred for venous pooling intervention evaluation. The success of RFA at treating refractory POTS symptoms in these four patients with lower extremity venous reflux, including no surgical intervention and no adverse effects, are compelling grounds to further explore this therapy and to quantify and standardize symptom improvement assessment in a larger patient population. Future directions include a demonstration of quality-of-life improvement in randomized clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca S Steinberg
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kristina S Bortfeld
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Zakaria Almuwaqqat
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Mark Rheudasil
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Surgery, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Neal K Bhatia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alexis C Cutchins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Teodorescu DL, Kote A, Reaso JN, Rosenberg C, Liu X, Kwan AC, Cheng S, Chen PS. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination. Heart Rhythm 2024; 21:74-81. [PMID: 38176772 PMCID: PMC10767226 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an association between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccination and the incidence or exacerbation of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to characterize patients reporting new or exacerbated POTS after receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. METHODS We prospectively collected data from sequential patients in a POTS clinic between July 2021 and June 2022 reporting new or exacerbated POTS symptoms after COVID-19 vaccination. Heart rate variability (HRV) and skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) were compared against those of 24 healthy controls. RESULTS Ten patients (6 women and 4 men; age 41.5 ± 7.9 years) met inclusion criteria. Four patients had standing norepinephrine levels > 600 pg/mL. All patients had conditions that could raise POTS risk, including previous COVID-19 infection (N = 4), hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (N = 6), mast cell activation syndrome (N = 6), and autoimmune (N = 7), cardiac (N = 7), neurological (N = 6), or gastrointestinal conditions (N = 4). HRV analysis indicated a lower ambulatory root mean square of successive differences (46.19 ±24 ms; P = .042) vs control (72.49 ± 40.8 ms). SKNA showed a reduced mean amplitude (0.97 ± 0.052 μV; P = .011) vs control (1.2 ± 0.31 μV) and burst amplitude (1.67 ± 0.16 μV; P = .018) vs control (4. 3 ± 4.3 μV). After 417.2 ± 131.4 days of follow-up, all patients reported improvement with the usual POTS care, although 2 with COVID-19 reinfection and 1 with small fiber neuropathy did have relapses of POTS symptoms. CONCLUSION All patients with postvaccination POTS had pre-existing conditions. There was no evidence of myocardial injuries or echocardiographic abnormalities. The decreased HRV suggests a sympathetic dominant state. Although all patients improved with guideline-directed care, there is a risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie Lin Teodorescu
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Anxhela Kote
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jewel N Reaso
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Carine Rosenberg
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Alan C Kwan
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Susan Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Peng-Sheng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
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Hira R, Karalasingham K, Baker JR, Raj SR. Autonomic Manifestations of Long-COVID Syndrome. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2023; 23:881-892. [PMID: 37947962 DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01320-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Long-COVID is a novel condition emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Long-COVID is characterized by symptoms commonly seen in autonomic disorders including fatigue, brain fog, light-headedness, and palpitations. This article will critically evaluate recent findings and studies on Long-COVID and its physiological autonomic manifestations. RECENT FINDINGS Studies have reported on the prevalence of different symptoms and autonomic disorders in Long-COVID cohorts. Autonomic nervous system function, including both the parasympathetic and sympathetic limbs, has been studied using different testing techniques in Long-COVID patients. While numerous mechanisms may contribute to Long-COVID autonomic pathophysiology, it is currently unclear which ones lead to a Long-COVID presentation. To date, studies have not tested treatment options for autonomic disorders in Long-COVID patients. Long-COVID is associated with autonomic abnormalities. There is a high prevalence of clinical autonomic disorders among Long-COVID patients, with limited knowledge of the underlying mechanisms and the effectiveness of treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmin Hira
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kavithra Karalasingham
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jacquie R Baker
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Satish R Raj
- Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Yong SJ, Halim A, Liu S, Halim M, Alshehri AA, Alshahrani MA, Alshahrani MM, Alfaraj AH, Alburaiky LM, Khamis F, Muzaheed, AlShehail BM, Alfaresi M, Al Azmi R, Albayat H, Al Kaabi NA, Alhajri M, Al Amri KAS, Alsalman J, Algosaibi SA, Al Fares MA, Almanaa TN, Almutawif YA, Mohapatra RK, Rabaan AA. Pooled rates and demographics of POTS following SARS-CoV-2 infection versus COVID-19 vaccination: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Auton Neurosci 2023; 250:103132. [PMID: 38000119 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2023.103132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To address recent concerns of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) occurring after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus as of 1st June 2023. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled POTS rate in SARS-CoV-2-infected and COVID-19-vaccinated groups from epidemiological studies, followed by subgroup analyses by characteristic. Meta-analysis of risk ratio was conducted to compare POTS rate in infected versus uninfected groups. Meta-analysis of demographics was also performed to compare cases of post-infection and post-vaccination POTS from case reports and series. RESULTS We estimated the pooled POTS rate of 107.75 (95 % CI: 9.73 to 273.52) and 3.94 (95 % CI: 0 to 16.39) cases per 10,000 (i.e., 1.08 % and 0.039 %) in infected and vaccinated individuals based on 5 and 2 studies, respectively. Meta-regression revealed age as a significant variable influencing 86.2 % variance of the pooled POTS rate in infected population (P < 0.05). Moreover, POTS was 2.12-fold more likely to occur in infected than uninfected individuals (RR = 2.12, 95 % CI: 1.71 to 2.62, P < 0.001). Meta-analyzed demographics for cases of post-infection (n = 43) and post-vaccination (n = 17) POTS found no significant differences in several variables between groups, except that the time from exposure to symptom onset was shorter for cases of post-vaccination POTS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Although evidence is limited for post-vaccination POTS, our study showed that POTS occur more frequently following SARS-CoV-2 infection than COVID-19 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Jie Yong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Alice Halim
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiliang Liu
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Halim
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad A Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal H Alfaraj
- Pediatric Department, Abqaiq General Hospital, First Eastern Health Cluster, Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamees M Alburaiky
- Pediatric Department, Safwa General Hospital, Eastern Health Cluster, Safwa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faryal Khamis
- Infection Diseases unit, Department of Internal Medicine, The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Muzaheed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer M AlShehail
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mubarak Alfaresi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Reyouf Al Azmi
- Infection Prevention and Control, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hawra Albayat
- Infectious Disease Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawal A Al Kaabi
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mashael Alhajri
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Jameela Alsalman
- Infection Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Sarah A Algosaibi
- Academic and Clinical Training, Eastern Health Cluster, Rural Health Network, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona A Al Fares
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taghreed N Almanaa
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya A Almutawif
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ranjan K Mohapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar, India
| | - Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan.
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Seeley MC, Gallagher C, Colman F, Lau DH. Impact of Long-COVID on Australian Sufferers: Implications for Healthcare Planning. Heart Lung Circ 2023; 32:e76-e77. [PMID: 37777397 DOI: 10.1016/j.hlc.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Seeley
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Australian Long COVID Community. https://twitter.com/mcseeley
| | - Celine Gallagher
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia. https://twitter.com/celinegallaghe2
| | | | - Dennis H Lau
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Laurin JKH, Oyewunmi OA, Garland EM, Gamboa A, Nwazue VC, Paranjape SY, Black BK, Okamoto LE, Shibao CA, Biaggioni I, Robertson D, Diedrich A, Dupont WD, Sheldon RS, Raj SR. Adrenal gland response to adrenocorticotropic hormone is intact in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Auton Neurosci 2023; 248:103105. [PMID: 37393658 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2023.103105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) are hypovolemic with plasma volume deficits of 10-30 %. Some also have low levels of aldosterone and diminished aldosterone-renin ratios despite elevations in angiotensin II, pointing to potential adrenal dysfunction. To assess adrenal gland responsiveness in POTS, we measured circulating levels of aldosterone and cortisol following adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) stimulation. METHODS While on a low Na+ diet (∼10 mEq/day), 8 female patients with POTS and 5 female healthy controls (HC) received a low dose (1 μg) ACTH bolus following a baseline blood sample. After 60 min, a high dose (249 μg) infusion of ACTH was administered to ensure maximal adrenal response. Venous aldosterone and cortisol levels were sampled every 30 min for 2 h. RESULTS Aldosterone increased in both groups in response to ACTH but was not different between POTS vs. HC at 60 min (53.5 ng/dL [37.8-61.8 ng/dL] vs. 46.1 ng/dL [36.7-84.9 ng/dL]; P = 1.000) or maximally (56.4 ng/dL [49.2-67.1 ng/dL] vs. 49.5 ng/dL [39.1-82.8 ng/dL]; P = 0.524). Cortisol increased in both groups in response to ACTH but was not different in patients with POTS vs. HC at 60 min (39.9 μg/dL [36.1-47.7 μg/dL] vs. 39.3 μg/dL [35.4-46.6 μg/dL]; P = 0.724) or maximally (39.9 μg/dL [33.9-45.4 μg/dL] vs. 42.0 μg/dL [37.6-49.7 μg/dL]; P = 0.354). CONCLUSIONS ACTH appropriately increased the aldosterone and cortisol levels in patients with POTS. These findings suggest that the response of the adrenal cortex to hormonal stimulation is intact in patients with POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill K H Laurin
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Oyebimbola A Oyewunmi
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Emily M Garland
- Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Alfredo Gamboa
- Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Victor C Nwazue
- Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sachin Y Paranjape
- Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Bonnie K Black
- Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Luis E Okamoto
- Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Cyndya A Shibao
- Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Italo Biaggioni
- Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David Robertson
- Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - André Diedrich
- Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - William D Dupont
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Robert S Sheldon
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Vanderbilt Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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10
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Seeley MC, Gallagher C, Ong E, Langdon A, Chieng J, Bailey D, Dennis A, McCaffrey N, Lau DH. Poor health-related quality of life in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in comparison with a sex- and age-matched normative population. Clin Auton Res 2023; 33:469-477. [PMID: 37338634 PMCID: PMC10439037 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-023-00955-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The effect of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) on health-related quality of life (HrQoL) remains poorly studied. Here, we sought to compare the HrQoL in individuals with POTS to a normative age-/sex-matched population. METHODS Participants enrolled in the Australian POTS registry between 5 August 2021 and 30 June 2022 were compared with propensity-matched local normative population data from the South Australian Health Omnibus Survey. The EQ-5D-5L instrument was used to assess HrQoL across the five domains (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) with global health rating assessed with a visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). A population-based scoring algorithm was applied to the EQ-5D-5L data to calculate utility scores. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were undertaken to explore predictors of low utility scores. RESULTS A total of 404 participants (n = 202 POTS; n = 202 normative population; median age 28 years, 90.6% females) were included. Compared with the normative population, the POTS cohort demonstrated significantly higher burden of impairment across all EQ-5D-5L domains (all P < 0.001), lower median EQ-VAS (p < 0.001), and lower utility scores (p < .001). The lower EQ-VAS and utility scores in the POTS cohort were universal in all age groups. Severity of orthostatic intolerance symptoms, female sex, fatigue scores, and comorbid diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome were independent predictors of reduced HrQoL in POTS. The disutility in those with POTS was lower than many chronic health conditions. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate significant impairment across all subdomains of EQ-5D-5L HrQoL in the POTS cohort as compared with a normative population. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12621001034820.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Seeley
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Celine Gallagher
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Eric Ong
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Amy Langdon
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jonathan Chieng
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Danielle Bailey
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Annabelle Dennis
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Nikki McCaffrey
- Deakin Health Economics, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dennis H Lau
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, 1 Port Road, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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11
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Kim KT, Lee SU, Kim JB, Choi JY, Kim BJ, Kim JS. Augmented ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Clin Auton Res 2023; 33:479-489. [PMID: 37115468 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-023-00943-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To delineate the association between otolith function and changes in mean orthostatic blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). METHODS Forty-nine patients with POTS were prospectively recruited. We analyzed the results of ocular vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs) and cervical vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMPs), as well as head-up tilt table tests using a Finometer. The oVEMP and cVEMP responses were obtained using tapping stimuli and 110 dB tone-burst sounds, respectively. We measured maximal changes in 5-s averaged systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), and heart rate (HR) within 15 s and during 10 min after tilting. We compared the results with those of 20 age- and sex-matched healthy participants. RESULTS The n1-p1 amplitude of oVEMPs was larger in patients with POTS than in healthy participants (p = 0.001), whereas the n1 latency (p = 0.280) and interaural difference (p = 0.199) did not differ between the two. The n1-p1 amplitude was a positive predictor for POTS (odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.13, p = 0.025). Body weight (p = 0.007) and n1-p1 amplitude of oVEMP (p = 0.019) were positive predictors for ΔSBP15s in POTS, whereas aging was a negative predictor (p = 0.005). These findings were not observed in healthy participants. CONCLUSIONS Augmented utricular inputs may be associated with a relative predominance of sympathetic over vagal control of BP and HR, especially for an early response during orthostasis in patients with POTS. Overt sympathoexcitation due to exaggerated utricular input and lack of readaptation may be associated with the pathomechanism of POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keun-Tae Kim
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Medical Center, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Sun-Uk Lee
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Medical Center, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea.
| | - Jung-Bin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Medical Center, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Yoon Choi
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Dizziness Center, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Byung-Jo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Medical Center, 73 Goryeodae-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 02841, South Korea
- BK21 FOUR Program in Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Ji-Soo Kim
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Dizziness Center, Clinical Neuroscience Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea
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12
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Seeley MC, Gallagher C, Ong E, Langdon A, Chieng J, Bailey D, Page A, Lim HS, Lau DH. High incidence of autonomic dysfunction and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in patients with long-COVID: Implications for management and healthcare planning. Am J Med 2023:S0002-9343(23)00402-3. [PMID: 37391116 PMCID: PMC10307671 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autonomic dysfunction including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) has been reported in individuals with post-acute sequelae of Covid-19 (PASC). However, the degree of dysautonomia in PASC has not been compared to those with POTS and healthy controls. METHODS All participants were prospectively enrolled between 5th August 2021 and 31st October 2022. Autonomic testing included beat-to-beat hemodynamic monitoring to assess respiratory sinus arrhythmia, Valsalva ratio and orthostatic changes during a 10-minute active standing test as well as Sudomotor assessment. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31) was used to assess symptoms and the Euroquol 5-Dimension survey (EQ-5D-5L) was used to assess health-related quality of life (HrQoL) measures. RESULTS A total of 99 participants (n=33 PASC, n=33 POTS and n=33 healthy controls; median age 32 [18], 85.9% females) were included. Compared to healthy controls, the PASC and POTS cohorts demonstrated significantly reduced respiratory sinus arrhythmia (p<0.001), greater heart rate increase during 10-minute active standing test (p<0.001), greater burden of autonomic dysfunction evidenced by higher COMPASS-31 scores across all subdomains (all p<0.001) and poor HrQoL across all EQ-5D-5L domains (all p<0.001), lower median EQ-VAS (p<0.001) and lower utility scores (p<0.001). The majority (79%) of those with PASC met the internationally established criteria for POTS. CONCLUSION The prevalence of autonomic symptomology or POTS was high in those with PASC, leading to poor HrQoL and high health disutility. Autonomic testing should be routinely undertaken in those with PASC to aid diagnosis and direct appropriate management to improve health outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ANZCTR 12621000476831.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Seeley
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
| | - Celine Gallagher
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
| | - Eric Ong
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Langdon
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Chieng
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide
| | - Danielle Bailey
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide
| | - Amanda Page
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Austin and Northern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Han S Lim
- The University of Melbourne, Austin and Northern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dennis H Lau
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.
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13
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Shigeyasu Y, Okada A, Fujii C, Tanaka C, Sugihara A, Horiuchi M, Yorifuji T, Tsukahara H. Quality of life and physical/psychosocial factors in children and adolescents with orthostatic intolerance. Biopsychosoc Med 2023; 17:23. [PMID: 37308984 DOI: 10.1186/s13030-023-00278-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthostatic intolerance (OI), which is common in children and adolescents, negatively impacts their quality of life (QOL) due to physical symptoms that limit work, school, and daily activities. The purpose of this study is to explore the association of physical and psychosocial factors with QOL scores in children and adolescents with OI. METHODS A cross sectional observational study was conducted. The study participants included 95 Japanese pediatric patients of age 9-15 years who were diagnosed with OI from April 2010 to March 2020. The QOL scores and the QOL T-scores of children with OI assessed using the KINDL-R questionnaire at the initial visit were compared with conventional normative data. The associations of physical and psychosocial factors with the QOL T-scores were examined using multiple linear regression. RESULTS Pediatric patients with OI had significantly lower QOL scores than healthy children in both elementary (50.7 ± 13.5 vs. 67.9 ± 13.4, p < 0.001) and junior high schools (51.8 ± 14.6 vs. 61.3 ± 12.6, p < 0.001). This finding was observed in the physical, mental, self-esteem, friends, and school domains. Total QOL scores were significantly associated with school nonattendance (β = - 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = - 5.8 to - 0.5, p = 0.022) and poor relationship with school (β = - 5.0, 95% CI = - 9.8 to - 0.4, p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the assessment of QOL, including both physical and psychosocial aspects, especially school factors, needs to be implemented earlier in children and adolescents with OI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Shigeyasu
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 7008558, Japan.
| | - Ayumi Okada
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 7008558, Japan
| | - Chikako Fujii
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 7008558, Japan
| | - Chie Tanaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 7008558, Japan
| | - Akiko Sugihara
- Clinical Psychology section, Department of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1, Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 7008558, Japan
| | - Makiko Horiuchi
- Clinical Psychology section, Department of Medical Support, Okayama University Hospital, 2-5-1, Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 7008558, Japan
| | - Takashi Yorifuji
- Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 7008558, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Tsukahara
- Department of Pediatrics, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1, Shikata-Cho, Kita-Ku, Okayama, 7008558, Japan
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14
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a chronic disorder of the autonomic nervous system that is associated with orthostatic intolerance (OI) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. We aimed to determine if a gluten-free diet (GFD) may be an effective treatment in patients with POTS. METHODS Patients with confirmed POTS and without celiac disease who followed GFD for 4 weeks retrospectively completed pre- and post- GFD COMPASS-31 questionnaires. Paired-samples t-tests were conducted to compare COMPASS-31 scores before and after adopting GFD. RESULTS All 20 patients (all females, age 16-62 years (mean age 33)), had POTS symptoms for 1-30 years (mean 10.8, SD = 10.23 years). Eleven patients had co-morbid mast cell activation syndrome, and 8 had hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Pre-GFD COMPASS-31 scores (mean 57.8) were significantly higher than post-GFD scores (mean 38.2, t(19) = -8.92, p < 0.00001), with the largest improvement noted in the OI (p < 0.00001), vasomotor, (p = 0.0034), and GI (p = 0.0004) domains and with a mean reduction in total COMPASS-31 score by 33.9% after implementing GFD. All patients reported improved symptoms on GFD with mean self-assessed improvement of 50.5% (range 10-99%). DISCUSSION GFD may be effective in reducing the symptom burden in patients with POTS, particularly in the OI, vasomotor, and GI symptom domains. Large prospective studies are necessary to confirm whether GFD is an effective long-term treatment option for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Zha
- Department of Neurology, 12291University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jill Brook
- Dysautonomia Clinic, Williamsville, NY, USA
| | - Abigail McLaughlin
- Department of Neurology, 12291University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Svetlana Blitshteyn
- Department of Neurology, 12291University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.,Dysautonomia Clinic, Williamsville, NY, USA
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15
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Zadeh FH, Wilson DR, Agrawal DK. Long COVID: Complications, Underlying Mechanisms, and Treatment Strategies. Arch Microbiol Immunol 2023; 7:36-61. [PMID: 37388279 PMCID: PMC10310313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Long Covid is one of the most prevalent and puzzling conditions that arose with the Covid pandemic. Covid-19 infection generally resolves within several weeks but some experience new or lingering symptoms. Though there is no formal definition for such lingering symptoms the CDC boadly describes long Covid as persons having a wide range of new, recurring or sustained health issues four or more weeks after first being infected with SARS-CoV2. The WHO defines long Covid as the manifestation of symptoms from a "probable or confirmed" Covid-19 infection that start approximately 3 months after the onset of the acute infection and last for more than 2 months. Numerous studies have looked at the implications of long Covid on various organs. Many specific mechanisms have been proposed for such changes. In this article, we provide an overview of some of the main mechanisms by which long Covid induces end-organ damage proposed in recent research studies. We also review various treatment options, current clinical trials, and other potential therapeutic avenues to control long Covid followed by the information about the effect of vaccination on long Covid. Lastly, we discuss some of the questions and knowledge gaps in the present understanding of long Covid. We believe more studies of the effects long Covid has on quality of life, future health and life expectancy are required to better understand and eventually prevent or treat the disease. We acknowledge the effects of long Covid are not limited to those in this article but as it may affect the health of future offspring and therefore, we deem it important to identify more prognostic and therapeutic targets to control this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farigol Hakem Zadeh
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Daniel R Wilson
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
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16
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Deng J, Li H, Guo Y, Zhang G, Fischer H, Stavrakis S, Yu X. Transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation attenuates autoantibody-mediated cardiovagal dysfunction and inflammation in a rabbit model of postural tachycardia syndrome. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 2023; 66:291-300. [PMID: 35118574 PMCID: PMC9349471 DOI: 10.1007/s10840-022-01144-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Previous studies demonstrated M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor-activating autoantibodies (M2R-AAb) were present in some patients with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This study examines how these autoantibodies might contribute to the pathophysiology of POTS, and whether low-level tragus stimulation (LLTS) can ameliorate autoantibody-mediated autonomic dysregulation in the rabbit. METHODS Five New Zealand white rabbits were immunized with a M2R second extracellular loop peptide to produce cholinomimetic M2R-AAb. Tilt test and infusion studies were performed on conscious rabbits before immunization, 6 weeks after immunization, and 8 weeks after immunization with 2-week daily LLTS treatment. Each rabbit served as its own control. RESULTS Compared to preimmune state, an enhanced heart rate increase and decreased parasympathetic activity upon tilting were observed in immunized rabbits. Furthermore, these rabbits demonstrated an attenuated heart rate-slowing response to infusion of the M2R orthosteric agonist arecaidine propargyl ester (APE), suggesting an inhibitory allosteric effect of M2R-AAb. There was also a significant increase in serum inflammatory cytokines in immunized rabbits. LLTS treatment suppressed the postural tachycardia, improved the sympathovagal balance with increased acetylcholine secretion, reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines, and reversed the attenuated heart rate response to APE in immunized rabbits. No suppression of M2R-AAb expression by LLTS was found during this short-term study period. Receptor-modulating activity of M2R-AAb produced in immunized rabbits was confirmed with in vitro bioassay. CONCLUSIONS Autoantibody inhibition of cholinergic ligand activity may be involved in the development of cardiovagal dysfunction and inflammation associated with POTS, both of which can be improved by vagal stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jielin Deng
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA
| | - Hongliang Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA
| | - Yankai Guo
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA
| | - Gege Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA
| | - Hayley Fischer
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA
| | - Stavros Stavrakis
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA
| | - Xichun Yu
- Department of Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73117, USA.
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Seeley MC, Hooper M, Tan J, Wells R, Gallagher C, Lau DH. Plasma exchange improves cognitive function in long-COVID related postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and autoimmune neurological dysfunction: Seeley et al. Plasmapheresis in long-COVID. Am J Med 2023:S0002-9343(23)00100-6. [PMID: 36828209 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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Miwa K. Orthostatic Intolerance and Chronotropic Incompetence in Patients With Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Circ Rep 2023; 5:55-61. [PMID: 36818521 PMCID: PMC9908528 DOI: 10.1253/circrep.cr-22-0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Orthostatic intolerance markedly affects the day-to-day activities of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome. Chronotropic incompetence (CI), defined as an impaired chronotropic response or reduced increases in heart rate during exercise and resulting in lower exercise capacity, may also be observed during orthostasis in patients with ME. Methods and Results: In this study, the recordings of 101 adult patients with ME (36 men, 65 women; mean [±SD] age 37±12 years) who underwent conventional active 10-min standing tests at least 3 times to determine the presence of CI were analyzed. Recordings were selected for 13 patients who experienced tests both with and without exhibiting postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS; an increase in heart rate of ≥30 beats/min or an actual heart rate of ≥120 beats/min) while also both successfully completing and failing to complete 10-min standing on different occasions. Subjects in whom failure without POTS was observed in any test(s) while success was associated with POTS on other occasions were considered positive for CI during orthostasis. Of the 13 patients, 12 (92%) were CI positive, 5 (38%) of whom exclusively failed the tests without experiencing POTS. Conclusions: Some patients with ME were CI positive during standing tests, suggesting impaired sympathetic activation. The presence of POTS appears to be essential for maintaining orthostasis in these patients.
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Guo Y, Li H, Deng J, Zhang G, Fischer H, Stavrakis S, Yu X. Low-level tragus stimulation improves autoantibody-induced hyperadrenergic postural tachycardia syndrome in rabbits. Heart Rhythm O2 2023; 4:127-33. [PMID: 36873318 DOI: 10.1016/j.hroo.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have demonstrated that antiadrenergic autoantibodies are involved in the pathophysiology of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Objective The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that transcutaneous low-level tragus stimulation (LLTS) ameliorates autoantibody-induced autonomic dysfunction and inflammation in a rabbit model of autoimmune POTS. Methods Six New Zealand white rabbits were co-immunized with peptides from the α1-adrenergic and β1-adrenergic receptors to produce sympathomimetic antibodies. The tilt test was performed on conscious rabbits before immunization, 6 weeks after immunization, and 10 weeks after immunization with 4-week daily LLTS treatment. Each rabbit served as its own control. Results An enhanced postural heart rate increase in the absence of significant change in blood pressure was observed in immunized rabbits, confirming our previous report. Power spectral analysis of heart rate variability during the tilt test showed a predominance of sympathetic over parasympathetic activity in immunized rabbits as reflected by markedly increased low-frequency power, decreased high-frequency power, and increased low-to-high-frequency ratio. Serum inflammatory cytokines were also significantly increased in immunized rabbits. LLTS suppressed the postural tachycardia, improved the sympathovagal balance with increased acetylcholine secretion, and attenuated the inflammatory cytokine expression. Antibody production and activity were confirmed with in vitro assays, and no antibody suppression by LLTS was found in this short-term study. Conclusion LLTS improves cardiac autonomic imbalance and inflammation in a rabbit model of autoantibody-induced hyperadrenergic POTS, suggesting that LLTS may be used as a novel neuromodulation therapy for POTS.
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20
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Kesterson K, Schofield J, Blitshteyn S. Immunotherapy with subcutaneous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). J Neurol 2023; 270:233-239. [PMID: 36008726 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11344-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), one of the most common autonomic disorders, is associated with significant morbidity and functional impairment. Although several possible etiologies have been proposed, autoimmunity has emerged as one of the leading causes with various specific and non-specific antibodies identified in patients with POTS. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin has been previously described. We present a case series of patients with severe POTS refractory to the standard pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic therapies treated with immunotherapy consisting of either subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) therapy or plasmapheresis (PLEX) and report their treatment outcomes. METHODS Clinical history of 7 patients with POTS who were treated with SCIG or PLEX was reviewed. Response to treatment was assessed using COMPASS 31 and functional ability scale (FAS), completed by patients retrospectively, pre- and 3-12 months post-treatment with SCIG or PLEX. RESULTS All patients improved following SCIG or PLEX with an average 50% reduction in COMPASS 31 score and 217% increase in FAS scores. Six out of seven patients were able to reduce or discontinue oral medications for POTS, and five patients were able to return to work or school. Four patients had skin biopsy or quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART)-proven small fiber neuropathy, and five had various positive antibodies at low titers. CONCLUSION Patients with severe, treatment-refractory POTS experienced significant functional improvement with reduction in the autonomic symptoms following immunotherapy with SCIG or PLEX. Randomized controlled trials of SCIG and/or PLEX are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of these long-term therapies in patients with POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Kesterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Central Florida/HCA GME Consortium, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Jill Schofield
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Svetlana Blitshteyn
- Department of Neurology, University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Utsugi Y, Kuwata S, Doi S, Sato Y, Suzuki N, Izumo M, Harada T, Ishibashi Y, Akashi YJ. Noteworthy sequelae after COVID-19 pneumonia in a patient with heart failure due to cardiomyopathy. J Cardiol Cases 2022; 27:156-158. [PMID: 36575713 PMCID: PMC9780634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jccase.2022.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is endemic worldwide. Cardiovascular disease, particularly myocarditis, is one of the most common comorbidities in patients with COVID-19. However, heart failure due to COVID-19-triggered cardiomyopathy is not well understood. Additionally, "pseudo" heart failure symptoms have been reported in patients with a compensated condition, in which the heart works well enough that symptoms are unnoticeable or very easy to manage. Here, we report a case of heart failure due to cardiomyopathy in a patient with COVID-19 and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome after heart failure treatment. Learning objective. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) symptoms after coronavirus disease 2019 may be mistaken for heart failure symptoms; thus, it is essential to suspect POTS when symptoms such as shortness of breath and palpitations are noted upon standing, along with the relevant physical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yui Utsugi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shingo Kuwata
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Shunichi Doi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yukio Sato
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Norio Suzuki
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Masaki Izumo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoo Harada
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuki Ishibashi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro J Akashi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa, Japan
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22
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Hwang D, Liu X, Rosenberg C, Lee A, Borle S, Ricafrente JQ, Wei J, Shufelt C, Chen LS, Li X, Goldhaber JI, Bairey Merz CN, Chen PS. Sympathetic toggled sinus rate acceleration as a mechanism of sustained sinus tachycardia in chronic orthostatic intolerance syndrome. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:2086-2094. [PMID: 35995322 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of sympathetic nerve activity to maintain sinus rate acceleration remains unclear. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that sustained (>30 seconds) sinus rate acceleration can be associated with either a sympathetic driven or a sympathetic toggled mechanism. METHODS We used a patch monitor to record skin sympathetic nerve activity (SKNA) and electrocardiogram over 24 hours. Study 1 included chronic orthostatic intolerance (OI) (n = 18), atrial fibrillation (n = 7), and asymptomatic normal control (n = 19) groups. Study 2 included 17 participants with chronic OI not treated with ivabradine, pyridostigmine, or β-blockers. RESULTS While a majority of sinus rate acceleration was driven by persistent SKNA in study 1, some episodes were toggled on and off by SKNA bursts without persistent SKNA elevation. The sympathetic toggled sinus rate acceleration episodes were found in 7 of 18 participants with chronic OI (39%), 2 of 7 participants with atrial fibrillation (29%), and 6 of 19 normal control participants (32%) (P = .847) and were faster and longer in the chronic OI group than in other groups. In study 2, there were a total of 11 episodes of sinus rate acceleration that persisted for >200 seconds. Among these episodes, 6 (35%) were toggled on and off by SKNA bursts. CONCLUSION Sustained sinus rate acceleration (may be toggled on or off) is associated with SKNA bursts in participants with chronic OI, participants with atrial fibrillation, and normal controls. Patients with OI had more frequent and longer episodes than did other groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daerin Hwang
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xiao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Carine Rosenberg
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Andrew Lee
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Sanjana Borle
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Joselyn Q Ricafrente
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Janet Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Chrisandra Shufelt
- Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Lan S Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Xiaochun Li
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Joshua I Goldhaber
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - C Noel Bairey Merz
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Peng-Sheng Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Smidt Heart Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
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23
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Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a complex multisystem disorder characterized by orthostatic intolerance and tachycardia and may be triggered by viral infection. Recent reports indicate that 2%-14% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors develop POTS and 9%-61% experience POTS-like symptoms, such as tachycardia, orthostatic intolerance, fatigue, and cognitive impairment within 6-8 months of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Pathophysiological mechanisms of post-COVID-19 POTS are not well understood. Current hypotheses include autoimmunity related to SARS-CoV-2 infection, autonomic dysfunction, direct toxic injury by SARS-CoV-2 to the autonomic nervous system, and invasion of the central nervous system by SARS-CoV-2. Practitioners should actively assess POTS in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome symptoms. Given that the symptoms of post-COVID-19 POTS are predominantly chronic orthostatic tachycardia, lifestyle modifications in combination with the use of heart rate-lowering medications along with other pharmacotherapies should be considered. For example, ivabradine or β-blockers in combination with compression stockings and increasing salt and fluid intake has shown potential. Treatment teams should be multidisciplinary, including physicians of various specialties, nurses, psychologists, and physiotherapists. Additionally, more resources to adequately care for this patient population are urgently needed given the increased demand for autonomic specialists and clinics since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering our limited understanding of post-COVID-19 POTS, further research on topics such as its natural history, pathophysiological mechanisms, and ideal treatment is warranted. This review evaluates the current literature available on the associations between COVID-19 and POTS, possible mechanisms, patient assessment, treatments, and future directions to improving our understanding of post-COVID-19 POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron K Ormiston
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Iwona Świątkiewicz
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; Department of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University Torun, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Pam R Taub
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California.
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24
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Wu REY, Khan FM, Hockin BCD, Lobban TCA, Sanatani S, Claydon VE. Faintly tired: a systematic review of fatigue in patients with orthostatic syncope. Clin Auton Res 2022; 32:185-203. [PMID: 35689118 PMCID: PMC9186485 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-022-00868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthostatic syncope (transient loss of conscious when standing-fainting) is common and negatively impacts quality of life. Many patients with syncope report experiencing fatigue, sometimes with "brain fog", which may further impact their quality of life, but the incidence and severity of fatigue in patients with syncope remain unclear. In this systematic review, we report evidence on the associations between fatigue and conditions of orthostatic syncope. METHODS We performed a comprehensive literature search of four academic databases to identify articles that evaluated the association between orthostatic syncope [postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), vasovagal syncope (VVS), orthostatic hypotension (OH)] and fatigue. Studies were independently screened using a multi-stage approach by two researchers to maintain consistency and limit bias. RESULTS Our initial search identified 2797 articles, of which 13 met our inclusion criteria (POTS n = 10; VVS n = 1; OH n = 1; VVS and POTS n = 1). Fatigue scores were significantly higher in patients with orthostatic syncope than healthy controls, and were particularly severe in those with POTS. Fatigue associated with orthostatic syncope disorders spanned multiple domains, with each dimension contributing equally to increased fatigue. "Brain fog" was an important symptom of POTS, negatively affecting productivity and cognition. Finally, fatigue was negatively associated with mental health in patients with POTS. CONCLUSION In conditions of orthostatic syncope, fatigue is prevalent and debilitating, especially in patients with POTS. The consideration of fatigue in patients with orthostatic disorders is essential to improve diagnosis and management of symptoms, thus improving quality of life for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan E Y Wu
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Farhaan M Khan
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Brooke C D Hockin
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Trudie C A Lobban
- Syncope Trust and Reflex Anoxic Seizures Group (STARS) and Arrhythmia Alliance, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, UK
| | - Shubhayan Sanatani
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Victoria E Claydon
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
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25
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Soroken C, Posfay-Barbe KM, Caflisch M, Z'Graggen WJ. Postural tachycardia syndrome among adolescents. Arch Pediatr 2022; 29:398-403. [PMID: 35523634 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is a polymorphic clinical syndrome that is underdiagnosed, especially in adolescents. It is a form of dysautonomia, but its exact physiopathology remains elusive. Several pathologies can mimic PoTS; it is characterized by heterogeneous symptoms that accompany a disproportionate tachycardia upon the upright position. It can significantly impact the patients' quality of life. Only a Schellong test is useful for making the diagnosis. Treatment in PoTS is primarily symptomatic with the main goal being to restore the patient's condition as quickly as possible. We report here the diagnosis and management of seven adolescents, aged 11-16, who have been followed up since 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Soroken
- Department of Pediatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Willy-Donzé Street 6, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - K M Posfay-Barbe
- Department of Pediatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Willy-Donzé Street 6, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M Caflisch
- Department of Pediatrics, Geneva University Hospitals, Willy-Donzé Street 6, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - W J Z'Graggen
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Freiburgstrasse 16, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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26
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Ormiston CK, Padilla E, Van DT, Boone C, You S, Roberts AC, Hsiao A, Taub PR. May-Thurner syndrome in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a case series. Eur Heart J Case Rep 2022; 6:ytac161. [PMID: 35620060 PMCID: PMC9131024 DOI: 10.1093/ehjcr/ytac161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
(EDS), and May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) are three syndromes that are often
misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed. The true prevalence of these syndromes may
be higher than currently reported. The following case series is the first to
report a three-way association between POTS, EDS, and MTS. Case summary We describe three patients with concomitant POTS, EDS, and MTS. Although
abdominopelvic vasculature evaluation can be difficult via conventional
imaging techniques, we present the use of novel dynamic contrast-enhanced
magnetic resonance angiography with Differential Subsampling with Cartesian
Ordering (DISCO) and four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging to aid
vasculature evaluation and the diagnosis of MTS. Two patients underwent left
common iliac vein stenting to treat MTS, experiencing significant
improvement in their POTS symptoms and quality of life. Discussion Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, and MTS may interact synergistically to
exacerbate symptoms. Patients with EDS should be evaluated for possible POTS
and pelvic venous complications. Left common iliac vein stenting for MTS can
mitigate POTS symptoms by decreasing lower extremity venous pooling and
should be considered in this patient population. Further research is needed
to understand the exact mechanism and intricacies of this syndrome
triad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron K Ormiston
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Drive Mail Code #7414, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Erika Padilla
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Drive Mail Code #7414, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - David T Van
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Drive Mail Code #7414, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
| | - Christine Boone
- Department of Radiology, University of California, 200 W Arbor Dr, MC 0834, San Diego, CA 92103-0834, USA
| | - Sophie You
- University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Anne C Roberts
- Department of Radiology, University of California, 200 W Arbor Dr, MC 0834, San Diego, CA 92103-0834, USA
| | - Albert Hsiao
- Department of Radiology, University of California, 200 W Arbor Dr, MC 0834, San Diego, CA 92103-0834, USA
| | - Pam R Taub
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California, 9300 Campus Point Drive Mail Code #7414, San Diego, CA 92037, USA
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27
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Snapper H, Cheshire WP. Oral and intravenous hydration in the treatment of orthostatic hypotension and postural tachycardia syndrome. Auton Neurosci 2022; 238:102951. [PMID: 35123367 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2022.102951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Hydration with water and salt is the mainstay of treatment for autonomic nervous system disorders that impair orthostatic tolerance. The goal is to expand intravascular volume to compensate for the downward displacement of blood volume that occurs when standing and thereby sustain cerebral perfusion and restore quality of life. Despite strong consensus recommendations for salt supplementation as standard treatment of these disorders, published evidence of benefit is relatively weak, and no randomized clinical trials have occurred. This review summarizes the physiological rationale for hydration and evaluates the literature on oral and intravenous hydration in the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, postural tachycardia syndrome, and recurrent vasovagal syncope. We conclude that oral salt replacement is indicated for treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension because these patients have excessive renal sodium excretion, and for treatment of chronic orthostatic intolerance because these patients are often hypovolemic. As not all patients are able to tolerate sufficient oral hydration, there is also a role for intravenous volume-loading in severe cases of postural tachycardia syndrome. We offer guidance, based on review of the literature and the clinical judgment of a cardiologist and neurologist with experience treating autonomic disorders, regarding the option of ongoing intravenous hydration for treatment of severe, refractory cases of postural tachycardia syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Snapper
- Department of Cardiology, Wellstar Healthcare System, Marietta, GA 30060, USA.
| | - William P Cheshire
- Division of Autonomic Disorders, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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28
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Agnihotri SP, Luis CVS, Kazamel M. Autonomic neuropathy as post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report. J Neurovirol 2022; 28:158-161. [PMID: 35181863 PMCID: PMC8856878 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-022-01056-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, particularly those of orthostatic intolerance, continue to represent a major component of the currently recognized post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Different pathophysiologic mechanisms can be involved in the development of orthostatic intolerance including hypovolemia due to gastrointestinal dysfunction, fatigue-associated deconditioning, and hyperadrenergic state due to pandemic-related anxiety. Additionally, there has been a well-established association of a common primary autonomic disorder like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a subtype of orthostatic intolerance, with antecedent viral infections. Here we report a case of neuropathic type postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome as a form of autonomic neuropathy that developed following COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti P Agnihotri
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave. South, SC271, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0017, USA
| | - Carmela V San Luis
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave. South, SC271, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0017, USA
| | - Mohamed Kazamel
- Department of Neurology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave. South, SC271, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0017, USA.
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29
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Sunami Y, Sugaya K, Miyakoshi N, Iwazaki O, Takahashi K. Association of autoantibodies to muscarinic acetylcholine receptors with gastrointestinal symptoms and disease severity in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Immunol Res 2022. [PMID: 34993884 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09256-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported a relationship between postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and positivity for serum autoantibodies against G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, the role of these autoantibodies in POTS is unclear. The present retrospective study analyzed the autoimmune etiology of POTS in 24 patients using a head-up tilt test to assess for any correlation between the clinical features of POTS and serum levels of autoantibodies against diverse GPCRs. In total, ten assessment items, including autonomic function tests, were analyzed. Of these, persistent, gastrointestinal symptoms and disease severity showed a significant association with the serum level of anti-muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChRs) antibodies (gastrointestinal symptoms, M1, M2, M5; disease severity, M1, M3, M4, M5) [P <0.05]), while no significant association was found between the clinical features and autoantibodies against adrenergic receptors (α1, α2, β1, β2), angiotensin receptor 1, or endothelin receptor A. The patients were further divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of persistent gastrointestinal symptoms and then were characterized by the ten assessment items and neuropsychological tests, including the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale score and Self-Rating Depression Scale score. The results demonstrated a clear difference between the two groups in terms of disease severity, age at onset (older or younger than 20 years), and processing speed index (P <0.05), which were highly consistent with the association between these clinical features and the levels of serum anti-mAChR antibodies, particularly the anti-M5 receptor antibody. These findings suggested that anti-mAChR antibodies may play an important role in a subgroup of POTS patients with persistent gastrointestinal symptoms.
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30
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Noureldine HA, El Hasbani G, Nour Eldine M, Nour-Eldine W, Taher A, Uthman I. Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS): What do we know so far? Rev Neurol (Paris) 2021:S0035-3787(21)00772-4. [PMID: 34895744 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
As part of the non-criteria clinical manifestations, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a multisystem autonomic dysfunction, can co-exist with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Several pieces of evidence hint on the autoimmune basis of POTS, and its possible association with several autoimmune diseases, including APS. Indeed, the evidence exists in the etiologies, symptomatology, and treatment options. Although infections, viral ones in particular, stress, and pregnancy are etiologies to both POTS and APS, the exact pathophysiological connection is still to be studied taking into consideration the activity of cytokines in both diseases. Nevertheless, certain immunomodulatory treatments used for the catastrophic or obstetrical forms of APS, such as intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and steroids, have been also used for the treatment of POTS resistant to classical treatments. Therefore, our review aims to highlight the association between POTS and APS, shedding light on the common etiologies explaining the pathophysiology of the two disorders, the diagnostic approach to POTS as a possible clinical criterion of APS, and the treatment of APS in the context of treating POTS.
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31
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Ståhlberg M, Reistam U, Fedorowski A, Villacorta H, Horiuchi Y, Bax J, Pitt B, Matskeplishvili S, Lüscher TF, Weichert I, Thani KB, Maisel A. Post-COVID-19 Tachycardia Syndrome: A Distinct Phenotype of Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome. Am J Med 2021; 134:1451-1456. [PMID: 34390682 PMCID: PMC8356730 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In this paper we highlight the presence of tachycardia in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome by introducing a new label for this phenomenon-post-COVID-19 tachycardia syndrome-and argue that this constitutes a phenotype or sub-syndrome in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. We also discuss epidemiology, putative mechanisms, treatment options, and future research directions in this novel clinical syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Ståhlberg
- Cardiology, Heart, Vascular and Neuro Theme, Karolinska University Hospital and Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ulrika Reistam
- Cardiology, Heart, Vascular and Neuro Theme, Karolinska University Hospital and Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Humberto Villacorta
- Division of Cardiology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil
| | - Yu Horiuchi
- Division of Cardiology, Mitsui Memorial Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jeroen Bax
- Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Thomas F Lüscher
- Heart Division, Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK; Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Immo Weichert
- Acute Medicine Department, Ipswich Hospital, East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Ipswich, UK
| | - Khalid Bin Thani
- Department of Cardiology, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Alan Maisel
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
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32
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Desai AD, Boursiquot BC, Moore CJ, Gopinathannair R, Waase MP, Rubin GA, Wan EY. Autonomic dysfunction post-acute COVID-19 infection. HeartRhythm Case Rep 2022; 8:143-6. [PMID: 34868880 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrcr.2021.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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33
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Golden EP, Park CJ, Vernino S. Symptomatic use of carbidopa in autonomic disorders. Auton Neurosci 2021; 236:102888. [PMID: 34610497 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Carbidopa is being explored as a novel therapy for hyperadrenergic symptoms of autonomic disorders, due to its potential to decrease peripheral catecholamine levels. This study retrospectively characterized patients in our autonomic clinic who were prescribed carbidopa for open label treatment of autonomic symptoms. 23 patients were included; approximately half had postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Those with documented plasma catecholamines had elevated standing norepinephrine. Patients typically had multiple comorbidities and multiple failed therapies. 19 took carbidopa (typically 25 mg three times daily); 12 continued it for longer than 3 months. 11 patients reported better symptom control with carbidopa, most commonly tremor and gastrointestinal dysfunction. 4 patients reported side effects. In this small retrospective study, carbidopa was well tolerated in patients with dysautonomia, and half reported symptomatic benefit. Larger, placebo-controlled trials are warranted for further investigation of this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth P Golden
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, United States of America.
| | - Christine J Park
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, United States of America
| | - Steven Vernino
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, United States of America
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34
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Raj SR, Bourne KM, Stiles LE, Miglis MG, Cortez MM, Miller AJ, Freeman R, Biaggioni I, Rowe PC, Sheldon RS, Shibao CA, Diedrich A, Systrom DM, Cook GA, Doherty TA, Abdallah HI, Grubb BP, Fedorowski A, Stewart JM, Arnold AC, Pace LA, Axelsson J, Boris JR, Moak JP, Goodman BP, Chémali KR, Chung TH, Goldstein DS, Darbari A, Vernino S. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): Priorities for POTS care and research from a 2019 National Institutes of Health Expert Consensus Meeting - Part 2. Auton Neurosci 2021; 235:102836. [PMID: 34246578 PMCID: PMC8455430 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The National Institutes of Health hosted a workshop in 2019 to build consensus around the current state of understanding of the pathophysiology of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and to identify knowledge gaps that must be addressed to enhance clinical care of POTS patients through research. This second (of two) articles summarizes current knowledge gaps, and outlines the clinical and research priorities for POTS. POTS is a complex, multi-system, chronic disorder of the autonomic nervous system characterized by orthostatic intolerance and orthostatic tachycardia without hypotension. Patients often experience a host of other related disabling symptoms. The functional and economic impacts of this disorder are significant. The pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. Beyond the significant gaps in understanding the disorder itself, there is a paucity of evidence to guide treatment which can contribute to suboptimal care for this patient population. The vast majority of physicians have minimal to no familiarity or training in the assessment and management of POTS. Funding for POTS research remains very low relative to the size of the patient population and impact of the syndrome. In addition to efforts to improve awareness and physician education, an investment in research infrastructure including the development of standardized disease-specific evaluation tools and outcome measures is needed to facilitate effective collaborative research. A national POTS research consortium could facilitate well-controlled multidisciplinary clinical research studies and therapeutic trials. These priorities will require a substantial increase in the number of research investigators and the amount of research funding in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Kate M Bourne
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lauren E Stiles
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Dysautonomia International, East Moriches, NY, USA
| | - Mitchell G Miglis
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Melissa M Cortez
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Amanda J Miller
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Roy Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Italo Biaggioni
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Peter C Rowe
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert S Sheldon
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Cyndya A Shibao
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Andre Diedrich
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David M Systrom
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Glen A Cook
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Taylor A Doherty
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Blair P Grubb
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo Medical Center, USA
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Julian M Stewart
- Center for Hypotension, Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY USA
| | - Amy C Arnold
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Laura A Pace
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jonas Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Jeffrey P Moak
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brent P Goodman
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Kamal R Chémali
- Department of Neurology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Division of Neurology, Neuromuscular and Autonomic Center, Sentara Healthcare, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Tae H Chung
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David S Goldstein
- Autonomic Medicine Section, Clinical Neurosciences Program, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anil Darbari
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Steven Vernino
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Vernino S, Bourne KM, Stiles LE, Grubb BP, Fedorowski A, Stewart JM, Arnold AC, Pace LA, Axelsson J, Boris JR, Moak JP, Goodman BP, Chémali KR, Chung TH, Goldstein DS, Diedrich A, Miglis MG, Cortez MM, Miller AJ, Freeman R, Biaggioni I, Rowe PC, Sheldon RS, Shibao CA, Systrom DM, Cook GA, Doherty TA, Abdallah HI, Darbari A, Raj SR. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): State of the science and clinical care from a 2019 National Institutes of Health Expert Consensus Meeting - Part 1. Auton Neurosci 2021; 235:102828. [PMID: 34144933 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2021.102828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a chronic and often disabling disorder characterized by orthostatic intolerance with excessive heart rate increase without hypotension during upright posture. Patients often experience a constellation of other typical symptoms including fatigue, exercise intolerance and gastrointestinal distress. A typical patient with POTS is a female of child-bearing age, who often first displays symptoms in adolescence. The onset of POTS may be precipitated by immunological stressors such as a viral infection. A variety of pathophysiologies are involved in the abnormal postural tachycardia response; however, the pathophysiology of the syndrome is incompletely understood and undoubtedly multifaceted. Clinicians and researchers focused on POTS convened at the National Institutes of Health in July 2019 to discuss the current state of understanding of the pathophysiology of POTS and to identify priorities for POTS research. This article, the first of two articles summarizing the information discussed at this meeting, summarizes the current understanding of this disorder and best practices for clinical care. The evaluation of a patient with suspected POTS should seek to establish the diagnosis, identify co-morbid conditions, and exclude conditions that could cause or mimic the syndrome. Once diagnosed, management typically begins with patient education and non-pharmacologic treatment options. Various medications are often used to address specific symptoms, but there are currently no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of POTS, and evidence for many of the medications used to treat POTS is not robust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Vernino
- Department of Neurology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Kate M Bourne
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lauren E Stiles
- Department of Neurology, Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA; Dysautonomia International, East Moriches, NY, USA
| | - Blair P Grubb
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The University of Toledo Medical Center, USA
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Julian M Stewart
- Center for Hypotension, Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Amy C Arnold
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA; Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Laura A Pace
- Center for Genomic Medicine and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jonas Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Jeffrey P Moak
- Department of Pediatrics, George Washington Univeristy School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Brent P Goodman
- Neuromuscular Division, Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ, USA
| | - Kamal R Chémali
- Department of Neurology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Division of Neurology, Neuromuscular and Autonomic Center, Sentara Healthcare, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Tae H Chung
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David S Goldstein
- Autonomic Medicine Section, Clinical Neurosciences Program, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Andre Diedrich
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mitchell G Miglis
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Melissa M Cortez
- Department of Neurology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Amanda J Miller
- Department of Neural and Behavioral Sciences, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Roy Freeman
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Autonomic and Peripheral Nerve Disorders, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Italo Biaggioni
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Peter C Rowe
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Robert S Sheldon
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Cyndya A Shibao
- Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Departments of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David M Systrom
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Glen A Cook
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Taylor A Doherty
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Anil Darbari
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's National Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Sutton R, Fedorowski A, Olshansky B, Gert van Dijk J, Abe H, Brignole M, de Lange F, Kenny RA, Lim PB, Moya A, Rosen SD, Russo V, Stewart JM, Thijs RD, Benditt DG. Tilt testing remains a valuable asset. Eur Heart J 2021; 42:1654-1660. [PMID: 33624801 PMCID: PMC8245144 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehab084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Head-up tilt test (TT) has been used for >50 years to study heart rate/blood pressure adaptation to positional changes, to model responses to haemorrhage, to assess orthostatic hypotension, and to evaluate haemodynamic and neuroendocrine responses in congestive heart failure, autonomic dysfunction, and hypertension. During these studies, some subjects experienced syncope due to vasovagal reflex. As a result, tilt testing was incorporated into clinical assessment of syncope when the origin was unknown. Subsequently, clinical experience supports the diagnostic value of TT. This is highlighted in evidence-based professional practice guidelines, which provide advice for TT methodology and interpretation, while concurrently identifying its limitations. Thus, TT remains a valuable clinical asset, one that has added importantly to the appreciation of pathophysiology of syncope/collapse and, thereby, has improved care of syncopal patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital and Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Brian Olshansky
- Department of Cardiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - J Gert van Dijk
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - Haruhiko Abe
- Department of Heart Rhythm Management, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Michele Brignole
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Faint & Fall Programme, Ospedale San Luca, Milano, Italy
| | - Frederik de Lange
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Heart Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Phang Boon Lim
- Department of Cardiology, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Angel Moya
- Department of Cardiology, Dexeus University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stuart D Rosen
- National Heart & Lung Institute, Royal Brompton Hospital, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Vincenzo Russo
- Department of Translational Sciences, University of Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Julian M Stewart
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Roland D Thijs
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, The Netherlands
| | - David G Benditt
- Cardiac Arrhythmia Center, Cardiovascular Division, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Abstract
Vorgestellt werden die Untersuchungen der Herzratenvariabilität (HRV) bei einem 11-jährigen Jungen mit multisystemischem Inflammationssyndrom bei Kindern (MIS-C) und einem 16-jährigen Mädchen mit einem posturalen orthostatischen Tachykardiesyndrom (POTS) jeweils nach SARS-CoV-2-Infektion. Ergebnis: Das MIS‑C ist durch eine maximale Suppression der HRV im EKG-Monitoring auf der Intensivstation gekennzeichnet. Nach i.v.-Immunglobulin-Gabe zeigte sich die Suppression der HRV als rasch reversibel. Das POTS ist durch einen Anstieg der Herzfrequenz um 40 Schläge/min und den Verlust der HRV im aktiven Stehtest gekennzeichnet und vermutlich eine Ursache für chronische Beschwerden nach einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion. Bei MIS‑C konnten wir Autoantikörper gegen Rezeptoren des autonomen Nervensystems nachweisen. Zusammenfassung: Unsere Kasuistiken über autonome Regulationsstörungen bei Kindern mit MIS‑C und POTS nach SARS-COV-2-Infektionen sind Erstbeschreibungen, die unser Wissen zur Pathophysiologie dieser neuen Erkrankung bereichern können.
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Shouman K, Vanichkachorn G, Cheshire WP, Suarez MD, Shelly S, Lamotte GJ, Sandroni P, Benarroch EE, Berini SE, Cutsforth-Gregory JK, Coon EA, Mauermann ML, Low PA, Singer W. Autonomic dysfunction following COVID-19 infection: an early experience. Clin Auton Res 2021; 31:385-94. [PMID: 33860871 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-021-00803-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Post-COVID-19 syndrome is a poorly understood aspect of the current pandemic, with clinical features that overlap with symptoms of autonomic/small fiber dysfunction. An early systematic analysis of autonomic dysfunction following COVID-19 is lacking and may provide initial insights into the spectrum of this condition. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of all patients with confirmed history of COVID-19 infection referred for autonomic testing for symptoms concerning for para-/postinfectious autonomic dysfunction at Mayo Clinic Rochester or Jacksonville between March 2020 and January 2021. Results We identified 27 patients fulfilling the search criteria. Symptoms developed between 0 and 122 days following the acute infection and included lightheadedness (93%), orthostatic headache (22%), syncope (11%), hyperhidrosis (11%), and burning pain (11%). Sudomotor function was abnormal in 36%, cardiovagal function in 27%, and cardiovascular adrenergic function in 7%. The most common clinical scenario was orthostatic symptoms without tachycardia or hypotension (41%); 22% of patients fulfilled the criteria for postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and 11% had borderline findings to support orthostatic intolerance. One patient each was diagnosed with autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy, inappropriate sinus tachycardia, vasodepressor syncope, cough/vasovagal syncope, exacerbation of preexisting orthostatic hypotension, exacerbation of sensory and autonomic neuropathy, and exacerbation of small fiber neuropathy. Conclusion Abnormalities on autonomic testing were seen in the majority of patients but were mild in most cases. The most common finding was orthostatic intolerance, often without objective hemodynamic abnormalities on testing. Unmasking/exacerbation of preexisting conditions was seen. The temporal association between infection and autonomic symptoms implies a causal relationship, which however cannot be proven by this study.
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Blitshteyn S, Whitelaw S. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and other autonomic disorders after COVID-19 infection: a case series of 20 patients. Immunol Res 2021; 69:205-211. [PMID: 33786700 PMCID: PMC8009458 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-021-09185-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Objective To describe clinical features, diagnostic findings, treatments, and outcomes in patients with new-onset postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and other autonomic disorders following SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). Methods We retrospectively reviewed medical records for patients who presented with persistent neurologic and cardiovascular complaints between April and December 2020 following COVID-19 infection. Results Twenty patients (70% female) were included in this study.Fifteen had POTS, 3 had neurocardiogenic syncope, and 2 had orthostatic hypotension. Six patients had abnormalities on cardiac or pulmonary testing, and 4 had elevated autoimmune or inflammatory markers. All patients were treated with non-pharmacologic therapies, and most required pharmacologic therapies. Six to 8 months after COVID-19, 17 (85%) patients had residual autonomic symptoms, with 12 (60%) unable to return to work. Conclusions POTS can follow COVID-19 in previously healthy patients. Appropriate diagnostic investigations and therapies are necessary to identify and treat autonomic dysfunction after COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Blitshteyn
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York At Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Sera Whitelaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Blitshteyn S. Is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) a central nervous system disorder? J Neurol 2021; 269:725-732. [PMID: 33677650 PMCID: PMC7936931 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-021-10502-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a disorder of the autonomic nervous system characterized by a rise in heart rate of at least 30 bpm from supine to standing position, has been traditionally viewed as a dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system. However, recent studies and evidence from overlapping conditions suggest that in addition to being considered a disorder of the peripheral nervous system, POTS should be viewed also as a central nervous system (CNS) disorder given (1) significant CNS symptom burden in patients with POTS; (2) structural and functional differences found on neuroimaging in patients with POTS and other forms of orthostatic intolerance; (3) evidence of cerebral hypoperfusion and possible alteration in cerebrospinal fluid volume, and (4) positive response to medications targeting the CNS and non-pharmacologic CNS therapies. This review outlines existing evidence of POTS as a CNS disorder and proposes a hypothetical model combining key mechanisms in the pathophysiology of POTS. Redefining POTS as a CNS disorder can lead to new possibilities in pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacologic therapeutic interventions in patents affected by this disabling syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Blitshteyn
- Department of Neurology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, 955 Main Street, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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Chouksey D, Rathi P, Sodani A, Jain R, Ishar HS. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in patients of orthostatic intolerance symptoms: an ambispective study. AIMS Neurosci 2021; 8:74-85. [PMID: 33490373 PMCID: PMC7815479 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2021004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is infrequently diagnosed in routine practice because of the variable range of symptoms that could be seen in cardiac rhythm disorders, vertigo, chronic fatigue syndrome and anxiety panic disorder. POTS is a chronic debilitating condition that affects day to day efficient working of an individual. We have planned a study to look for POTS in patients who are having orthostatic intolerance symptoms and underwent a head-up tilt table test (HUTT). Aim To study the prevalence of POTS in patients of orthostatic intolerance (OI) symptoms and to analyze symptomatology, its association with neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS), and its outcome. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 246 patients presented with symptoms of OI seen at our centre from January 2010 till March 2019. Out of them, 40 patients included, those qualifying the criteria for POTS on HUTT. Results The mean age of the cohort was 25.90 ± 10.33 years with a range of 15 to 55 years, and males comprised 52.5% (21/40) of total patients. The most frequent presenting orthostatic symptoms of POTS patients are loss of consciousness (77.5%), lightheadedness (75%), and palpitation (67.5%). A total of 18 patients (45%) had coexisting neurocardiogenic syncope. Conclusion POTS is a prevalent condition and have a significant impact on the quality of life, and the majority of patients may not present with OI symptoms during HUTT. We have to keep this possibility in young patients of transient loss of consciousness because it may coexist with NCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Chouksey
- Department of Neurology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, M.P. India
| | - Pankaj Rathi
- Department of Neurology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, M.P. India
| | - Ajoy Sodani
- Department of Neurology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, M.P. India
| | - Rahul Jain
- Department of Neurology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, M.P. India
| | - Hashash Singh Ishar
- Department of Neurology, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Post Graduate Institute, Indore, M.P. India
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Kohn A, Chang C. The Relationship Between Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2020; 58:273-297. [PMID: 31267471 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-019-08755-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, an association between hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) has garnered attention and patients are increasingly presenting with this triad. However, a real relationship between these entities is unclear due to a lack of scientific validity. We conducted an extensive review of the literature using two different search strategies. A narrower strategy included 88 searches of various combinations of terms for each of the three conditions, yielding 19 unique papers. A broader search included 136 searches of various combinations of terms but included all forms of EDS and yielded 40 unique papers. Of these, only four and nine papers from the narrower and broader search strategies were original research articles. None of these papers resulted from a combination of the search terms for the three conditions. All three clinical entities are controversial in either existence or pathogenesis. MCAS is a poorly defined clinical entity, and many studies do not adhere to the proposed criteria when establishing the diagnosis. Patients previously diagnosed with EDS hypermobility type may not meet the new, stricter criteria for hEDS but may for a less severe hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). The pathophysiology of POTS is still unclear. An evidence-based, common pathophysiologic mechanism between any of the two, much less all three conditions, has yet to be described. Our review of the literature shows that current evidence is lacking on the existence of MCAS or hEDS as separate or significant clinical entities. Studies proposing a relationship between the three clinical entities are either biased or based on outdated criteria. The reason behind the purported association of these entities stems from an overlapping pool of vague, subjective symptoms, which is inadequate evidence to conclude that any such relationship exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Kohn
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Christopher Chang
- Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.
- Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, 1131 North 35th Avenue, Suite 220, Hollywood, FL, 33021, USA.
- University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
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Kharraziha I, Holm H, Bachus E, Melander O, Sutton R, Fedorowski A, Hamrefors V. Monitoring of cerebral oximetry in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Europace 2020; 21:1575-1583. [PMID: 31384930 PMCID: PMC6877984 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euz204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a disorder of unknown aetiology characterized by orthostatic intolerance and tachycardia with diverse other symptoms, including neurocognitive deficits. Cerebral oximetry non-invasively measures cerebral tissue saturation (SctO2) and has been shown to be informative in syncope evaluation. We aimed to assess SctO2 in POTS patients and those with normal response to orthostatic provocation, relative to haemodynamic parameters and symptoms. METHODS AND RESULTS Thirty-four patients with POTS (29.1 ± 9.5 years; 26 females) and 34 age-/sex-matched controls with normal head-up tilt tests (HUTs) were included. SctO2 at rest and during HUT were compared between POTS and controls. The relation between SctO2, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) during HUT was linearly assessed. SctO2 values were related to dizziness or syncope during HUT. The minimum SctO2-value during HUT was lower (65.4 ± 5.6 vs. 68.2 ± 4.2%, P = 0.023) and changes in SctO2 from supine to minimum HUT value were more pronounced in POTS patients (-5.7 ± 2.9% vs. -4.3 ± 2.1%, P = 0.028). Decrease in SBP from supine to minimum HUT value (P = 0.004) and increase in HR from supine to HUT value at 3 min (P = 0.022) correlated with more pronounced SctO2 decrease in POTS but not controls. SctO2 did not predict syncope or dizziness during HUT. CONCLUSION Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome patients have lower cerebral tissue saturation during orthostatic provocation compared with those subjects having normal haemodynamic response to tilt. Orthostatic decrease in cerebral saturation only weakly correlates with HR increase and does not predict vasovagal reflex in POTS. Other hitherto unknown factors may affect cerebral tissue saturation in POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannes Holm
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Erasmus Bachus
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Olle Melander
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Viktor Hamrefors
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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McGregor G, Hee SW, Eftekhari H, Holliday N, Pearce G, Sandhu H, Simmonds J, Joshi S, Kavi L, Bruce J, Panikker S, Lim B, Hayat S. Protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial of exercise rehabilitation for people with postural tachycardia syndrome: the PULSE study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:157. [PMID: 33083000 PMCID: PMC7569199 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00702-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is an autonomic nervous system disorder causing an abnormal cardiovascular response to upright posture. It affects around 0.2% of the population, most commonly women aged 13 to 50 years. POTS can be debilitating; prolonged episodes of pre-syncope and fatigue can severely affect activities of daily living and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Medical treatment is limited and not supported by randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence. Lifestyle interventions are first-line treatment, including increased fluid and salt intake, compression tights and isometric counter-pressure manoeuvres to prevent fainting. Observational studies and small RCTs suggest exercise training may improve symptoms and HRQoL in POTS, but evidence quality is low. Methods Sixty-two people (aged 18-40 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of POTS will be invited to enrol on a feasibility RCT with embedded qualitative study. The primary outcome will be feasibility; process-related measures will include the number of people eligible, recruited, randomised and withdrawn, along with indicators of exercise programme adherence and acceptability. Secondary physiological, clinical and health-related outcomes including sub-maximal recumbent bike exercise test, active stand test and HRQoL will be measured at 4 and 7 months post-randomisation by researchers blinded to treatment allocation. The PostUraL tachycardia Syndrome Exercise (PULSE) intervention consists of (1) individual assessment; (2) 12-week, once to twice-weekly, supervised out-patient exercise training; (3) behavioural and motivational support; and (4) guided lifestyle physical activity. The control intervention will be best-practice usual care with a single 30-min, one-to-one practitioner appointment, and general advice on safe and effective physical activity. For the embedded qualitative study, participants (n = 10 intervention, n = 10 control) will be interviewed at baseline and 4 months post-randomisation to assess acceptability and the feasibility of progressing to a definitive trial. Discussion There is very little high-quality research investigating exercise rehabilitation for people with POTS. The PULSE study will be the first randomised trial to assess the feasibility of conducting a definitive multicentre RCT testing supervised exercise rehabilitation with behavioural and motivational support, compared to best-practice usual care, for people with POTS. Trial registration ISRCTN45323485 registered on 7 April 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordon McGregor
- Department of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation, Centre for Exercise & Health, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Watch Close, Coventry, CV1 3LN UK.,Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK.,Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Siew Wan Hee
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Helen Eftekhari
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Nikki Holliday
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Gemma Pearce
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Harbinder Sandhu
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Jane Simmonds
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Faculty of Population Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Shivam Joshi
- Research & Development, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Julie Bruce
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Sandeep Panikker
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, UK
| | - Boon Lim
- Department of Cardiology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sajad Hayat
- Department of Cardiology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
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45
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Abstract
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common clinical manifestation characterized by a significant fall in blood pressure with postural change and is frequently accompanied by debilitating symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. The reported prevalence of OH ranges between 5 and 10% in middle-aged adults with a burden that increases concomitantly with age; in those over 60 years of age, the prevalence is estimated to be over 20%. Unfortunately, the clinical course of OH is not necessarily benign. OH patients are at an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes including death, falls, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, syncope, and impaired quality of life. The differential diagnosis of OH is broad and includes acute precipitants as well as chronic underlying medical conditions, especially of neurological origin. Appropriate diagnosis relies on a systematic history and physical examination with particular attention to orthostatic vital signs, keeping in mind that ambient conditions during diagnostic testing may affect OH detection due to factors such as diurnal variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Y Lei
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Derek S Chew
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Satish R Raj
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Autonomic Dysfunction Center, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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Yozgat Y, Temur HO, Coban S, Oner T, Karaarslan U, Yozgat CY, Karadeniz C, Ergor SN, Erenberk U. Short-term efficacy of ORS formulation and propranolol regimen in children with POTS. Arch Pediatr 2020; 27:328-332. [PMID: 32651146 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of reduced-osmolarity oral rehydration salt formulation (ORS) and propranolol in children diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) in head-up tilt testing (HUTT). METHODS Children were admitted with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (OI) occurring in a standing position and disappearing in the supine position. Patients with heart rate increments of ≥40bpm and symptoms of OI constituted the pediatric POTS group in HUTT. A total of 70 pediatric patients with POTS were included in the study. POTS patients were divided into two groups based on whether they were prescribed reduced-osmolarity ORS and propranolol or not. The study group comprised patients on a regimen of reduced-osmolarity ORS and propranolol (n=34), while the control group comprised patients who were not prescribed any medication (n=36). The frequency of symptoms and standardized symptom scores were analyzed before and after 3 months of treatment in both groups. RESULTS The post-treatment frequency of syncopal attacks was significantly reduced in both groups (P<0.01 for both groups), but the post-treatment standardized symptom scores were significantly reduced in the pediatric study group compared with the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION The frequency of syncopal attacks was significantly reduced and the symptom scores for OI were improved in the study group. The improvement in OI symptom scores was better in the treatment group than in the control group. The control group symptoms persisted and caused extreme difficulty in their daily activities. In view of its clinical efficacy, we strongly advocate the use of combined treatment of reduced-osmolarity ORS and low-dose propranolol in pediatric patients with POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilmaz Yozgat
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hafize Otcu Temur
- Department of Radiology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Senay Coban
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Taliha Oner
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Utku Karaarslan
- Department of Pediatrics, Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Cem Karadeniz
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Izmir Dr. Behcet Uz Children's Hospital, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serap Nur Ergor
- Department of Neonatology, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ufuk Erenberk
- Department of Pediatrics, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
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47
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Medic Spahic J, Ricci F, Aung N, Hallengren E, Axelsson J, Hamrefors V, Melander O, Sutton R, Fedorowski A. Proteomic analysis reveals sex-specific biomarker signature in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2020; 20:190. [PMID: 32321428 PMCID: PMC7178975 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-020-01465-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a variant of cardiovascular (CV) autonomic disorder of unknown etiology characterized by an excessive heart rate increase on standing and orthostatic intolerance. In this study we sought to identify novel CV biomarkers potentially implicated in POTS pathophysiology. Methods We conducted a nested case-control study within the Syncope Study of Unselected Population in Malmö (SYSTEMA) cohort including 396 patients (age range, 15–50 years) with either POTS (n = 113) or normal hemodynamic response during passive head-up-tilt test (n = 283). We used a targeted approach to explore changes in cardiovascular proteomics associated with POTS through a sequential two-stage process including supervised principal component analysis and univariate ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. Results POTS patients were younger (26 vs. 31 years; p < 0.001) and had lower BMI than controls. The discovery algorithm identified growth hormone (GH) and myoglobin (MB) as the most specific biomarker fingerprint for POTS. Plasma level of GH was higher (9.37 vs 8.37 of normalised protein expression units (NPX); p = 0.002), whereas MB was lower (4.86 vs 5.14 NPX; p = 0.002) in POTS compared with controls. In multivariate regression analysis, adjusted for age and BMI, and stratified by sex, lower MB level in men and higher GH level in women remained independently associated with POTS. Conclusions Cardiovascular proteomics analysis revealed sex-specific biomarker signature in POTS featured by higher plasma level of GH in women and lower plasma level of MB in men. These findings point to sex-specific immune-neuroendocrine dysregulation and deconditioning as potentially key pathophysiological traits underlying POTS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Medic Spahic
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University, 66100, Chieti, Italy.,Casa di Cura Villa Serena, Città Sant'Angelo, 65013, Pescara, Italy
| | - Nay Aung
- William Harvey Research Institute, NIHR Cardiovascular Biomedical Research Unit at Barts, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Erik Hallengren
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jonas Axelsson
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Viktor Hamrefors
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Olle Melander
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Richard Sutton
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Ducane Road, W12 0NN, London, UK
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Clinical Research Center, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden. .,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Carl-Bertil Laurells gata 9, 214 28, Malmö, Sweden.
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Shoenfeld Y, Ryabkova VA, Scheibenbogen C, Brinth L, Martinez-Lavin M, Ikeda S, Heidecke H, Watad A, Bragazzi NL, Chapman J, Churilov LP, Amital H. Complex syndromes of chronic pain, fatigue and cognitive impairment linked to autoimmune dysautonomia and small fiber neuropathy. Clin Immunol 2020; 214:108384. [PMID: 32171889 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2020.108384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic fatigue syndrome, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome and silicone implant incompatibility syndrome are a subject of debate among clinicians and researchers. Both the pathogenesis and treatment of these disorders require further study. In this paper we summarize the evidence regarding the role of autoimmunity in these four syndromes with respect to immunogenetics, autoimmune co-morbidities, alteration in immune cell subsets, production of autoantibodies and presentation in animal models. These syndromes could be incorporated in a new concept of autoimmune neurosensory dysautonomia with the common denominators of autoantibodies against G-protein coupled receptors and small fiber neuropathy. Sjogren's syndrome, which is a classical autoimmune disease, could serve as a disease model, illustrating the concept. Development of this concept aims to identify an apparently autoimmune subgroup of the disputable disorders, addressed in the review, which may most benefit from the immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, Russia.
| | - Varvara A Ryabkova
- Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, Russia
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Louise Brinth
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Herlev Gentofte Hospital, Gentofte Hospitalsvej 1, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Manuel Martinez-Lavin
- Rheumatology Department, National Institute of Cardiology, Juan Badiano 1, 14080 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Shuichi Ikeda
- Intractable Disease Care Center, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto 390-0802, Japan
| | | | - Abdulla Watad
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel; Section of Musculoskeletal Disease, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Leeds, NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Nicola L Bragazzi
- Postgraduate School of Public Health, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Joab Chapman
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Leonid P Churilov
- Laboratory of the Mosaics of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, Russia
| | - Howard Amital
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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van Campen C(LM, Verheugt FW, Rowe PC, Visser FC. Cerebral blood flow is reduced in ME/CFS during head-up tilt testing even in the absence of hypotension or tachycardia: A quantitative, controlled study using Doppler echography. Clin Neurophysiol Pract 2020; 5:50-58. [PMID: 32140630 PMCID: PMC7044650 DOI: 10.1016/j.cnp.2020.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The underlying hypothesis in orthostatic intolerance (OI) syndromes is that symptoms are associated with cerebral blood flow (CBF) reduction. Indirect CBF measurements (transcranial Doppler flow velocities), provide inconsistent support of this hypothesis. The aim of the study was to measure CBF during a 30 min head-up tilt test (HUT), using Doppler flow imaging of carotid and vertebral arteries, in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), a condition with a high prevalence of OI. METHODS 429 ME/CFS patients were studied: 247 had a normal heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) response to HUT, 62 had delayed orthostatic hypotension (dOH), and 120 had postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). We also studied 44 healthy controls (HC). CBF measurements were made at mid-tilt and end-tilt. Before mid-tilt, we administered a verbal questionnaire to ascertain for 15 OI symptoms. RESULTS End-tilt CBF reduction was 7% in HC versus 26% in the overall ME/CFS group, 24% in patients with a normal HR/BP response, 28% in those with dOH, and 29% in POTS patients (all P < .0005). Using a lower limit of normal of 2SD of CBF reduction in HC (13% reduction), 82% of patients with normal HR/BP response, 98% with dOH and 100% with POTS showed an abnormal CBF reduction. There was a linear correlation of summed OI symptoms with the degree of CBF reduction at mid-tilt (P < .0005). CONCLUSIONS During HUT, extracranial Doppler measurements demonstrate that CBF is reduced in ME/CFS patients with POTS, dOH, and even in those without HR/BP abnormalities. SIGNIFICANCE This study shows that orthostatic intolerance symptoms are related to CBF reduction, and that the majority of ME/CFS patients (90%) show an abnormal cerebral flow reduction during orthostatic stress testing. This may have implications for the diagnosis and treatment of ME/CFS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Freek W.A. Verheugt
- Department of Cardiology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis (OLVG), Oosterpark 9, 1091 AC Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter C. Rowe
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Frans C. Visser
- Stichting CardioZorg, Planetenweg 5, 2132 HN Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
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50
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Swai J, Hu Z, Zhao X, Rugambwa T, Ming G. Heart rate and heart rate variability comparison between postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome versus healthy participants; a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2019; 19:320. [PMID: 31888497 PMCID: PMC6936126 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-019-01298-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A number of published literature has reported that, physiologically, heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) to be greatly confounded by age, sex, race, physical fitness, and circadian rhythm. The purpose of this study was to compare between POTS patients versus healthy participants, in terms of heart rate (HR) and HRV after Head-Up tilt test (HUTT), by systematic review and meta-analysis of available published literature. Methods MEDLINE (using PubMed interphase), EMBASE and SCOPUS were systematically searched for observational studies comparing POTS patients versus healthy patients, in terms of HR and HRV. HRV was grouped into Time and frequency domain outcome measurements. The time domain was measured as mean RR- interval and mean the square root of the mean of squares of successive R-R waves (rMSSD) in milliseconds. The frequency domain was measured as mean values of Low frequency power (LF), High frequency power (HF), LF/HF-ratio, LF-normalized units (LF(n.u)) and HF-normalized units (HF(n.u)). Demographic data, comorbidities, and mean values of HR, RR- interval, rMSSD, LF, HF, LF/HF-ratio, LF-(n.u) and H.F-n.u were extracted from each group and compared, by their mean differences as an overall outcome measure. Computer software, RevMan 5.3 was utilized, at a 95% significance level. Results Twenty (20) eligible studies were found to report 717 POTS and 641 healthy participants. POTS group had a higher mean HR (p < 0.05), lower mean RR-Interval (p < 0.05), lower rMSSD (p < 0.05) than healthy participants. Furthermore, POTS group had lower mean HF(p > 0.05), lower mean LF(p > 0.05), and lower mean HF(n.u) (p > 0.05), higher LF/HF-Ratio (p > 0.05) and higher LF(n.u) (p > 0.05) as compared to healthy participants. Conclusion POTS patients have a higher HR than healthy patients after HUTT and lower HRV in terms of time domain measure but not in terms of frequency domain measure. HR and time domain analyses of HRV are more reliable than frequency domain analysis in differentiating POTS patients from the healthy participants. We call upon sensitivity and specificity studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Swai
- Department of Internal medicine, Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, Dodoma city, Tanzania. .,Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, Changsha city, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zixuan Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, Changsha city, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiexiong Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, Changsha city, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tibera Rugambwa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital, Mbeya city, Tanzania
| | - Gui Ming
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Xiangya Third Hospital, Central South University, Changsha city, Hunan, People's Republic of China
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