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Cao Y, Liu P, Li B, Zhang Y, Du J, Jin H, Liao Y. Analysis of Factors Relevant to the Severity of Symptoms in Children and Adolescents with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2025; 12:474. [PMID: 40310095 PMCID: PMC12026312 DOI: 10.3390/children12040474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2025] [Accepted: 04/01/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025]
Abstract
Objectives: The current study aims to investigate the factors associated with the severity of conditions for pediatric cases with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Methods: Patients hospitalized and first diagnosed with POTS were retrospectively included and reviewed. The severity of symptoms was evaluated by symptom scores (SSs). Multiple Spearman correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine factors independently associated with SS. Patients were divided into the mild (SS ≤ P25) and severe (SS ≥ P75) groups to test the distinguishing efficiency of the candidate factors. The efficiency of each independently correlated factor in indicating the condition of children with POTS was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: A series of 296 pediatric patients aged 5-17 years suffering from POTS were included. Multiple Spearman correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses showed that corrected QT interval dispersion (QTcd) was independently correlated with SS (p < 0.05). QTcd can be used to suggest the severity of POTS symptoms, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.986 (95% CI 0.976-0.997). At a threshold of QTcd = 45 ms, the sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 94.0% and 91.8% for symptom severity indication. Conclusions: In pediatric cases with POTS, QTcd was positively correlated with their symptom severity and exhibited a strong indicative value. A QTcd of 45 ms was a valid cut-off value for indicating symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yali Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102627, China; (Y.C.); (P.L.); (J.D.); (H.J.)
- Department of Cardiology, Children’ Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050031, China;
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Pediatric Cardiovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang 050031, China;
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102627, China; (Y.C.); (P.L.); (J.D.); (H.J.)
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Cardiology, Children’ Hospital of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang 050031, China;
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Pediatric Cardiovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang 050031, China;
| | - Yingqian Zhang
- Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Pediatric Cardiovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang 050031, China;
| | - Junbao Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102627, China; (Y.C.); (P.L.); (J.D.); (H.J.)
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hongfang Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102627, China; (Y.C.); (P.L.); (J.D.); (H.J.)
- State Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis and Remodeling, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ying Liao
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Medical Center, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 102627, China; (Y.C.); (P.L.); (J.D.); (H.J.)
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Bačkorová B, Lazúrová Z, Lewaskiewicz P, Mitro P, Lazúrová I. Increased adrenocortical activity in patients with vasovagal syncope. Auton Neurosci 2024; 254:103196. [PMID: 38959624 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Syncope is a transient loss of consciousness resulting from cerebral hypoperfusion. Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a form of orthostatic intolerance (OI). Its clinical signs such as dizziness and hypotension may mimic symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. The objective of this study was to evaluate the adrenal gland function in patients with vasovagal syncope after stimulation with synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). DESIGN Case-control study on patients with VVS and healthy controls. METHODS The study involved 42 participants, including 27 patients diagnosed with VVS using the head-up tilt test and 15 healthy individuals with no history of syncope or any orthostatic symptoms. Serum cortisol and aldosterone concentrations were measured under basal conditions and at 30 and 60 min after intramuscular ACTH stimulation. RESULTS Patients with VVS had significantly higher cortisol levels at baseline (441 ± 143 vs. 331 ± 84.7 nmol/L, p = 0.01), at 30 min (802 ± 143 vs. 686 ± 105 nmol/L, p = 0.01) and at 60 min (931 ± 141 nmol/L vs. 793 ± 147 nmol/L, p = 0.001) after ACTH administration (Synacthen 250 μg). Plasma aldosterone increased after ACTH stimulation, but did not show significant differences among groups. Furthermore, there was also no significant correlation between cortisol levels and blood pressure or heart rate. CONCLUSION Patients diagnosed with VVS have higher cortisol levels both at baseline and after ACTH stimulation. This finding indicates that individuals with VVS have higher adrenocortical activity potentially as a response to the orthostatic stress induced by syncope, which acts as a stressful stimulus on the autonomic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbora Bačkorová
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty P.J. Šafárik University Košice, Slovakia
| | - Zora Lazúrová
- Department of Internal medicine 4, Medical faculty, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Paulina Lewaskiewicz
- Department of Internal medicine 4, Medical faculty, P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Mitro
- Department of Cardiology 1, Medical faculty P.J. Šafárik University, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Ivica Lazúrová
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical Faculty P.J. Šafárik University Košice, Slovakia.
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Aslan Kirazoglu D, Heybeli C, Atcıyurt K, Yigitalp V, Smith L, Veronese N, Rahmati M, Soysal P. The relationship between dehydration and etiologic subtypes of major neurocognitive disorder in older patients. Eur Geriatr Med 2024; 15:1159-1168. [PMID: 38755401 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-024-00986-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Studies investigating associations between etiologic subtypes of major neurocognitive disorder (MND) and dehydration frequency are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of dehydration among older adults with and without MND (dementia), and across different etiologic subtypes of MND. METHODS This cross-sectional study included adults aged ≥ 65 years old from one geriatric outpatient clinic. Dehydration was defined as a calculated [1,86 × (Na + K) + 1,15 × glucose + urea + 14] plasma osmolarity of > 295 mOsm/L.Clinical characteristics and measures of comprehensive geriatric assessments of patients with dehydration and normohydration were compared. MND was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition criteria. The underlying etiologic subtypes were determined by specific diagnostic criteria. RESULTS Of the 1377 patients 72% were female, the mean age was 80 ± 8 years, and 575 had dementia. Dehydration was more common in patients with dementia than those without dementia (58% vs. 53%, p = 0.044). The prevelance of dehydration was 57%, 62%, 54%, 57% and 68% in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease dementia, fronto-temporal dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and vascular dementia, respectively (p ≥ 0.05). MND was associated with dehydration (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.57; p = 0.037) after adjustment for age and sex. In multivariable analysis, among patients with dementia, hypertension, DM, CKD, and dysphagia were more common while mean Mini-Mental State Examination score was lower in those who had dehydration versus no dehydration in older patients with dementia (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Dehydration is slightly associated with the presence of MND independent of age and sex. However, dehydration is also quite common in older patients without cognitive disorders. Therefore, hydration status should be monitored in older adults irrespective of neurocognitive status. Hypertension, DM, CKD, dysphagia and severity of cognitive dysfunction were associated with dehydration in patients with dementia. The prevalence of dehydration is highest in patients with vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damla Aslan Kirazoglu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cihan Heybeli
- Division of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Kübra Atcıyurt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Veliye Yigitalp
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Adnan Menderes Bulvarı (Vatan Street), 34093, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Lee Smith
- Centre for Health, Performance and Wellbeing, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nicola Veronese
- Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Masoud Rahmati
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Human Sciences, Lorestan University, Khoramabad, Iran
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, Vali-E-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Pinar Soysal
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Adnan Menderes Bulvarı (Vatan Street), 34093, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Steinberg RS, Dicken W, Cutchins A. Narrative Review of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: Associated Conditions and Management Strategies. US CARDIOLOGY REVIEW 2023; 17:e13. [PMID: 39559520 PMCID: PMC11571393 DOI: 10.15420/usc.2022.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a heterogeneous disorder that presents with positional tachycardia and a constellation of other symptoms. Peer-reviewed evidence for treatment options is limited. In addition, there are various associated conditions with overlapping symptoms. These factors can make the diagnosis and management of POTS a frustrating experience for both providers and patients. This paper aims to combine available scientific data with anecdotal evidence derived from extensive clinical experience to provide information on recognizing the clinical features of POTS, identifying associated conditions, and understanding treatment strategies to help providers better diagnose and manage patients with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Weston Dicken
- Department of Medicine, Emory University School of MedicineAtlanta, GA
| | - Alexis Cutchins
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of MedicineAtlanta, GA
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Sociodemographic Factors, Nutritional Status, and Inflammatory Markers in Patients with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. Acta Neurol Scand 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/3992718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is characterized by cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction of unknown etiology with high a prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim of the present study was to examine sociodemographic, lifestyle, and nutritional factors as well as inflammatory markers in patients with POTS. Materials and Methods. Forty-three patients with POTS and 61 healthy controls completed questionnaires about sociodemographic factors, lifestyle habits, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Blood samples were analyzed for serum levels of cobalamins, folic acid, iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin, sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, albumin, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (CRP), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH vitamin D). Results. POTS patients were predominantly women with a lower education level and were more often working part-time, on sick leave, and living alone compared with healthy controls. They reported lower alcohol intake and physical activity levels than controls. The nutrient intake was in general similar in both groups, but POTS patients had a higher intake of different drinks and reported more gastrointestinal symptoms than controls. POTS was associated with higher CRP levels (β: 1.370; 95% CI: 0.004–2.737;
), lower albumin levels (β: -1.443; 95% CI: -2.648–(-0.238);
), and higher sodium levels (β: 1.392; 95% CI: 0.559–2.225;
). Abdominal pain (
) and intestinal symptoms’ influence on daily life (
) were negatively associated with albumin levels. Abdominal pain (
), vomiting and nausea (
), and intestinal symptoms’ influence on daily life (
) were associated with higher sodium levels. Serum levels representing iron and vitamin metabolism were equal between groups. Conclusions. POTS is associated with poorer sociodemographic status, but malnutrition cannot explain POTS or related gastrointestinal symptoms. Higher CRP and lower albumin levels suggest low-grade inflammation as one possible etiological factor.
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Lee JY, Lee HS, Park SB, Lee KH. Tamsulosin-induced life-threatening hypotension in a patient with spinal cord injury: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:9142-9147. [PMID: 36157672 PMCID: PMC9477057 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i25.9142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tamsulosin, a selective α1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, is commonly used for treating neurogenic bladder in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). No severe adverse events have been described with such tamsulosin use. To our knowledge, we report the first case of severe life-threatening hypotension as an adverse effect of tamsulosin in a person with SCI. Therefore, we report this case to inform that this severe adverse effect of tamsulosin can occur when treating patients with SCI.
CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old woman was diagnosed with cervical spinal cord myelopathy and was classified as American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale D, neurological level of injury C3. Because she suffered from voiding difficulty due to neurogenic bladder, we prescribed tamsulosin. Her vital signs remained stable, but occasional hypotensive symptoms followed defecation. We reduced the dose of tamsulosin, but after administering tamsulosin for 9 d, she experienced life-threatening hypotension with no evidence of hypovolemic shock, neurogenic shock, cardiogenic shock, or septic shock. A hypotensive condition induced by tamsulosin was the suspected cause, and her symptoms could be associated with adverse effects of tamsulosin. As symptoms resolved after stopping tamsulosin, and no other reason was found, we concluded that tamsulosin was the cause of her symptoms.
CONCLUSION Caution for severe hypotension is needed when administering tamsulosin for neurogenic bladder in a patient with SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Young Lee
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Ho Seok Lee
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Si-Bog Park
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul 04763, South Korea
| | - Kyu Hoon Lee
- Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul 04763, South Korea
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Rodriguez B, Hochstrasser A, Eugster PJ, Grouzmann E, Müri RM, Z’Graggen WJ. Brain fog in neuropathic postural tachycardia syndrome may be associated with autonomic hyperarousal and improves after water drinking. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:968725. [PMID: 35992935 PMCID: PMC9388780 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.968725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Brain fog is a common and highly disturbing symptom for patients with neuropathic postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Cognitive deficits have been measured exclusively in the upright body position and mainly comprised impairments of higher cognitive functions. The cause of brain fog is still unclear today. This study aimed to investigate whether increased autonomic activation might be an underlying mechanism for the occurrence of brain fog in neuropathic POTS. We therefore investigated cognitive function in patients with neuropathic POTS and a healthy control group depending on body position and in relation to catecholamine release as a sensitive indicator of acute stress. The second aim was to test the effect of water intake on cardiovascular regulation, orthostatic symptoms, cognitive function and catecholamine release. Methods Thirteen patients with neuropathic POTS and 15 healthy control subjects were included. All participants completed a total of four rounds of cognitive testing: two before and two after the intake of 500 ml still water, each first in the supine position and then during head-up tilt. At the end of each cognitive test, a blood sample was collected for determination of plasma catecholamines. After each head-up tilt phase participants were asked to rate their current symptoms on a visual analogue scale. Results Working memory performance in the upright body position was impaired in patients, which was associated with self-reported symptom severity. Patients had elevated plasma norepinephrine independent of body position and water intake that increased excessively in the upright body position. The excessive increase of plasma norepinephrine was related to heart rate and symptom severity. Water intake in patients decreased norepinephrine concentrations and heart rate, and improved symptoms as well as cognitive performance. Conclusion Brain fog and symptom severity in neuropathic POTS are paralleled by an excessive norepinephrine secretion. Bolus water drinking down-regulates norepinephrine secretion and improves general symptom severity including brain fog.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belén Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Annie Hochstrasser
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philippe J. Eugster
- Service of Clinical Pharmacology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Eric Grouzmann
- Service of Clinical Pharmacology, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - René M. Müri
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Gerontechnology and Rehabilitation Group, ARTORG Center for Biomedical Engineering Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Werner J. Z’Graggen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Werner J. Z’Graggen,
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Cheshire WP. Salt from the autonomic perspective. Auton Neurosci 2022; 239:102970. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2022.102970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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