Abstract 227: Single-blind Study of Q-sweat in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Abstract

Background: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia that is estimated to impact between 1,000,000 and 3,000,000 Americans and millions more around the world. Symptoms often include orthostatic intolerance such as dizziness, fatigue, excessive sweating and many others. The aim of this study is to determine the Q-sweat study in POTS patients. Methods: This study was a randomized, single-blind study. Patients evaluated between October 2014 to June 2015 were included. The skin on the leg and wrist is wiped with acetone, then alcohol and dried, cleaning the skin in preparation for the test. Four electrodes filled with acetylcholine are placed on three areas of the leg and one area on the wrist. A mild electrical current called iontophoresis is then applied to help the drug stimulate the sweat glands. This evokes sweating at the site, but it also allows the body to release its own acetylcholine, resulting in sweat production at nearby sites. After a stimulus (e.g. a deep breath) any deviation from the baseline is reported. If no change is seen, a stronger stimulus is applied (e.g. electrical stimulation) and if there is still no change seen, an “absent response” is reported. The onset latency and magnitude of response can be quantified, although the results are highly variable within and between subjects. The sweat response is measured Q-sweat recordings of Left proximal leg, Left distal leg and Left foot sites were analyzed. Results are categorized as Normal response, no response, hung up and prolong response. Results: A total 144 POTS patients were included, Out of 144 POTS patients 88% are females (n=127, mean age 31.93±12.37) and 12% are males (n=17, mean age 31.59±11.14), Left proximal leg site 69/144(48%) Patients had hung up, 8/144(6%) had No response, 29/144(20%) had Normal, 38/144(26%) had Prolong. Left distal leg site 72/144(50%) had hung up, 13/144(9%) had No response, 23/144(16%) had Normal, 36/144(25%) had Prolong. Left foot site 36/144(25%) had hung up, 35/144(24%) had No response, 40/144(28%) had Normal, 33/144(23%) had Prolong response. Conclusion: Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome had a higher percentage of patients with Hung up response.