Autonomic Dysreflexia In Patients Research Articles

Autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury.

Patients with traumatic spinal cord injury have a vast array of secondary pathophysiologic effects, one of which is autonomic dysreflexia (AD). It can be triggered by noxious stimuli and cause severe and fatal consequences that require rapid intervention. This article examines AD and its implications for nursing care.

Autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury.

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The risk of developing autonomic dysreflexia during urodynamic testing in patients after spinal cord injury

Introduction. Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a life-threatening dangerous condition in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) above the T6 segment level. It is characterized by a sudden rise in systolic blood pressure more than 20 mmHg, and unpredictable reactions from the autonomic nervous system. An episode of autonomic dysreflexia can lead to several cardiovascular catastrophes – heart attack and/or acute cerebrovascular accident up to a lethal outcome. Currently, there is no diagnostic algorithm and no way to determine risk factors for the occurrence of autonomic dysreflexia.Objective. To search for the most informative diagnostic criteria for autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury.Materials and methods. The study included 40 patients with SCI above the T6 segment. Depending on the SCI degree, two groups were distinguished. Group 1 (n = 14) included patients with complete spinal cord injury, advising category A on the ASIA scale. Group 2 (n = 26) included patients with incomplete spinal cord injury, classified as ASIA-B, C, D. For a preliminary assessment of the risk factors for the development of AD, an ADFSCI questionnaire was used, then a urodynamic study was conducted with simultaneous registration of systolic / diastolic blood pressure (SBP / DBP), and heart rate, which confirmed or denied the presence of AD in patients.Results. According to the ADFSCI questionnaire, most patients showed a high degree of severity of autonomic disorders, suggesting the presence of AD. Subsequently, this assumption was confirmed by the results of a urodynamic testing with simultaneous monitoring of SBP / DBP and heart rate. When comparing the groups, statistically significant differences were found in the parameters of the ADFSCI questionnaire, as well as in the indicators of SBP / DBP (at the points of maximum detrusor pressure and when the cystometric capacity is reached).Conclusion. The obtained results allow us to draw conclusions about the high incidence of AD in patients with SCI above the T6 segment and the need for a preliminary assessment of the risks of developing this condition based on the ADFSCI questionnaire before conducting a urodynamic study. Considering the possible complications of AD, the urodynamic testing should be accompanied by continuous monitoring of the indicators of the cardiovascular system.

Intravesical injection of botulinum toxin type a may be an effective treatment option for autonomic dysreflexia in patients with high-level spinal cord injury

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of intravesical injection of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (DO) in reducing the frequency and severity of autonomic dysreflexia (AD). Design A cross-sectional nonrandomized trial with before (baseline) and after (follow-up) assessments. Setting A single spinal cord injury (SCI) rehabilitation center in China. Participants Twenty-five patients with SCI at or above T6 and a history of AD who underwent urodynamic studies (UDS) before and 3 months after BTX-A injection. Interventions Received bladder injection treatment wtih 200 U BTX-A. Outcome Measures The maximum detrusor pressure(Pdetmax) and voume at first DO(VFIDC), baseline and overall maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP) during UDS, and scores of Incontinence Specific Quality of Life Instrument (IQoL) were recorded before and 3 months after the injection. The change in SBP (ΔSBP) from baseline to maximum SBP during UDS was calculated to assess the severity. The frequency of AD was recorded using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring during a 24 h period before and 3 months after the injection. Results BTX-A injection decreased the Pdetmax and increased the VFIDC and mean urine volume per catheterization increased. The maximum SBP and the ΔSBP during UDS decreased significantly decreased after the injection (151.44 ± 13.92 vs 133.32 ± 9.20 mmHg and 49.44 ± 12.81 vs 33.08 ± 9.11 mmHg respectively, P < 0.05). The frequency of bladder-related ADs (i.e. performed a clean intermittent catheterization or leakage) during a 24-h period significantly decreased from 11.04 ± 1.81–7.88 ± 2.15 (P < 0.001). Conclusions BTX-A decreases the severity of SBP increase and the number of AD episodes 3 months after intravesical injection.

Effect of neuromodulation on autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury

Background: Autonomic dysreflexia is a common clinical presentation in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objectives: To study the effect of the neuromodulation on autonomic dysreflexia in patients with SCI. Methods: Forty SCI patients from both sexes had participated in this study. They were assigned randomly into two equal groups, (A and B). Patients in group (A); the study group received TENS therapy in addition to selective physical therapy program for AD. Group (B); the control group received the same selective physical therapy program only. Electrocardiogram monitor was used to assess blood pressure, pulse rate variation and ECG device was used to assess heart rate variability before and after eight weeks training period for both groups. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in all measured parameters of the ECG monitor in both groups (A and B) in favor to group A (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Neuromodulation had a beneficial effect on improving autonomic dysreflexia in patients with SCI.

Frontiers in the Clinical Applications of Botulinum Toxin A as Treatment for Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction.

Patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction (NLUTD) experience urinary incontinence with or without difficult urination, which might promote recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) and exacerbate upper urinary tract function. Nonetheless, appropriate bladder management has been shown to reduce urological complications and improve quality of life. In addition to pharmacological therapy and surgical intervention, botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) has been widely utilized in NLUTD. The therapeutic efficacy of detrusor BoNT-A injections for neurogenic detrusor overactivity due to spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple sclerosis, or other central nervous system lesions, such as cerebrovascular accident, Parkinson disease, early dementia, and pediatric NLUTD due to myelomeningocele, has been well established, with repeated BoNT-A injections every 6 to 9 months being necessary to maintain its therapeutic effects. Urethral BoNT-A injection can decrease urethral sphincter resistance and facilitate efficient voiding in patients with NLUTD who wish to preserve self-voiding. Detrusor BoNT-A injection can also decrease the occurrence of autonomic dysreflexia in patients with SCI, even after failed augmentation enterocystoplasty, with additional benefits including reduced UTI episodes and preserved renal function with repeated injections. However, this treatment does have some side effects. Complete informed consent for BoNT-A injection therapy with full disclosure of its potential complications should therefore be obtained before this procedure is undertaken.

Recognition and management of autonomic dysreflexia in patients with a spinal cord injury.

Autonomic dysreflexia is a potentially life-threatening condition that affects patients with a spinal cord injury at the level of T6 or above. It is characterised by uncontrolled elevation of systolic blood pressure of more than 20mmHg, which may occur alongside bradycardia. This article explains the pathophysiology of autonomic dysreflexia, alongside its causes, signs and symptoms. It also details the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management interventions that should be promptly initiated in patients who present to the emergency department with autonomic dysreflexia, to alleviate their symptoms and prevent further complications.

Autonomic Dysreflexia in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury: What the Radiologist Needs to Know.

OBJECTIVE. Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in patients with cervical and high thoracic spinal cord injury (SCI). AD is not completely understood and has a high incidence that increases proportional to the level and severity of the SCI. The signs and symptoms can vary, but severe hypertension is a dominant feature and may be fatal. This condition can be precipitated by a wide range of triggers occurring below the level of the injury, several of which are common to both diagnostic and interventional radiology, such as manipulation or distention of the genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract, patient positioning, or the use of certain anesthetic techniques. There is little guidance in the radiology literature specific to risk stratification or the use of premedication in this population. The incidence and pathophysiology of AD are discussed, along with pragmatic tips to aid the radiologist in selecting patients who may require a higher level of care or anesthesiologist involvement, with instructions for the conservative and medical management of acute episodes of AD. CONCLUSION. Awareness of AD is essential for all health care practitioners involved in the care of patients with SCI. A variety of procedures in the radiology department, both diagnostic and interventional, may precipitate AD. Planning, monitoring procedures, knowledge of the relevant pathophysiology and pharmacology, and communication with clinical colleagues are essential to ensure safe practice. Clinicians ordering procedures and radiologists selecting protocols for those procedures should identify at-risk patients before booking a procedure to ensure appropriate supervision and anesthesiology support. Education of radiologists, interventional nursing staff, and technical staff can assist in prevention, early recognition, and successful management of AD.

Prevalence of Autonomic Dysreflexia in Patients with Spinal Cord Injury above T6.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of autonomic dysreflexia (AD) using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and the autonomic dysfunction following spinal cord injury (ADFSCI) questionnaire in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) above T6. Methods Twenty-eight patients diagnosed with SCI above T6 were enrolled. ABPM and ADFSCI were utilized to assess AD. Using ABPM, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate (HR) were measured at 30-minute intervals. AD was defined as SBP 20 mmHg higher than basal SBP, and the number of AD events was counted. The ADFSCI questionnaire evaluates the severity and frequency of the AD symptoms. Results According to the ABPM, AD occurred in 26 patients and AD events occurred 5.8 ± 4.7 times. Average daytime and nighttime SBP were 119.9 ± 18.8 mmHg and 123.8 ± 21.2 mmHg, respectively, and the nighttime mean SBP appeared to be 4 mmHg higher than daytime mean SBP. These findings suggest the loss of nocturnal BP dipping in SCI patients. ADFSCI results revealed that 16 of the patients evaluated were symptomatic while 12 were asymptomatic. Conclusion AD following SCI above T6 was highly prevalent and several patients seemed asymptomatic. These results suggest the necessity of proper diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for managing AD.

Control of autonomic dysreflexia in patients with high level of chronic spinal cord injury during cystoscopy

Background Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a clinical emergency that frequently occurs in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) during cystoscopy. It should be treated by removing the stimulus and by medications. We aimed in this study to evaluate the effect of adding magnesium sulfate to dexmedetomidine infusion to control AD in high-level chronic SCI patients during cystoscopy. Patients and methods Forty patients with chronic SCI at the level of T6 or above scheduled for cystoscopy were randomly divided into two groups: the dex group, in which the patients received dexmedetomidine infusion 1 µg/kg for 10 min, followed by 0.5 µg/kg/min; and the Mg group, in which patients received a single i.v. dose of magnesium sulfate 50 mg/kg in addition to the same infusion of dexmedetomidine. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded for each patient, and serum magnesium, epinephrine, and norepinephrine levels were estimated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. Results Results showed a significant elevation in intraoperative BP in the Dex group 10 min after cystoscopy and persisted for 20 min compared with the presedation level in the same group and with the same readings in the Mg group. HR dropped down in the Dex group 15 min after cystoscopy and persisted for 15 min compared with the presedation reading in the same group and with the same readings in the Mg group. Serum magnesium was significantly higher intraoperatively and postoperatively in the Mg group, whereas serum epinephrine and serum norepinephrine were significantly higher intraoperatively and postoperatively in the Dex group compared with the presedation level in the same group and with the same readings in the Mg group. Seven patients (35%) in the Dex group experienced a dysreflexic episode [increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) 30 mmHg or more compared with the presedation reading]; two of them showed elevation of SBP more than 160 mmHg and needed to be treated. On the other hand, only one patient in the Mg group (5%) experienced a dysreflexic episode (SBP 135 mmHg) with no need for medication. Conclusion Addition of a single i.v. dose of magnesium sulfate to dexmedetomidine infusion provides a better control of BP and HR, and reduces the incidence of AD during cystoscopy in patients with high level of chronic SCI.

760 Pay attention to autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury during urodynamic investigation!

760 Pay attention to autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury during urodynamic investigation!

Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy in a patient with autonomic dysreflexia: a case report

Case report. To report a case of reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy (RPL) in a patient with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury. Neurologic inpatient Unit, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA, USA. A 55-year-old woman with a residual spastic quadriparesis from a traumatic C5-C6 fracture developed, during an assisted cough maneuver, sudden severe headache followed by cortical blindness in the setting of high blood pressure. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed T2 hyperintensities in the subcortical white matter of both medial occipital lobes and left post-central gyrus. Elevation of the head of the bed during subsequent cough maneuvers with occasional use of sublingual nifedipine prevented further episodes of acute arterial hypertension and development of new symptoms. Repeat MRI of the head done one month later was normal. RPL can occur in the setting of autonomic dysreflexia in patients with traumatic cervical cord injury. The prompt recognition of this syndrome is of importance to prevent further morbidity and mortality in patients with spinal cord injury.

Tail arteries from chronically spinalized rats have potentiated responses to nerve stimulation in vitro

Patients with severe spinal cord lesions that damage descending autonomic pathways generally have low resting arterial pressure but bladder or colon distension or unheeded injuries may elicit a life-threatening hypertensive episode. Such episodes (known as autonomic dysreflexia) are thought to result from the loss of descending baroreflex inhibition and/or plasticity within the spinal cord. However, it is not clear whether changes in the periphery contribute to the exaggerated reflex vasoconstriction. The effects of spinal transection at T7-8 on nerve- and agonist-evoked contractions of the rat tail artery were investigated in vitro. Isometric contractions of arterial segments were recorded and responses of arteries from spinalized animals ('spinalized arteries') and age-matched and sham-operated controls were compared. Two and eight weeks after transection, nerve stimulation at 0.1-10 Hz produced contractions of greater force and duration in spinalized arteries. At both stages, the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonists prazosin (10 nm) and idazoxan (0.1 microm) produced less blockade of nerve-evoked contraction in spinalized arteries. Two weeks after transection, spinalized arteries were supersensitive to the alpha(1)-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine, and the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor agonist, clonidine, but 8 weeks after transection, spinalized arteries were supersensitive only to clonidine. Contractions of spinalized arteries elicited by 60 mm K(+) were larger and decayed more slowly at both stages. These findings demonstrate that spinal transection markedly increases nerve-evoked contractions and this can, in part, be accounted for by increased reactivity of the vascular smooth muscle to vasoconstrictor agents. This hyper-reactivity may contribute to the genesis of autonomic dysreflexia in patients.

The role of capsaicin-sensitive afferents in autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury.

To determine whether capsaicin-sensitive nerves in the bladder form the afferent limb involved in autonomic dysreflexia (AD) in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Seven men with SCI (five cervical cord, two thoracic cord) with AD and detrusor hyper-reflexia (DH) were enrolled. Under general anaesthesia, capsaicin solution (100 mL of 2 mmol/L in 10% ethanol) was instilled in the bladder and retained for 30 min. The patients were assessed by medium-fill cystometry (CMG) just before and 50 min after the capsaicin treatment. Intra-arterial blood pressure (BP) and heart rate were monitored continuously throughout the procedure; 10% ethanol was instilled before capsaicin treatment in four patients as a control. Serum catecholamines were measured during bladder filling and capsaicin treatment, and the blood ethanol concentration also measured after instillation in all patients. The CMG with concomitant monitoring of BP and heart rate was repeated 1 week, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after instillation. In two patients the instillations were repeated 5 and 12 months after the first because of recurrence of DH. Urodynamic variables assessed were maximum cystometric capacity (MCC), maximum amplitude of uninhibited detrusor contraction (UICmax), the bladder capacity at 40 cmH2O detrusor pressure (Cdp40) and a systolic BP of> 140 mmHg or diastolic BP of> 90 mmHg (C(HT)). There was an increase in BP and a decrease in heart rate in all patients during bladder filling before capsaicin treatment. Instillation of capsaicin produced a significant increase in both systolic and diastolic BP and a significant decrease in heart rate. The maximum cardiovascular effects were at 5-10 min after instillation and gradually returned to baseline within 40 min. The vehicle had negligible effects on either BP or heart rate. After capsaicin treatment, the responses of BP and heart rate to bladder distension were significantly reduced. Both serum catecholamine values and the blood ethanol concentration remained within normal limits. The mean (range) follow-up after the first treatment was 15 (6-30) months. One month after treatment all seven patients became continent and their episodes of AD became negligible and well tolerable between catheterizations (for 3-4 h); the effects lasted for >or= 3 months in all. MCC was significantly increased at 4 weeks and 3 months, and UICmax significantly decreased at 4 weeks after treatment. Both mean Cdp40 and C(HT) increased 1 week, 1 and 3 months after treatment. Two patients received a second instillation, and have been continent with no symptomatic AD for 6 and 24 months. The remaining five patients have been continent with no symptomatic AD for 6-12 months. These results indicate that intravesical capsaicin, but not the vehicle, acutely triggers AD in patients with SCI, suggesting involvement of bladder capsaicin- sensitive afferents in AD in these patients. The results also suggest that intravesical capsaicin may be a promising therapy for both AD and DH in such patients. Further long-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate the duration of its effect.

Medical Management of Overactive Bladder

Medical Management of Overactive Bladder

Assessment of autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: To assess the impairment of supraspinal control over spinal sympathetic centres and the occurrence of autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury. Autonomic dysreflexia is caused...

5-Microtransducer catheter in evaluation of neurogenic bladder function

Recent use of the multiple microtransducer catheter in the evaluation of neurogenic bladder due to spinal-cord injuries leads us to believe that (1) the use of the inferior edge of the symphysis pubis as the zero point for resting bladder pressure is more accurate than its superior edge, (2) changes in resting bladder pressure at various volumes are influenced more by body position than by intravesical position of the sensor, (3) back-to-back microtransducers indicate significant pressure difference at the external sphincter zone, and (4) detrusor bladder neck dyssynergia during autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury is more likely of skeletal than of smooth muscle origin.

Incidence and clinical features of autonomic dysreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury.

The histories of 444 patients admitted to this spinal cord injury service were reviewed for the incidence of autonomic dysreflexia (A.D.). Forty-eight per cent of 213 patients with complete cord lesions at T6 or above exhibited A.D. The time of onset post-injury, exciting causes, unusual manifestations of attacks, and the persistence of the condition were studied. These findings and the experience with attempts at prevention by education and by the use of an alpha-adrenergic blocker and a non-adrenergic vasodilating agent are reported.