Fall In Diastolic Blood Pressure Research Articles

Associations of age-adjusted coefficient of variation of R-R intervals with autonomic and peripheral nerve function in non-elderly persons with diabetes.

Early diagnosis of diabetes-associated cardiac autonomic neuropathy using the coefficient of variation of R-R intervals (CVRR) may improve outcomes for individuals with diabetes. The present study examined the associations of decreased CVRR at rest and during deep breathing (DB) with other autonomic nerve function parameters. The electronic records of 141 inpatients with diabetes (22-65 years) admitted to our hospital between March 2015 and March 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. After assessment by exclusion criteria, 51 inpatients were included. All inpatients were assessed for peripheral and autonomic nerve function, clinical characteristics, and physical abilities. Inpatients with decreased CVRR at rest (n = 9 (17.6%)) and during DB (n = 12 (23.5%)) had a longer duration of known diabetes, a higher prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, lower body mass index (BMI), skeletal mass index (SMI), and knee extension strength, and a higher proportion of impaired standing balance. Decreased CVRR at rest was associated with a greater fall in diastolic BP from supine to standing, higher resting HR, longer QTc, longer time of voiding, and sensory symptoms. Decreased CVRR at rest and during deep breathing was associated with lower BMI, SMI, and knee strength and a higher proportion of impaired standing balance among non-elderly inpatients with diabetes. Decreased CVRR at rest appeared more strongly associated with a greater orthostatic BP decline, higher resting heart rate, longer QTc, lower urinary tract dysfunction, and sensory symptoms than a decreased CVRR during deep breathing.

Comparison of hemodynamic stability of propofol ketamine versus etomidate ketamine during induction in peritonitis cases posted for emergency surgery

The aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the hemodynamic stability of propofol ketamine versus etomidate ketamine during induction of anaesthesia in peritonitis cases posted for emergency surgery.
 Methods: Sixty patients with peritonitis, posted for emergency surgery under general anaesthesia, were randomly allocated to two groups. Group propofol ketamine (P + K) comprised of 30 patients (n=30) were induced with propofol 1 mg/kg and ketamine 0.75 mg/kg IV. Group etomidate ketamine (E + K) comprised 30 patients induced with etomidate 0.3 mg/kg and ketamine 0.75 mg/kg. The hemodynamic effects of the combination of the drugs in both groups were compared before and after induction.
 Results: The change in saturation (SPO2) and Heartrate between the groups P+K & group E+K before induction and after intubation was similar in both groups. There was a statistically insignificant fall in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in group P+K before and after induction when compared to group E+K.
 Conclusions: The propofol ketamine and etomidate ketamine combinations have a similar haemodynamic profile and are equally effective in maintaining haemodynamic stability during induction and intubation.

Study on Perioperative Management of Blood Pressure and Effects of Anaesthesia in Hypertensive Patients Undergoing General & Orthopaedic Surgery

Background and Aim: During anesthesia, hypertension is the most common additional risk factor that contributes to higher mortality rate. Antihypertension medicine’s withdrawal might leads to symptoms such as anxiety, rebound hypertension, myocardial infarction, tachyarrhythmia, angina exaggeration, and sudden death. The present study aimed to assess the perioperative management of blood pressure and effects of anesthesia in hypertensive patients undergoing general and orthopedic surgery. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 162 hypertensive patients in the General Surgery and Orthopedics Units of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar for the duration from April 2022 to September 2022. Study protocol was approved by institute ethical committee. Patients aged 16 to 70 years of either gender underwent general surgery and orthopaedic surgery were enrolled. The data was acquired during the anesthetist’s initial visit to the operated hypertensive patients' 24 hour postoperative period. Antihypertensive medications, hemodynamics, anesthesia drugs, fluid use, and blood loss were main variables noted. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure were Intraoperative hemodynamics. SPSS version 27 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the total 162 hypertensive patients, there were 68 (42%) male and 94 (58%) females. The overall mean age was 58.62±8.4 years. Before surgery, about 119 (73.5%) patients took antihypertensive medication whereas 124 (76.5%) had antihypertensive medication within 24 hours. The most prevalent antihypertensive medication used and most common class during postoperative management was Calcium channel Blockers and Amlodipine. The most prevalent used anesthetic drug use was Bupivacaine. The incidence of Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) fall and rise was found in 28 and 6 patients respectively. The incidence of Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) fall and rise during intraoperative management was 11 and 8 patient respectively. Conclusion: The present study found that a decreased heart rate in patients who were taking beta blockers consistently. Those who took diuretics had greater DBP and HR at the completion of the procedure. There was no significant change in hemodynamic parameters with any other antihypertensive treatment. Keywords: Hypertension, General Surgery, Orthopaedic, Hemodynamics

Oral Labetalol in Comparison with Methyldopa in Treatment of Gestational Hypertension as a First Line Drug

Background: Defining hypertension in pregnancy, it is taken as systolic blood pressure of 140 or more and diastolic blood pressure of 90mg or more. Presence of proteinurea differentiates chronic hypertension and gestational hypertension from pre eclampsia .Prevalence and incidence of hypertension in pregnancy along with its complications like end-organ damage, preeclampsia, eclampsia, and postpartum eclampsia are increasing. Gestational hypertension and its sequels are major causes of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality and affect almost 8% of pregnancies. Labetalol and methyldopa were effective in reducing systolic and diastolic BP significantly but labetalol was found to control BP more rapidly and efficiently. Safety profile of both drugs was similar. The rationale of this study is Labetalol is more effective in comparison with Methyldopa in pregnancy induced hypertensive females in terms of control of blood pressure within 48hours of drug intake, in pregnant patients between POG of 28 to 32 weeks. Design: Randomized control trial. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gynaecology Unit 2 Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Bahawalpur from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022. Methodology: One hundred 100 patients having gestational hypertension between periods of gestation from 28to 32 weeks were enrolled. They were divided into 2 groups; group A treated with labetalol and B treated with methyldopa respectively. Results: Statistical no significant difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed before starting treatment in both groups but a significant fall in diastolic blood pressure was observed in group A after 48 hrs of initiation of treatment i.e., with labetalol (P = 0.007) Conclusion: Both labetalol and methyldopa reduce blood pressure in women with gestational hypertension but labetalol is more effective than methyldopa as proved by our study. Keywords: Gestational hypertension, Diastolic blood pressure, Labetalol, Methyldopa

Phenylephrine and Ephedrine for Prevention of Hypotension in Women during Lower Segment Caesarean Section under Spinal Anaesthesia: A Randomised Clinical Study

Introduction: Hypotension is the most common serious adverse event associated with Spinal Anaesthesia (SA) and is associated with nausea and vomiting leading to pulmonary aspiration, respiratory depression and cardiac arrest. Phenylephrine (PE) and Ephedrine (EP) are vasopressors commonly used for prevention of hypotension associated with SA. Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of PE and EP in prevention of hypotension induced by SA in women during Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) surgery. Materials and Methods: The present randomised clinical study was conducted on 60 women, between 18-36 years of age and a Heart Rate (HR) of 60-100 per minute randomised to receive either 100 mcg Intravenous (i.v.) bolus of PE, or 12 mg i.v. of EP during intrathecal block. Women having intraoperative hypotension were injected additional doses of vasopressor. Cardiovascular parameters were recorded at baseline (before block) and then at 1, 5, 10, 15, 30, 40 and 60 minutes. Further, safety was also assessed based on hypotension events and adverse events reported during immediate postoperative period. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS 17 and a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the study participants in PE and EP group was 26.67±5.40 and 26.23±4.59 years, respectively. Significant differences were observed between PE and EP groups for change in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) after 1, 10, 30, 40 and 60 minutes. Overall, there was a slight fall in SBP with PE, whereas, with EP there was a slight rise in SBP. Also, the Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) was maintained with EP throughout the 60 minute period, whereas with PE there was an initial rise in DBP followed by a slight fall in DBP. The Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) was well maintained with PE throughout, whereas with EP there was a fall in MAP after 15 minutes. However, these changes were not clinically significant. The Pulse Rate (PR) was lower with PE compared to EP group at time points of 1, 5, 15 and 20 minutes. The mean respiratory rates and blood oxygen saturation were similar with PE and EP administration (p>0.05). A total of 13 (43.3%) patients in the PE group and 14 (46%) in the EP group had adverse events excluding hypotensive patients. Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, the i.v. bolus of 100 mcg PE and 12 mg EP administered immediately after SA are equally effective in prevention of maternal hypotension and do not cause any significant cardiovascular and respiratory effects.

Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Management of Hypertension in the Elderly.

There is a high prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension in the elderly; 70% of adults >65 years have this disease. A key mechanism in the development of hypertension in the elderly is increased arterial stiffness. This accounts for the increase in systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure and fall in diastolic blood pressure (isolated systolic hypertension) that are commonly seen in the elderly, compared with younger persons. The diagnosis of hypertension is made on the basis of in-office blood pressure measurements together with ambulatory and home blood pressure recordings. Lifestyle changes are the cornerstone of management of hypertension. Comprehensive guidelines regarding blood pressure threshold at which to start pharmacotherapy as well as target blood pressure levels have been issued by both European and American professional bodies. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in intensive lowering of blood pressure in older patients with hypertension. Several large, randomized controlled trials have suggested that a strategy of aiming for a target systolic blood pressure of <120 mm Hg (intensive treatment) rather than a target of <140 mm Hg (standard treatment) results in significant reduction in the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events and total mortality. A systolic blood pressure treatment of <130 mm Hg should be considered favorably in non-institutionalized, ambulatory, free living older patients. In contrast, in the older patient with a high burden of comorbidities and limited life expectancy, an individualized team-based approach, based on clinical judgment and patient preference should be adopted. An increasing body of evidence for older adults with hypertension suggests that intensive blood pressure lowering may prevent or at least partially prevent cognitive decline.

Visit-to-visit blood pressure variability and the risk of stroke in the Netherlands: A population-based cohort study.

BackgroundApart from blood pressure level itself, variation in blood pressure has been implicated in the development of stroke in subgroups at high cardiovascular risk. We determined the association between visit-to-visit blood pressure variability and stroke risk in the general population, taking into account the size and direction of variation and several time intervals prior to stroke diagnosis.Methods and findingsFrom 1990 to 2016, we included 9,958 stroke-free participants of the population-based Rotterdam Study in the Netherlands. This is a prospective cohort study including participants aged 45 years and older. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) variability was calculated as absolute SBP difference divided by mean SBP over 2 sequential visits (median 4.6 years apart). Directional SBP variability was defined as SBP difference over 2 visits divided by mean SBP. Using time-varying Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, mean SBP, and cardiovascular risk factors, hazard ratios (HRs) for stroke up to January 2016 were estimated per SD increase and in tertiles of variability. We also conducted analyses with 3-, 6-, and 9-year intervals between variability measurement and stroke assessment. These analyses were repeated for diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The mean age of the study population was 67.4 ± 8.2 years and 5,776 (58.0%) were women. During a median follow-up of 10.1 years, 971 (9.8%) participants had a stroke, including 641 ischemic, 89 hemorrhagic, and 241 unspecified strokes. SBP variability was associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (HR per SD 1.27, 95% CI 1.05–1.54, p = 0.02) and unspecified stroke (HR per SD 1.21, 95% CI 1.09–1.34, p < 0.001). The associations were stronger for all stroke subtypes with longer time intervals; the HR for any stroke was 1.29 (95% CI 1.21–1.36, p < 0.001) at 3 years, 1.47 (95% CI 1.35–1.59, p < 0.001) at 6 years, and 1.38 (95%CI 1.24–1.51, p < 0.001) at 9 years. For DBP variability, we found an association with unspecified stroke risk. Both the rise and fall of SBP and the fall of DBP were associated with an increased risk for unspecified stroke. Limitations of the study include that, due to an average interval of 4 years between visits, our findings may not be generalizable to blood pressure variability over shorter periods.ConclusionsIn this population-based study, we found that visit-to-visit blood pressure variation was associated with an increased risk of unspecified and hemorrhagic stroke, independent of direction of variation or mean blood pressure.

Comparison of block characteristics in continuous spinal anesthesia and continuous epidural anesthesia for lower limb orthopedic surgeries: An interventional study

Background: Continuous epidural anesthesia (CEA) is commonly used in routine practice even though it needs a higher dose of local anesthetics (LA) and is sometimes associated with a patchy or unilateral block. Despite advantages, continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) is underutilized because of concern related to infection and postdural puncture headache. Our aim was to compare the block characteristics and hemodynamic changes following CSA and CEA in lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Materials and Methods: After approval from the Institutional Scientific and Ethics Committee and Registration with (Clinical Trials Registry of India/2021/02/031575), a prospective, double-blind, randomized study was conducted in 144 patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II, aged 18–65 years, scheduled for lower limb orthopedic surgeries. Patients were randomly divided into two groups according to anesthesia technique used (n = 72), i.e., Group CSA and Group CEA. Block characteristics, hemodynamic variables, intraoperative LA requirement, and complications were recorded. Results: Demographic and surgical data, grade of sensory and motor blockade, and incidence of complications were comparable in both the groups. Induction time was significantly shorter in CSA (8.14 ± 0.88 min vs. 15.75 ± 3.29 min, P < 0.0001). Performance time (5.31 ± 0.92 min vs. 4.92 ± 1 min; P = 0.008), duration of blockade (68.3 ± 4.23 min vs. 65.54 ± 4 min; P < 0.0001), and analgesia (230.48 ± 40.76 min vs. 222.86 ± 39.79 min; P = 0.024) were significantly longer in CSA. A significant fall in diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure occurred in CEA. LA requirement was significantly lower in CSA (11.62 ± 2.5 mg vs. 65.35 ± 7.71 mg; P < 0.00001). Conclusions: Considering shorter induction time, prolonged sensory blockade, and analgesia with greater hemodynamic stability, CSA could be preferred over CEA for lower limb orthopedic surgeries.

Dexmedetomidine for Attenuation of Sympathomimetic Response to Laryngoscopy and Tracheal Intubation in Neurosurgical Patients

Background: Stress responses caused by noxious stimuli during laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation can incite harmful effects, especially in neurosurgical patients. Among various drug regimens and techniques tried for obtunding such consequences, dexmedetomidine, an α-2 receptor agonist mediating its action through α-2A receptors located in locus coeruleus, inhibits noradrenaline release thus decreases such sympathetic activity. Aim and Objective: To evaluate the effect of a single preoperative dose of dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg slow infusion on hemodynamic responses to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients randomized into two groups of 30 each of age range 20–60 years, the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical Status I and II posted for planned neurosurgical procedures, to receive dexmedetomidine (Group D): 1 μg/kg diluted with 0.9% saline to a total volume of 20 mL, control Group (C): 20 ml 0.9% normal saline, both infused intravenously over 10 min, 3 min before induction. Changes in heart rate (HR), systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and any side effect associated with the drug during the study of 20 min of intubation, were observed and statistically analyzed. Results: Insignificant difference (P > 0.05) in demographic criteria. In comparison to the baseline (BL) value, during laryngoscopy, a fall in mean HR by 12.1% in dexmedetomidine group and a rise of 28.39% in control group, reduction in mean systolic blood pressure value 11.40% in dexmedetomidine group, a rise by 19.50% in control group (P < 0.05), a fall in mean diastolic blood pressure by 11.19% in dexmedetomidine, in control group a rise of 16.97%, the difference is statistically significant (P < 0.0001), rise in the mean MAP value in the control group to 18.12% above the BL value but in Group D, it was reduced by 11.29% (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Infusion of dexmedetomidine, in attenuation of hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation, is a safe and effective protective method.

Intravascular Administration of Isotonic Saline versus Polymerised Gelatin in the Prevention of Spinal Induced Hypotension: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Introduction: Hypotension remains one of the most common problems associated with subarachnoid blockade. A number of strategies have been developed for its prevention, of which administration of fluids prior to subarachnoid block holds the importance. Gelatin is a colloidal plasma volume expander obtained from degraded gelatine. It is as effective as albumin solution in the treatment of spinal induced hypotension. Aim: To compare the incidence and frequency of hypotension after subarachnoid block in patients receiving colloid (polymerised gelatin) or crystalloid (0.9% normal saline) as prehydration and compare side-effects of colloid and crystalloid prehydration. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients scheduled for elective Transurethral Resection of Prostate (TURP) surgery were selected to participate in this prospective randomised double-blind study for a period of two years from April 2006 to April 2008. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 patients each. Group H received 500 mL of polymerised gelatine (Haemaccel) solution and group N received 1000 mL of 0.9% normal saline15 minutes prior to subarachnoid block. Intraoperative monitoring includes SBP, DBP, MAP and HR for 30 minutes. Incidence of hypotension and number of mephentermine boluses were noted.Statistical analysis of data was determined with Mann-Whitney U test and analysis of variance for repeated measures (ANOVA). Chi-square test was used to find out possible associations. Result: After spinal anaesthesia mean systolic blood pressure decreased in both the groups and was lower in group N compared to group H (97±18.9 vs 102±9.26 mmHg). There was fall in diastolic blood pressure in both the groups and was maximum at 20th minute in group N and group H (66.37±5.47 vs 64.67±10.30). There was highly significant (p&lt;0.01) fall in mean arterial pressure in group N. The change in the heart rate was highly significant (p&lt;0.01) at different time interval in both the groups. Vasopressor was required in 90% and 60% patients in group N and group H, respectively. No statistical difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting in both the groups. Conclusion: The present study showed that preloading of fluids either with colloids or crystalloids prior to subarachnoid block reduces the incidence of hypotension but not completely eliminating it, also showed that colloids offset hypovolemia and hypotension more effectively than crystalloids in patients undergoing TURP surgery.

Effect of Nebulised Lignocaine on the Quality of I-gel Insertion: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: Supraglottic Airway Devices (SAD) are integral part of airway management during General Anaesthesia (GA) and are less invasive than endotracheal intubation. I-gel is a novel and innovative SAD, with non inflating cuff and it is widely used among available devices. Various drug combinations are being studied to obtain better insertion conditions. Lignocaine nebulisation is popularly used as topical anaesthesia for the airway. Authors hypothesised that it could improve the insertion conditions of the airway in addition to induction agents. Aim: To assess the efficacy of lignocaine nebulisation for I-gel insertion conditions in terms of the frequency of optimal insertion conditions and haemodynamic changes observed during and after the insertion of I-gel. Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted for one year from January 2019 to January 2020 in Karnataka Institute of Medical sciences, Hubli, Karnataka, India. Ninety patients of age group 18 to 45 years, belonging to American Society of Anaesthesiologists’ (ASA) grade I and II, undergoing minor surgical procedures were included. They were randomised into two equal groups, group L received 5 mL of 4% lignocaine and group D received 5 mL of normal saline nebulisation 5 minutes before induction of GA. Optimal insertion conditions (successful insertion at the first attempt without adverse response) and haemodynamic responses were noted down as primary and secondary outcomes respectively. The data was analysed using Chi-square test and Student’s t-test according to parameters. Results: A total of 43 patients were in group lignocaine nebulisation (Group L) and 44 in the normal saline nebulisation group (Group D) and they had the mean age of 28.8±6.3 and 29.0±5.1 respectively. The optimal insertion (p-value 0.26), successful first attempt insertion (p-value 0.175) and time for insertion (p-value 0.512) were not statistically significant between the two groups. In group L at 1 and 5 minutes, fall in Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) was noted and compared with other group which was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Preinduction lignocaine nebulisation doesn’t improve optimal insertion conditions of I-gel statistically. Even though better haemodynamic were noted with the same, it cannot be recommended for the sole purpose by nebulisation route.

Patterns of blood pressure changes in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy at a tertiary cancer centre.

To evaluate patterns of blood pressure (BP) changes in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) receiving radiation (RT)/chemo-radiation (CRT) METHODS: This study included data collection, compilation, and analysis of 451 consecutive HNC patients who underwent RT/CRT. Out of 451 patients, 376 (82%) were male and 75 (18%) were female with a median age of 52 years. Patients receiving 3DCRT experienced greater fall in BP, including for SBP and MAP, compared to those receiving IMRT-IGRT. Female patients experienced greater fall in diastolic BP as compared to male patients (p: 0.03). At the end of treatment, we observed a significant association between a fall in systolic BP (decrease by 10% of baseline) and weight loss of more than 10% of baseline weight (p: 0.03). Fall in BP during RT/CRT is significantly affected by treatment technique and sex and is strongly associated with significant weight loss.

The Effect of Orthostatic Hypotension Detected Pre-Operatively on Post-Operative Outcome.

Exacerbation of or new onset orthostatic hypotension in perioperative patients can occur. There is complex underlying pathophysiology with further derailment likely caused by acute cardiovascular changes associated with surgery. The implications for post-operative recovery are unclear, particularly in frail and older patients. We retrospectively explored patient notes for evidence of post-operative orthostatic intolerance in relation to pre-operative orthostatic hypotension. Supine and 1-minute and 3-minute standing blood pressure measures obtained from adult patients before mainly general, orthopedic or uro/gynecology surgery were compared to post-operative outcome, specifically, evidence in patient notes about falls, feeling dizzy/unsteady and/or fearful to stand. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a 20 mmHg or more and/or 10 mmHg or more fall in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, within ~3 minutes of standing after lying supine for an electrocardiogram. Whilst all patients included had a 1-minute standing blood pressure assessment (N = 170), 3-minute assessment was performed less commonly (N = 113). Nevertheless, one-quarter (23.5%; N = 40) of 170 patients had pre-operative orthostatic hypotension. This was not clearly explained by cardiac or neurological disease or by common medications, but did occur more frequently in older patients and in those aged 65 years or more with higher clinical frailty scale scores. The COVID-19 pandemic reduced the number of patients progressing to surgery within the planned study timescale (N = 143/170; 84.1%). Nevertheless, patients with orthostatic hypotension stayed longer in hospital post-operatively and were more likely to have an episode of fall, unsteadiness and/or dizziness documented (un-prompted) in their notes. These data provide further impetus for research into modifiable perioperative risk factors associated with orthostatic hypotension. These risks are not confined to those with a pre-existing dysautonomia diagnosis.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of valproic acid for treating cyanotic breath holding spells: A Pilot prospective study

ABSTRACT Background Cyanotic breath-holding spells (CBHS) are self-limited conditions among younger children. Frequent spells cause parents’ fear and anxiety. Seizures, brain damage and sudden death have been rarely reported with BHS. Some reported spells' frequency reduction with iron or piracetam. We evaluated the effectiveness of valproic acid (VPA) to treat CBHS and predictors of improvement. Methods Participants were 90 children with CBHS (≥4/week) (age: 1.6±0.4yrs). They were treated with VPA (5 mg/kg/d). Follow-ups occurred after 3-≥6 months. Autonomic nervous system functions were evaluated. Results The majority (74.4%) had daily spells and 19% had ≥2 spells/d. Crying or anger provoked spells. Postural hypotension was found in 46.7%. They had normal electroencephalography and QT, QTc interval or QTd or QTcd and heart rate. Compared to controls, postural fall in systolic (>20mmHg) and diastolic (>10mmHg) blood pressures and mean arterial pressure (>10mmHg) were observed in 46.7%, 74.4% and 72.2% and miosis observed with 0.125% pilocarpine in 28.9% (P=0.001). Spells' frequency reduction (P=0.001) occurred within 3 months with VPA. The independent prdictors for spell' frequency reduction were reduction of anger and crying [OR=4.52(95%CI=2.35–6.04), P =0.01]. Conclusion VPA therapy reduces CBHS’ frequency. Mood improvement is a suggestive effective mechanism. Clinical trial registration www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT04482764

Identifying patterns of diurnal blood pressure variation among ELSA-Brasil participants.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of hypertension. ABPM provides a set of repeated measurements for blood pressure (BP), usually over 24h. Traditional approaches characterize diurnal BP variation by single ABPM parameters such as average and standard deviation, regardless of the temporal nature of the data. In this way, information about the pattern of diurnal BP variation and relationship between parameters is lost. The objective of this study was to identify and characterize daily BP patterns considering the set of repeated measures from 24-h ABPM. A total of 859 adult participants of the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) performed a 24-h ABPM record. Hypertension, sex, age, race/color, education, marital status, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, and BMI were the covariables analyzed. Techniques for longitudinal clustering, multinomial models, and models with mixed effects were used. Three daily BP patterns were identified. Daily BP patterns with high BP presented higher standard deviation and morning surge and lower nocturnal dipping. They showed greater systolic BP variability and faster rise than fall in diastolic BP during sleep. Hypertensive, "pardos," and men had greater odds to present these patterns. Daily BP patterns with high BP presented the worst profile concerning ABPM parameters associated with cardiovascular risk. The daily BP patterns identified contribute to the characterization of diurnal BP variation.

A prospective comparative efficacy of azilsartan and telmisartan in hypertensive patients

Background: Hypertension (HT) is defined as either a sustained systolic blood pressure of greater than 140 mmHg or a sustained diastolic blood pressure of greater than 90 mmHg, according to joint national committee (JNC VIII) on hypertension.Methods: A prospective, open, randomized parallel group comparative study of AZL versus telmisartan was done in patients of stage-I HT. The study included 80 patients, 40 in each group (group I and group II) coming to the Department of Pharmacology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pillayarkuppam, Pondicherry from January 2016 to December 2017. The study was conducted over 8 weeks. Group-I, patients received azilsartan 40-80 mg per day in divided doses and group-II, patients received telmisartan 40-80 mg per day in divided doses according to severity of hypertension.Results: Patients receiving AZL 40 mg and telmisartan 40 mg showed a significant fall (p&lt;0.05) in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at 4 weeks and 8 weeks, when compared to baseline. The difference in SBP and DBP between group I (AZL) and II (telmisartan) was statistically significant at 4 weeks (p&lt;0.05) and was highly significant at 8 weeks (p&lt;0.001). Adverse effects such as nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, gastroenteritis, headache, dizziness, and fatigue were reported with both drugs.Conclusions: Reduction of BP with AZL was more as compared to telmisartan at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. Safety and tolerability were similar in both groups.

Absence of Nocturnal Fall in Blood Pressure Detected by Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Acute Chagas Disease Patients with Oral Infection.

Background The involvement of the autonomic nervous system is one of the mechanisms proposed to explain the progression of myocardial lesion in Chagas disease. Evidences have shown changes in sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system since the acute phase of the disease, and studies to clarify the pathophysiological and prognostic value of these changes are needed. Objetives To assess blood pressure profile by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) in normotensive patients with acute Chagas disease (ACD) without apparent cardiac damage, and the influence of the infection on nocturnal blood pressure fall. Methods ABPM was performed with 54 patients with ACD and a control group composed of 54 age- and sex-matched normotensive individuals. The alpha level of significance (type I error rate) was set at 5%. Results In the total of 54 patients, 74.0% did not show nocturnal fall in systolic blood pressure, 53.7% did not show nocturnal fall in diastolic blood pressure, and lack of both nocturnal fall in SBP and DBP was observed in 51.8% (*p<0.05). In 12.9% of patients, there was an increase in SBP and in 18.5% increase in DBP (p<0.05). Conclusions In patients with acute Chagas disease, a significant absence of the physiological fall in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed during sleep, and some of the patients showed nocturnal increase in these parameters. These findings suggest autonomic changes in the acute phase of Chagas disease. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 114(4):711-715).

Diurnal rhythm of blood pressure in patients with polycythemia vera.

Polycythemia vera increases the risk of hypertension, but there is limited information about the effect on daily blood pressure fluctuations. This study aimed to demonstrate how diurnal blood pressure rhythm is affected in polycythemia vera patients. Fifty (50) patients (33 men; mean age 48 ± 15 years) with a diagnosis of polycythemia vera and 51 age and sex-matched healthy subjects for the control group were prospectively evaluated. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were evaluated by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) as average 24-hour, daytime and nighttime measures. Average 24-hour SBP and DBP, daytime SBP and DBP were similar in both groups. However, nighttime SBP and DBP were significantly higher in the polycythemia vera group compared with the control group (125.3 ± 17.2 and 73.7 ± 12.2 vs. 118.9 ± 12.2 and 69.5 ± 8.5; P = 0.034 and P = 0.044). Both nocturnal SBP fall and nocturnal DBP fall were blunted in the polycythemia vera group compared with the control group (-6.9 ± 8.9 and -11.3 ± 12.2 vs. -11.6 ± 7.7 and -16.3 ± 12.0, respectively). Both hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were positively correlated with nocturnal SBP fall (r = 0.306, P = 0.002 and r = 0.355, P < 0.001; respectively) in all patients. We found that the polycythemia vera group had significantly decreased nocturnal dipping compared with healthy controls. The SBP fall was also positively correlated with hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.

The relationship between platelet to lymphocyte ratio and the diurnal variation of hypertension

Aim: Platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) predicts worse outcome in cardiovascular disease. However data is limitted about the role of PLR in the diurnal variation of hypertension. In this study we evaluated the relationship between the diurnal variation of hypertension and PLR. Material and Methods: The study included a total of 247 essential hypertensive patients. All patients underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood monitoring. Thereafter hypertensive patients were divided into two groups: 64 dipper patients (30 female, mean age 53.8±12.9 years) and 38 non-dipper patients (18 female, mean age 52.6±12.5years). Complete blood count and biochemistry were measured by standard methods. PLR was measured by dividing platelet count to lymphocyte count.Results: Non-dipper hypertensives had signifi cantly higher PLR levels than dippers (127.9±32.16 vs 103.4±10.67, p&amp;lt;0.001). There was a negatif correlation between percentage of sistolic and diastolic blood pressure fall and PLR. Conclusion: We demonstrated that PLR, an inexpensive and easily accessible biomarker, is significantly higher in nondipper hypertensives than the dipper hypertensives.

Blood pressure estimation with complexity features from electrocardiogram and photoplethysmogram signals

A novel method for the continual, cuff-less estimation of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values based on signal complexity analysis of the photoplethysmogram (PPG) and the electrocardiogram (ECG) is reported. The proposed framework estimates the blood pressure (BP) values obtained from signals generated from 14 volunteers subjected to a series of exercise routines. Herein, the physiological signals were first pre-processed, followed by the extraction of complexity features from both the PPG and ECG. Subsequently the complexity features were used in regression models (artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine (SVM) and LASSO) to predict the BP. The performance of the approach was evaluated by calculating the mean absolute error and the standard deviation of the predicted results and compared with the recommendations made by the British Hypertension Society (BHS) and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. Complexity features from the ECG and PPG were investigated independently, along with the combined dataset. It was observed that the complexity features obtained from the combination of ECG and PPG signals resulted to an improved estimation accuracy for the BP. The most accurate DBP result of 5.15 ± 6.46 mmHg was obtained from ANN model, and SVM generated the most accurate prediction for the SBP which was estimated as 7.33 ± 9.53 mmHg. Results for DBP fall within recommended performance of the BHS but SBP is outside the range. Although initial results are promising, further improvements are required before the potential of this approach is fully realised.