Orthostatic Blood Pressure Measurements Research Articles

Diagnostic approach at specialized syncope units in the netherlands: a cross-sectional, nationwide survey

Abstract Introduction The European Society of Cardiology Guidelines recommend a structural approach for the initial evaluation of syncope patients, yet implementation of such approach appears cumbersome. There are several specialized Syncope Units in the Netherlands. Here we investigated the diagnostic strategy of specialized Syncope Units and adherence areas for syncope patients. Purpose We aimed to identify the current network of Syncope Units in the Netherlands and to assess to which extent the units fulfil requirements as indicated by the European Heart Rhythm Association consensus and the current guidelines. Methods All units Neurology, Internal Medicine, and Cardiology in hospitals in the Netherlands were contacted. Units with specialized Syncope care were included and requested to fill out a questionnaire of 25 questions regarding which medical specialties are involved during evaluation, which diagnostic tests are available and being performed and which adherence regions were associated. We specifically investigated whether the Syncope Units adhered to the consensus statements 1 and 3 as described by the European Heart Rhythm Association position paper as gold standard for best practices. Results Specialized care for syncope was reported in 20/72 hospitals. Most (17/20) reported that multiple specialties are involved during the initial evaluation. 19/20 had either Neurology, Cardiology, or both responsible for the Syncope Unit. 18/20 perform guideline-based orthostatic blood pressure measurement. A non-invasive-beat-to-beat blood pressure monitor was present in 11/20 units. 16/20 perform tilt table testing and do > 48 per year, 3/16 this was during the initial evaluation and 15/20 perform carotid sinus massage. The adherence areas cover 64.2% of the Netherlands. Both European Heart Rhythm Association consensus statements 1 and 3 for best practice were met in 4/20 of the Syncope Units, 4/20 only met consensus statement 1 and 14/20 only met consensus statement 3. Conclusion We identified 20 Syncope Units in the Netherlands. The diagnostic approach varies in the medical specialties involved, protocols for cardiovascular testing, and timing of diagnostic tests. Most units did not completely perform the Guideline suggested initial evaluation. Four out of 20 Syncope Units met the European Heart Rhythm Association consensus statements for best clinical practice.Overview Syncope Units NetherlandsAdherence of the Syncope Unit

Abstract 105: Limb Shaking Transient Ischemic Attack: A Rare Presentation of Internal Carotid Artery Occlusion

Introduction Limb‐shaking transient ischemic attack (LS‐TIA) is a rare disorder characterized by brief, irregular, involuntary movements of the extremities with or without loss of consciousness. Associated paroxysmal hyperkinetic extremity movements often described by patients as “shaking,” “tremors,” or “twitching” are an uncommon and under‐reported presentation of cerebral hypoperfusion. Vascular etiology must remain on the differential as these transient but hemodynamically significant episodes are associated with severe carotid steno‐occlusive disease and carry an elevated risk for stroke. Methods The patient was evaluated in routine clinical practice. Results A man in his 50s with medical history of chronic right internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion, coronary artery disease and tobacco use disorder presented with two months of intermittent, progressive worsening of left extremity tremors associated with ipsilateral weakness and mild confusion during the spells. These involuntary paroxysmal spells—precipitated by standing up, exertion and neck hyperextension—initially occurred 4 to 5 times per week in left upper extremity but progressed to 4 to 5 times per day with prolonged durations reaching 20 minutes and involving the left lower extremity. The initial event involved loss of consciousness, but no further syncopal episodes were noted. While ipsilateral hemiparesis and mild confusion occurred during the spells, spontaneous resolution and immediate return to baseline were reported afterward. On presentation, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was zero. Computed tomography (CT) head did not show acute intracranial process. CT angiography (CTA) re‐demonstrated right ICA occlusion at its origin. A load of Clopidogrel 300 mg and Aspirin 325 mg was administered. Orthostatic blood pressure measurements were normal. CT perfusion of brain demonstrated a perfusion decrease within the right frontoparietal lobes in the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) region. Routine EEG was performed, and it did not show interictal discharges. Brain MRI did not show acute infarcts. Catheter cerebral angiogram was then pursued, confirming right ICA occlusion at its origin and additionally showed mild atherosclerosis of the left ICA without flow‐limiting stenosis. After thorough evaluation, these events of unilateral extremity shaking and hemiparesis were deemed to be LS‐TIA. Neurosurgery was consulted and offered extracranial‐intracranial (EC‐IC)/ superficial temporal artery‐MCA bypass surgery. He was discharged in stable condition to continue DAPT and high‐dose statin while pending surgical intervention. Conclusion This case not only provides a descriptive narration of the presentation of LS‐TIA along with the steps in management undertaken but also encourages the consideration of vascular etiology as a potential cause for acute onset paroxysmal hyperkinetic movements. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to reduce burden of poor outcomes and prevention of stroke.

Orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension are both associated with lower cognitive function: The S.AGES cohort.

Blood pressure (BP) postural changes, both orthostatic hypotension (OHYPO) and orthostatic hypertension (OHYPER) are common in older adults. Few studies have investigated their association with cognition, particularly for OHYPER, an emerging cardiovascular risk factor. We aimed to assess the association between OHYPO, OHYPER and cognition in non-institutionalized older subjects. The S.AGES (Sujets ÂGES, Aged Subjects) cohort followed every 6 months for 3 years non-institutionalized subjects aged ≥65 years without dementia at inclusion, in France. OHYPO and OHYPER were respectively defined as a fall or an increase of ≥20 mmHg in systolic BP and/or ≥10 mmHg in diastolic BP after standing from a sitting position. Cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear mixed models were used for the analyses. Among the 3170 subjects included (mean age 78 years, 56% women), 209 (6.5%) had OHYPO and 226 (7.1%) had OHYPER at baseline. After adjustment for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and disease, seated SBP/DBP and BP lowering treatment, mean MMSE was 0.52 point lower in participants with OHYPER compared to those with normal BP postural changes (β adjusted [95% CI] = -0.52 [-0.96; -0.09], p = 0.02) and 0.50 point lower in participants with OHYPO compared to those with normal BP postural changes (β adjusted [95% CI] = -0.50 [-0.95; -0.06], p = 0.03). Sensitivity analyses showed a dose-response relationship between OHYPO and cognition. Although the absolute differences in MMSE were small, both OHYPO and OHYPER were associated with lower cognition. Orthostatic BP measurements could help identify patients with risk of cognitive impairment. Further studies are needed to assess whether controlling orthostatic BP could be a promising interventional target in preserving cognition among older adults.

Orthostatic Hypertension: A Newcomer Among the Hypertension Phenotypes.

The prognostic role and the clinical significance of orthostatic hypertension (OHT) remained undefined for long because data were sparse and often inconsistent. In recent years, evidence has been accumulating that OHT is associated with an increased risk of masked and sustained hypertension, hypertension-mediated organ damage, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. Most evidence came from studies in which OHT was defined using systolic blood pressure (BP) whereas the clinical relevance of diastolic OHT is still unclear. Recently, the American Autonomic Society and the Japanese Society of Hypertension defined OHT as an orthostatic systolic BP increase ≥20 mm Hg associated with a systolic BP of at least 140 mm Hg while standing. However, also smaller orthostatic BP increases have shown clinical relevance especially in people ≤45 years of age. A possible limitation of the BP response to standing is poor reproducibility. OHT concordance is better when the between-assessment interval is shorter, when OHT is evaluated using a larger number of BP readings, and if home BP measurement is used. The pathogenetic mechanisms leading to OHT are still controversial and may vary according to age. Excessive neurohumoral activation seems to be the main determinant in younger adults whereas vascular stiffness plays a more important role in older individuals. Conditions associated with higher activity of the sympathetic nervous system and/or baroreflex dysregulation, such as diabetes, essential hypertension, and aging have been found to be often associated with OHT. Measurement of orthostatic BP should be included in routine clinical practice especially in people with high-normal BP.

Orthostatic hypo‐ and hyper‐tension are associated with cognitive decline: the S.AGES cohort

AbstractBackgroundThe association between orthostatic hypotension (OHYPO) and cognition has reported conflicting results. Although orthostatic hypertension (OHYPER) is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor, only very few studies investigated its association with cognition. We aimed to assess the impact of OHYPO and OHYPER on cognitive performances in non‐institutionalized subjects aged ≥ 65 years.MethodThe S.AGES (Sujets Âgés) cohort followed for three years non‐institutionalized subjects aged ≥ 65 years without major neurocognitive impairment at inclusion. OHYPO was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of at least 20 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of at least 10 mmHg from a sitting to a standing position. In contrast, OHYPER was defined as an increase in SBP of at least 20 mmHg and/or DBP of at least 10 mmHg under the same measurement conditions. Cognition was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear mixed models were used for the analyses.ResultWe included 3,170 subjects (mean age 78 years, 56% women). 209 (6.5%) had OHYPO at inclusion and 226 (7.1%) had OHYPER. Over time, MMSE was on average 0.5 points lower in patients with OHYPO compared to those without OHYPO or OHYPER (adjusted β [IC95%] = ‐0.52 [‐0.97; ‐0.08], p = 0.021) after adjustment for age, sex, education, baseline body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, transient ischemic attack or stroke, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, seated SBP/DBP and antihypertensive treatment. Similarly, patients with OHYPER had, on average, poorer cognitive performances over time compared to those without pathological blood pressure (BP) postural changes (adjusted β [IC95%] = ‐0.54 [‐0.98; ‐0.09], p = 0.017).ConclusionBoth OHYPO and OHYPER were associated with cognitive decline. Considering that BP postural changes are common in the elderly and easy to detect, orthostatic BP measurements could help identify patients with greater risk of cognitive impairment.

Evolution of Prodromal Multiple System Atrophy from REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: A Descriptive Study.

Prodromal multiple system atrophy (MSA) has been characterized mainly by retrospective chart reviews. Direct observation and tracking of prodromal markers in MSA have been very limitedObjective:To report the baseline characteristics and evolution of prodromal markers of MSA as they were prospectively measured in patients with idiopathic/isolated REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD)Methods:Patients with iRBD were evaluated as part of a comprehensive protocol repeated annually. The protocol included assessment of motor, sleep, psychiatric, and autonomic symptoms supplemented by motor examination, quantitative motor testing, neuropsychological examination, orthostatic blood pressure measurement, and tests of olfaction and color vision. Patients who eventually developed MSA were described and compared with those who phenoconverted to Lewy body disease (Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies). Of 67 phenocoverters, 4 developed MSA-P and 63 developed Lewy body disease. An additional 2 MSA-C patients were seen at baseline, already with cerebellar signs. Compared to those with Lewy body disease, those with MSA-P were younger, had less severe loss of tonic REM sleep atonia, more insomnia symptoms, and better olfaction. Clinically-evident autonomic dysfunction was not invariable in prodromal stages, often developing proximate to or after motor phenoconversion. Of the autonomic symptoms, genitourinary dysfunction was the first to develop in all cases. Olfaction and cognition remained normal throughout the prodromal and clinical disease course, in clear contrast to patients with Lewy body disease. Prodromal MSA progresses rapidly, often without substantial autonomic dysfunction, and with preserved olfaction and cognition throughout its prodromal course.

Abstract P012: Orthostatic Hypo- And Hyper-tension Are Associated With Cognitive Decline: The S.ages Cohort

Introduction: The association between orthostatic hypotension (OHYPO) and cognition has reported conflicting results. Although orthostatic hypertension (OHYPER) is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor, only very few studies investigated its association with cognition. We aimed to assess the impact of OHYPO and OHYPER on cognitive performances in non-institutionalized subjects aged ≥ 65 years. Method: The S.AGES (Sujets Ågés) cohort followed for three years non-institutionalized subjects aged ≥ 65 years without major neurocognitive impairment at inclusion. OHYPO was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure (SBP) of at least 20 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of at least 10 mmHg from a sitting to a standing position. In contrast, OHYPER was defined as an increase in SBP of at least 20 mmHg and/or DBP of at least 10 mmHg under the same measurement conditions. Cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear mixed models were used for the analyses. Results: We included 3,170 subjects (mean age 78 years, 56% women). 209 (6.5%) had OHYPO at inclusion and 226 (7.1%) had OHYPER. Over time, MMSE was on average 0.5 points lower in patients with OHYPO compared to those without OHYPO or OHYPER (adjusted β [IC95%] = -0.52 [-0.97 ; -0.08], p=0.021) after adjustment for age, sex, education, baseline body mass index, smoking, alcohol intake, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure, transient ischemic attack or stroke, coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, seated SBP/DBP and antihypertensive treatment. Similarly, patients with OHYPER had, on average, poorer cognitive performances over time compared to those without pathological blood pressure (BP) postural changes (adjusted β [IC95%] = -0.54 [-0.98; -0.09], p = 0.017). Conclusion: Both OHYPO and OHYPER were associated with cognitive decline. Considering that BP postural changes are common in the elderly and easy to detect, orthostatic BP measurements could help identify patients with greater risk of cognitive impairment.

Dizziness: Approach to Evaluation, Assessment and Management

Dizziness is a common symptom. It was traditionally divided into four categories based on the patient’s history: vertigo, presyncope, disequilibrium, and light-headedness. However, the distinction between these symptoms is of limited clinical usefulness. Patients have difficulty describing the quality of their symptoms but can more consistently identify the timing and triggers. Episodic vertigo triggered by head motion may be due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Vertigo with unilateral hearing loss +/- tinnitus suggests Meniere disease. Episodic vertigo not associated with any trigger may be a symptom of vestibular neuritis. Evaluation focuses on determining whether the etiology is peripheral or central. Peripheral etiologies are usually benign. Central etiologies often require urgent treatment. The HINTS (head-impulse, nystagmus, test of skew) examination can help distinguish peripheral from central etiologies. The physical examination includes orthostatic blood pressure measurement, a full cardiac and neurologic examination, assessment for nystagmus, and the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. Laboratory testing and imaging are not required and are usually not helpful. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can be treated with a canalith repositioning procedure (Epley maneuver). Treatment of Meniere disease includes salt restriction and diuretics. Symptoms of vestibular neuritis are relieved with vestibular suppressant medications and vestibular rehabilitation.

The associations between orthostatic blood pressure changes and extracellular volume in hemodialysis patients.

Extracellular volume (ECV) predicts mortality in hemodialysis patients, but it is difficult to assess clinically. Peridialytic blood pressure (BP) measurements can help ECV assessment. Orthostatic BP is routinely measured clinically, but its association with ECV is unknown. In a cohort of hypertensive hemodialysis patients, we measured posthemodialysis ECV/weight with bioimpedance spectroscopy and analyzed its association with post-HD orthostatic BP measurements obtained during routine care. Using linear and logistic regression, the primary outcomes were orthostatic BP change and orthostatic hypotension (OH) defined by systolic BP decrease of at least 20 mmHg or diastolic decrease of at least 10 mmHg. Model 1 controlled for sex, age, and diabetes. Model 2 additionally controlled for ultrafiltration rate and antihypertensive medications. We conducted sensitivity analysis using OH definition of systolic BP decrease of at least 30 mmHg. Among 57 participants, mean orthostatic systolic BP change was -7.30 (20) mmHg and mean ECV/weight was 0.24 (0.04) L/kg. Post-HD ECV/weight was not associated with orthostatic systolic BP change (β=8.2, p=0.6). There were 16 participants with and 41 participants without OH. The ECV/weight did not differ between these groups (0.22 [0.04] vs. 0.24 [0.05] L/Kg, p=0.09) and did not predict OH in logistic regression (OR 11, 4.04; 95% CI 0.2-671, 0.03-0.530 in the two models.) In a sensitivity analysis, ECV/weight was lower in the OH group (0.22 [0.03] vs. 0.25 [0.04] L/kg, p=0.005), but this was accompanied by differences in sex and diabetes. Using logistic regression, there was no independent association between ECV/weight with OH. Orthostatic systolic BP change after HD completion is not a reliable indicator of posthemodialysis ECV. When considering other factors associated with orthostatic BP, ECV/weight is not independently associated with OH. Although transient postdialytic differences in intravascular volume may be associated with OH, posthemodialysis OH does not necessarily indicate ECV depletion.

Abstract MP35: Association Of Orthostatic Blood Pressure Response With Incident Heart Failure: The Framingham Heart Study

Introduction: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and hypertension (OHT) are associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality. The relation of OH and OHT with heart failure (HF) in the community is not well explored, particularly among the elderly and those with hypertension. Moreover, there remains a paucity of longitudinal data on the development of HF subtypes (HF with reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF] and HF with preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]) in those with OH and OHT. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that OH and OHT are associated with a higher risk of HF. Methods: We evaluated 1914 Framingham Heart Study participants (mean age 72 years, 1159 women [61%]), with available orthostatic blood pressure (BP) measurements. OH was defined as a decrease and OHT as an increase of 20/10 mmHg in systolic/diastolic BP from supine to standing position, respectively. We used a categorical variable (OH, OHT, absence of OH and OHT [referent]). Using Cox proportional hazards regression, we related OH and OHT to risk of HF and its subtypes (HFrEF, HFpEF), compared to the referent group, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, systolic BP, diastolic BP, hypertension treatment, smoking, and diabetes. Results: There were 275 participants with OH (181 women, 66%) and 411 with OHT (236 women, 57%). On median follow-up of 13 years, 492 developed HF (292 women, 59%). In multivariable-adjusted analyses, OH was associated with higher risk of HF (Hazards Ratio [HR] 1.47; 95% CI, 1.13-1.92; Figure ) compared to referent. Further, OH was associated with higher risk of HFrEF (HR 2.56; 95% CI, 1.46-4.48), but not HFpEF. OHT was not associated with incident HF. Conclusions: Assessment of orthostatic BP response in the elderly may identify future HF risk. Further studies are warranted to investigate mechanisms underlying the observed associations.

Postural changes in blood pressure among patients with diabetes attending a referral hospital in southwestern Uganda: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundOrthostatic hypotension (OH) and orthostatic hypertension (OHT) are often unrecognized in clinical care for diabetic individuals, yet they are associated with increased risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. We aimed to determine the prevalence of the abnormal orthostatic blood pressure (BP) responses, and associated factors among diabetic individuals in ambulatory care for diabetes in southwestern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among diabetic individuals aged 18–65 years at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, southwestern Uganda from November 2018 to April 2019. We obtained demographic and clinical data including a detailed medical history, and glycemic profile. BP measurements were taken in supine position and within 3 min of standing. We defined OH in participants with either ≥ 20 mmHg drop in systolic BP (SBP) or ≥ 10 mmHg drop in diastolic BP (DBP) after assuming an upright position. OHT was defined in participants with either a ≥ 20 mmHg rise in SBP, or ≥ 10 mmHg rise in DBP after assuming an upright position. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with OH and OHT.ResultsWe enrolled 299 participants, with a mean age of 50 years (SD ± 9.8), and mean HbA1c of 9.7% (SD ± 2.6); 70% were female. Of the 299 participants, 52 (17.4%; 95% CI 13.3–22.2%) met the definition of OH and 43 (14.4%; 95% CI 10.6–18.9%) were classified as having OHT. In multivariable models, factors associated with diabetic OH were older age (OR = 2.40 for 51–65 years vs 18–50 years, 95% CI 1.02–5.67, P = 0.046), diabetic retinopathy (OR = 2.51; 95% CI 1.14–5.53, P = 0.022), higher resting SBP ≥ 140 mmHg (OR = 3.14; 95% CI 1.31–8.7.56, P = 0.011), and history of palpitations (OR = 2.31; 95% CI 1.08–4.92, P = 0.031). Self-report of palpitations (OR = 3.14; 95% CI 1.42–6.95, P = 0.005), and higher resting SBP ≥ 140 mmHg (OR = 22.01; 95% CI 1.10–4.42, P = 0.043) were associated with OHT.ConclusionOH and OHT are common among diabetic individuals in ambulatory diabetes care in southwestern Uganda. Orthostatic BP measurements should be considered as part of routine physical examination to improve detection of OH and OHT, especially among older diabetics with complications of the disease. Future studies to assess the health and prognostic implications of OH and OHT among diabetics in the region are warranted.

Usefulness of Squatting Combined with the Blood Pressure Measurement for Orthostatic Intolerance in Dizziness Clinic

Background Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is a common clinical symptom in dizziness clinic. The head-up tilt table test (HUT) is one of the primary clinical examination for evaluating OI. There is no consensus on the optimum method for diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension (OH). Herein, we performed the additional squat combined with blood pressure (BP) monitoring for OI patients with normal HUT. Methods The study included 32 consecutive patients with orthostatic intolerance for 3 months since April, 2018 (Period I) and 27 patients with orthostatic intolerance for 3 months since April, 2019 (Period II) in dizziness clinic of Chungnam National University Hospital. During Period II, the additional squat combined with BP test was performed for normal HUT results in patients with OI. In squat combined orthostatic BP measurement, the first BP measurement was taken following 3 minutes of rest at the squat position; afterwards the patients were raised upright and the measurement was monitored for 2 minutes, using a continuous beat-to-beat BP monitoring. Results In this study, there was significant difference in OH diagnosis (p<0.001); 40.6% (13/32) by conventional HUT (Period I) vs. 92.5% (25/33) by conventional HUT and additional squat test for normal HUT (Period II). In patients with normal HUT, the positive OH was 86.7% (13/15) by the additional squat combined BP measurement (Period II). Conclusions In addition to HUT, squat test combined with BP measurement might be more informative for understanding and diagnosing the OH, particularly in patients with OI and normal HUT in dizziness clinic. Keywords: Orthostatic intolerance, Tilt table test

Diagnostic accuracy of evaluation of suspected syncope in the emergency department: usual practice vs. ESC guidelines

BackgroundSyncope is a frequent reason for referral to the emergency department. After excluding a potentially life-threatening condition, the second objective is to find the cause of syncope. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the treating physician in usual practice and to compare this to the diagnostic accuracy of a standardised evaluation, consisting of thorough history taking and physical examination by a research physician.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included suspected (pre) syncope patients without an identified serious underlying condition who were assessed in the emergency department. Patients were initially seen by the initial treating physician and the usual evaluation was performed. A research physician, blinded to the findings of the initial treating physician, then performed a standardised evaluation according to the ESC syncope guidelines. Diagnostic accuracy (proportion of correct diagnoses) was determined by expert consensus after long-term follow-up.ResultsOne hundred and one suspected (pre) syncope patients were included (mean age 59 ± 20 years). The usual practice of the initial treating physicians did not in most cases follow ESC syncope guidelines, with orthostatic blood pressure measurements made in only 40% of the patients. Diagnostic accuracy by the initial treating physicians was 65% (95% CI 56–74%), while standardised evaluation resulted in a diagnostic accuracy of 80% (95% CI 71–87%; p = 0.009). No life-threatening causes were missed.ConclusionsUsual practice of the initial treating physician resulted in a diagnostic accuracy of 65%, while standardised practice, with an emphasis on thorough history taking, increased diagnostic accuracy to 80%. Results suggest that the availability of additional resources does not result in a higher diagnostic accuracy than standardised evaluation, and that history taking is the most important diagnostic test in suspected syncope patients. Netherlands Trial Registration: NTR5651. Registered 29 January 2016,https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/5532

27 Re-Audit of Orthostatic Blood Pressure Measurement to Prevent Falls and Fall-Related Complications for Geriatrics Inpatients from A Secondary Care Hospital

Abstract Introduction Orthostatic Hypotension is a common cause of falls leading to injury and morbidity in older adults. In the National Audit of Inpatient Falls 2015 audit, only 16% of 4846 patients had an orthostatic Blood Pressure (L/S BP) recorded by their third day in the hospital. There is also variation in the understanding of how doctors and nurses perform orthostatic BP. This could have adverse effects on detection rates and accuracy of the procedure resulting in misdiagnosis. As a result, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has released guidance on Orthostatic BP measurements to perform the standardising practice and improving accuracy. The purpose of this quality improvement project (QIP) is to work on the action plan from the orthostatic BP measurement QIP has done in 2017, by introducing laminated guidelines in patient’s notes and re-audited in 2018 to record any improvement. The re-audit of 2018 showed remarkable improvement but still not as equal as the gold standard as RCP. Therefore, the second loop of re-audit performed in 2019 in major Geriatrics wards and other wards while involved larger sample (patient) numbers. We used four questioners as the audit proforma. Methods Wards were audited to find out whether orthostatic BP is measured as per RCP guidelines. Afterward, a laminated copy of the RCP recommended method of measuring orthostatic BP was put into all Early Warning Score ‘Observation’ folders with a sheet designed specifically for recording Orthostatic (L/S BP). The procedure of L/S BP measurement was re-audited after the intervention to find out changes in performing orthostatic (L/S BP) (as per RCP guidelines). Results There is a remarkable improvement of outcome reveals in the second loop of re-audit. Regarding RCP guideline compliance, it is 93.33% which is closer to the gold standard. And in case of symptoms identification and documentation, it is 100%, which is equal to the RCP gold standard. Conclusions Inclusion of guidelines in notes improves investigation; inclusion of supplementary recording sheet improves documentation. Re-audit reflects the remarkable improvement to compliance with RCP guidelines in measuring Orthostatic BP measurement and patient’s symptoms documentation.

Screening and Management of Bleeding Disorders in Adolescents With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: ACOG COMMITTEE OPINION SUMMARY, Number 785.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as excessive menstrual blood loss that interferes with a woman's physical, social, emotional, or material quality of life. If obstetrician-gynecologists suspect that a patient has a bleeding disorder, they should work in coordination with a hematologist for laboratory evaluation and medical management. Evaluation of adolescent girls who present with heavy menstrual bleeding should include assessment for anemia from blood loss, including serum ferritin, the presence of an endocrine disorder leading to anovulation, and evaluation for the presence of a bleeding disorder. Physical examination of the patient who presents with acute heavy menstrual bleeding should include assessment of hemodynamic stability, including orthostatic blood pressure and pulse measurements. The first-line approach to acute bleeding in the adolescent is medical management; surgery should be reserved for those who do not respond to medical therapy. Use of antifibrinolytics such as tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid in oral and intravenous form may be used to stop bleeding. Nonmedical procedures should be considered when there is a lack of response to medical therapy, if the patient is clinically unstable despite initial measures, or when severe heavy bleeding warrants further investigation, such as an examination under anesthesia. After correction of acute heavy menstrual bleeding, maintenance hormonal therapy can include combined hormonal contraceptives, oral and injectable progestins, and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices. Obstetrician-gynecologists can provide important guidance to premenarchal and postmenarchal girls and their families about issues related to menses and should counsel all adolescent patients with a bleeding disorder about safe medication use and future surgical considerations.

Screening and Management of Bleeding Disorders in Adolescents With Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: ACOG COMMITTEE OPINION, Number 785.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is defined as excessive menstrual blood loss that interferes with a woman's physical, social, emotional, or material quality of life. If obstetrician-gynecologists suspect that a patient has a bleeding disorder, they should work in coordination with a hematologist for laboratory evaluation and medical management. Evaluation of adolescent girls who present with heavy menstrual bleeding should include assessment for anemia from blood loss, including serum ferritin, the presence of an endocrine disorder leading to anovulation, and evaluation for the presence of a bleeding disorder. Physical examination of the patient who presents with acute heavy menstrual bleeding should include assessment of hemodynamic stability, including orthostatic blood pressure and pulse measurements. The first-line approach to acute bleeding in the adolescent is medical management; surgery should be reserved for those who do not respond to medical therapy. Use of antifibrinolytics such as tranexamic acid or aminocaproic acid in oral and intravenous form may be used to stop bleeding. Nonmedical procedures should be considered when there is a lack of response to medical therapy, if the patient is clinically unstable despite initial measures, or when severe heavy bleeding warrants further investigation, such as an examination under anesthesia. After correction of acute heavy menstrual bleeding, maintenance hormonal therapy can include combined hormonal contraceptives, oral and injectable progestins, and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine devices. Obstetrician-gynecologists can provide important guidance to premenarchal and postmenarchal girls and their families about issues related to menses and should counsel all adolescent patients with a bleeding disorder about safe medication use and future surgical considerations.

Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension in Parkinson Disease: A Primer.

Parkinson disease (PD) is associated with a variety of motor and non-motor clinical manifestations, including cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction. Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) is a potentially serious manifestation of cardiovascular sympathetic failure that occurs in approximately 30% of patients with PD. Here we review the pathophysiology and effects of the condition as well as treatment considerations for patients with PD and nOH. Screening for nOH using orthostatic symptom questionnaires, orthostatic blood pressure measurements, and specialized autonomic testing is beneficial for the identification of symptomatic and asymptomatic cases because cardiac sympathetic denervation and nOH can occur even at early (premotor) stages of PD. Symptoms of nOH, such as orthostatic lightheadedness, in patients with PD, have been shown to adversely affect patient safety (with increased risk of falls) and quality of life and should prompt treatment with non-pharmacologic and, occasionally, pharmacologic measures. Patients with nOH are also at increased risk of supine hypertension, which requires balancing various management strategies.FundingLundbeck (Deerfield, IL).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s40120-019-00152-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Role of nurses and nurse practitioners in the recognition, diagnosis, and management of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension: a narrative review.

Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) is a sustained reduction in blood pressure (BP) upon standing that is caused by autonomic dysfunction and is common among patients with a variety of neurodegenerative disorders (eg, Parkinson’s disease, multiple system atrophy, pure autonomic failure). A systolic BP drop of ≥20 mmHg (or ≥10 mmHg diastolic) upon standing with little or no compensatory increase in heart rate is consistent with nOH. Symptoms of nOH include light-headedness, dizziness, presyncope, and syncope; these symptoms can severely impact patients’ activities of daily living and increase the likelihood of potentially dangerous falls. Because of their patient contact, nurses and nurse practitioners can play a key role in identifying and evaluating patients at risk for nOH. It is advisable to screen for nOH in patients presenting with one or more of the following characteristics: those who have disorders associated with autonomic failure, those with episodes of falls or syncope, those with symptoms upon standing, those who are elderly or frail, or those taking multiple medications. Initial evaluations should include questions about postural symptoms and measurement of orthostatic BP and heart rate. A review of medications for potential agents that can have hypotensive effects should be performed before initiating treatment. Treatment for nOH may include non-pharmacologic measures and pharmacologic therapy. Droxidopa and midodrine are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of symptomatic nOH and symptomatic OH, respectively. nOH is associated with the coexistence of supine hypertension, and the two disorders must be carefully managed. In conclusion, timely screening and diagnosis of patients with nOH can streamline the path to disease management and treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension Due to Autonomic Dysfunction (Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension) in a Patient with Cardiovascular Disease and Parkinson's Disease.

IntroductionThe prevalence of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) increases with age and is associated with autonomic failure in neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease). Symptoms can interfere with daily activities that require standing or walking and can increase risk of falls and related morbidity. Many patients with nOH have or develop cardiovascular comorbidities that can predate nOH symptoms or may arise as a result of autonomic dysregulation. In this report, we describe a complicated case of a patient with cardiovascular disease and Parkinson's disease who presented with orthostatic symptoms.Case ReportA 78-year-old man with a history of coronary heart disease, class III heart failure, cardiac cachexia, long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Parkinson's disease presented with weakness, dizziness, presyncope, fatigue, and inability to stand. Orthostatic blood pressure (BP) measurements revealed a seated BP of 120/70 mmHg that decreased to 60/40 mmHg upon standing, accompanied by a slight increase in heart rate from 70 to 74 beats per minute. He was diagnosed with nOH and prescribed droxidopa (titrated to 600 mg three times daily). Treatment with droxidopa improved the patient’s ability to stand and his orthostatic BP.ConclusionDroxidopa is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to treat symptomatic nOH and is not contraindicated in patients with cardiovascular conditions. In this case, treatment with droxidopa improved the patient’s orthostatic tolerance and, importantly, did not change the patient’s rate-controlled AF or his symptoms of class IV heart failure. Because symptoms associated with nOH can be detrimental to patient safety and mobility, it is critical to screen for and treat patients with nOH, even when there are cardiovascular comorbidities.FundingEditorial support and article processing charges were funded by Lundbeck.Plain Language SummaryPlain language summary available for this article.

The association between frontal lobe perfusion and depressive symptoms in later life.

Deficits in frontal lobe perfusion have been demonstrated in late-life depression; however, studies to date have generally involved small numbers, used neuroimaging rather than bedside testing and have not controlled for important covariates.AimsWe aimed to examine the association between depressive symptoms and frontal lobe perfusion during standing, in a large cohort of community-dwelling older people. Participants aged ≥50 years underwent continuous measurement of orthostatic blood pressure by finometry, and frontal lobe perfusion by near-infrared spectroscopy. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the eight-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Real-time frontal lobe cerebral oxygenation was measured by the Portalite System, detecting changes in frontal lobe perfusion and reporting a tissue saturation index score. Almost 8% (209 out of 2616) had clinically significant depressive symptoms. Multilevel models demonstrated a significantly lower tissue saturation index in participants with depressive symptoms at both 60 and 90 s post-stand, with coefficients of -0.43 (95% CI -0.63 to -0.22) and -0.37 (95% CI -0.57 to -0.16), respectively. Controlling for relevant covariates did not significantly attenuate these associations. After addition of systolic blood pressure this association was no longer significant, suggesting lower blood pressure may modify this relationship. This study demonstrates that lower frontal lobe perfusion, related to lower values of baseline systolic blood pressure, is associated with clinically significant depressive symptoms in a cohort of community-dwelling older people. Given the recognised longitudinal association between lower blood pressure and depression in older people, this may represent a potential therapeutic target for prevention of incident depression.Declaration of interestNone.