Orthostatic Hypotension Research Articles

Is outpatient joint arthroplasty safe ina high volume academic centre? A retrospective monocentric study using an institutional pathway.

Hip and knee arthroplasties are daily procedures in orthopaedic departments. Recently, same-day discharge (SDD) became increasingly popular, but doubts remain about its safety and generalization. Our hypothesis is that outpatient arthroplasty, in a high volume centre and with an institutional protocol, is an effective and reliable practice. We realized a monocentric retrospective study of patients undergoing outpatient partial (UKA) or total (TKA) knee or hip arthroplasty (THA) in a high volume academic centre using a well-defined institutional pathway. Epidemiological data and complications occurring in the month following surgery were studied. 498 patients undergoing 501 arthroplasties (219 hips and 282 knees) were examined. The percentage of men and women was 60.28% and 39.72% respectively, mean age was 64.56 ± 9.59years, mean BMI was 26.87 ± 4.2 and the most represented ASA score was 2. The success rate for same-day discharge was 97.21%. The most frequent causes of failure were urinary retention (28.6%), orthostatic hypotension (28.6%) and insufficiently controlled pain (14.3%). The readmission rate in the month following the operation was 0.8% and the rate of emergency department visits was 1.6%. Finally, the rate of early consultation visits was 7.98%. The comparison between success and failure subgroups in the outpatient setting of our cohort did not highlight statistically significant differences for studied parameters. Outpatient arthroplasty, performed in a center used to managing such operations and with a well-established institutional pre- and post-operative protocol, is a safe practice.

Heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with medication for orthostatic hypotension of yang-qi deficiency in the elderly: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the effect of heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with medication on orthostatic hypotension (OH) of yang -qi deficiency in the elderly. Sixty elderly patients with OH of yang -qi deficiency were randomly divided into an observation group (30 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a control group (30 cases). The patients in the control group were treated with oral midodrine hydrochloride tablets, 2.5 mg each time and twice daily, while the patients in the observation group were treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion in addition to the treatment in the control group. Acupoints selected included Dazhui (GV 14), Fengfu (GV 16), and Baihui (GV 20), with each session lasting 30-40 min, once daily. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Blood pressure in the supine and standing positions, as well as the decrease of blood pressure when the position changing from supine to standing, were measured before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Clinical efficacy was also evaluated. After 4 weeks of treatment, both groups showed an increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in both the supine and standing positions (P<0.05), and the decrease in SBP and DBP when the position changing from supine to standing was reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group had higher SBP and DBP in both positions and a smaller decrease in SBP and DBP when the position changing from supine to standing (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 96.6% (28/29) in the observation group, which was higher than 70.0% (21/30) in the control group (P<0.05). Heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with medication could increase the blood pressure in both supine and standing position, and decrease the reducing of blood pressure when the position changing from supine to standing in elderly patients with OH of yang-qi deficiency.

Association Between Orthostatic Hypotension and Dementia in Patients With Parkinson Disease and Multiple System Atrophy.

Association Between Orthostatic Hypotension and Dementia in Patients With Parkinson Disease and Multiple System Atrophy.

Prevalence of orthostatic hypotension and associated factors among older people with hypertension in Northern Ethiopia.

The prevalence of hypertension increases with age, and older people with this condition are at increased risk of developing orthostatic hypotension (OH) due to age-related changes in blood pressure regulation mechanisms as well as prescribed medications. OH increases the risk of falls, often with subsequent fractures as well as other morbidity and even mortality. The prevalence and characteristics of OH in older people with hypertension in Low-Income Countries have not been well characterized. This study aims to determine the prevalence of OH and associated factors among older people with hypertension in northern Ethiopia. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sample of patients aged 60 years and older with hypertension receiving pharmacotherapy and followed up at the University of Gondar Hospital, Ethiopia. Blood pressure (BP) was measured in the supine position, and after 3min of standing; the level of BP drop (> 20/10) was used to define measured OH. Data regarding symptoms of OH were also collected using the Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ). The data were entered into Microsoft Excel version 2016 and exported to SPSS version 20 for statistical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the factors associated with OH. A total of 240 participants were included, with a mean age of 68.8 ± 7.1 years. The prevalence of OH was 23.8% (CI: 21.5%, 26.1%). Of the medications used, calcium channel blocker (CCBs) treatment was strongly associated with OH (AOR = 2.03[95%CI = 1.08-3.8]). Two-thirds (61.4%) of participants with measured OH experienced relevant symptoms of OH. There was a high prevalence of OH among older patients with hypertension attending a tertiary care hospital in Gondar, with one in four affected. The use of CCBs was identified as an independent risk factor for OH. Most patients with OH experienced relevant symptoms, so monitoring this condition in this group may help prevent adverse consequences.

Artificial intelligence driven clustering of blood pressure profiles reveals frailty in orthostatic hypertension.

Gravity, an invisible but constant force , challenges the regulation of blood pressure when transitioning between postures. As physiological reserve diminishes with age, individuals grow more susceptible to such stressors over time, risking inadequate haemodynamic control observed in orthostatic hypotension. This prevalent condition is characterized by drops in blood pressure upon standing; however, the contrary phenomenon of blood pressure rises has recently piqued interest. Expanding on the currently undefined orthostatic hypertension, our study uses continuous non-invasive cardiovascular data to explore the full spectrum of blood pressure profiles and their associated frailty outcomes in community-dwelling older adults. Given the richness of non-invasive beat-to-beat data, artificial intelligence (AI) offers a solution to detect the subtle patterns within it. Applying machine learning to an existing dataset of community-based adults undergoing postural assessment, we identified three distinct clusters (iOHYPO, OHYPO and OHYPER) akin to initial and classic orthostatic hypotension and orthostatic hypertension, respectively. Notably, individuals in our OHYPER cluster exhibited indicators of frailty and sarcopenia, including slower gait speed and impaired balance. In contrast, the iOHYPO cluster, despite transient drops in blood pressure, reported fewer fallers and superior cognitive performance. Surprisingly, those with sustained blood pressure deficits outperformed those with sustained rises, showing greater independence and higher Fried frailty scores. Working towards more refined definitions, our research indicates that AI approaches can yield meaningful blood pressure morphologies from beat-to-beat data. Furthermore, our findings support orthostatic hypertension as a distinct clinical entity, with frailty implications suggesting that it is worthy of further investigation.

Case report: orthostatic hypotension as the first presentation of progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) with multiple autoimmune antibodies

IntroductionStiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare disease characterized by axial and lower-extremity muscle rigidity, muscle spasm, and pain. Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM) is a variant of SPS. This case is particularly notable for its uncommon initial symptom: orthostatic hypotension, coupled with the presence of multiple antibodies. Such a presentation is a rarity in the context of PERM, thus providing a fresh and unique angle for both diagnosis and treatment.Case presentationThis case presents a 71-year-old man who was ultimately diagnosed with progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM). His initial symptom was orthostatic hypotension, and we detected multiple antibodies such as GlyR antibody, GAD antibody, GM1-IgG and GQ1b-IgG in his serum. The patient showed partial response to glucocorticoid and immunoglobulin therapies, but as the disease recurred and progressed, plasma exchange, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide immunosuppressive therapy was administered, the prognosis remained poor. During follow-up after treatment, the patient developed pulmonary embolism and cardiac arrest, and died.ConclusionPERM exhibits diverse manifestation and pathogenic mechanisms. Immune heterogeneity affects clinical symptoms and prognosis. Cases of PERM combined with orthostatic hypotension and various antibodies have rarely been reported, the incidence and the specific mechanism is unknown, underscoring the need for further research. This case report underscores the importance of recognizing the diverse clinical presentations of PERM and the challenges in its diagnosis and management. It highlights autonomic dysfunction may be as the initial symptom of PERM. Moreover, it emphasizes the limitations of current treatment modalities and the necessity for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and optimize therapeutic approaches for this debilitating autoimmune condition.

Systemic Amyloid Light Chain Amyloidosis With Repeated Syncope Due to Severe Orthostatic Hypotension Caused by Autonomic Neuropathy: A Case Report

Systemic Amyloid Light Chain Amyloidosis With Repeated Syncope Due to Severe Orthostatic Hypotension Caused by Autonomic Neuropathy: A Case Report

Modern methods of diagnostics of syncopal conditions in servicemen

The review article is devoted to modern methods of diagnosing syncope, which is becoming more and more common among young people every year. This article discusses the causes and mechanisms of syncope, as well as methods of diagnosing and differentiating it. Particular attention is paid to syncope that occurs as a result of orthostatic hypotension. Unfortunately, syncope has long been ignored by both doctors and patients. It is not uncommon for patients to ignore isolated episodes of loss of consciousness, explaining them by lifestyle features. A long absence of any diagnosis, and, as a consequence, treatment leads to the progression of the underlying disease that provokes this syncope. But the problem of diagnosing syncope depends not only on patients, but also on doctors. Due to the lack of a clear algorithm that allows for accurate diagnosis of syncope and differentiation, doctors’ diagnostic capabilities are limited. However, this is not the only problem, since the lack of special equipment in most medical institutions also affects the quality of syncope diagnostics. Tilt test is currently the gold standard in syncope diagnostics according to the 2018 European Society of Cardiology recommendations. The equipment is expensive, and the diagnostic ability of this method does not provide the desired results for diagnosis verification. Today, the attitude to this problem is changing and in 2023, the development of a plan of clinical recommendations of the Russian Society of Cardiology began, where syncope is highlighted in a separate chapter. Accurate diagnostics of syncope is needed not only to determine the underlying disease. In the clinical practice of a doctor, there are often cases of simulation of syncope by young people of draft age for personal purposes. It is practically impossible to clinically confirm the presence of syncope in the past at the moment (especially if it was a single episode of loss of consciousness). The lack of a clear algorithm significantly complicates the verification of the diagnosis. The purpose of writing this article was to study the most effective diagnostic methods that allow you to most accurately determine the cause of syncope.

Evaluation of Clozapine-induced Toxicities in Psychic Patients in Mental Health Care Hospitals in the Southern Region of the Saudi Arabia Kingdom

Background: Clozapine is a psychiatric medication that may cause various side effects, some of them may be serious and fatal adverse effects, such as severe neutropenia, agranulocytosis, lymphocytopenia, myocarditis, and orthostatic hypotension, that have been associated to an increased risk of death. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the serious and potentially fatal adverse effects of clozapine toxicity in psychic patients at mental health care hospitals in the Southern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Methods: By using a survey, data were retrospectively collected from 193 adult psychic patient reports who have been administrated clozapine with regular follow-ups, in mental health hospitals in the Southern region of Saudi Arabia between 2019 and 2021. Then, these data are recorded and analyzed Statistically using SPSS software, with suitable tests, and predetermined statistical significance (p-value) of less than 0.001. Results: The occurrence of agranulocytosis, neutropenia, hypotension, and seizures showed a highly significant correlation with higher doses of clozapine administration (i.e. p &lt; 0.001). Similarly, agranulocytosis and neutropenia were significantly associated with the occurrence of both hypotension and seizures (i.e. p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The collected data in this study showed an increased incidence of agranulocytosis and neutropenia associated with clozapine-treated psychic patients in the Southern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which warrants further clinical studies to find this correlation.

The effect of abdominal functional electrical stimulation on blood pressure in people with high level spinal cord injury.

Single centre training study. To investigate, in a group of people with spinal cord injury (SCI), the effect of transcutaneous functional electrical stimulation of the abdominal muscles (abdominal FES) during cough training on blood pressure (BP), and how it is affected by injury characteristics and alters over time. Laboratory and community. Sixteen participants with SCI (C4-T5) underwent 25 of abdominal FES cough training (5 sets of 10 stimulated coughs) over 6 weeks as part of a previously published study on the effect of abdominal FES training on cough. Systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP) and calculated mean arterial pressure (MAP) were measured at the completion of each set. Abdominal FES coughing resulted in an average ~30% acute increase in BP from initial resting BP across all sessions in almost all participants (p < 0.001). However, the increase in BP during abdominal FES coughs from rest reduced over the 25 sessions of training by ~35% for SBP, MAP and DBP (p = 0.024, p = 0.013 and p = 0.042, respectively). There was no meaningful change in resting BP over time (p = 0.935, p = 0.705 and p = 0.988, respectively). Overall, increases in BP during abdominal FES coughs were greatest for those with chronic injuries and cervical injuries. Transcutaneous abdominal FES during cough training acutely increases BP. However, the magnitude of the increase is reduced after 25 sessions of training. Abdominal FES may offer a solution to combat orthostatic hypotension, but its effectiveness may diminish over time.

Cardiovascular Autonomic Dysfunction Before and After Chemotherapy in Cancer Patients.

Complications that occur during cancer therapy have emerged as a major contributor to the poor quality of life experienced by cancer patients as they live longer due to improved treatments. Many studies have investigated chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, but few have investigated the autonomic nervous system. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CAD) contributes to the distressing symptoms experienced by cancer patients, and it is also related to poor treatment outcomes. CAD has a multifactorial etiology in patients with cancer: it can be caused by the cancer itself, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, or other comorbidities. Its symptoms are nonspecific, and they include orthostatic hypotension, resting tachycardia, dizziness, chest tightness, and exertional dyspnea. It is important to suspect CAD and perform therapeutic interventions in a clinical context, because a patient who is more frail is less like to endure the treatment process. The quality of life of patients receiving active cancer treatments can be improved by evaluating the risk of CAD before and after chemotherapy, and combining both nonpharmacological and pharmacological management. Here we review the prevalence, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of CAD, which is the most common and a sometimes serious symptom in cancer patients.

Acute effects of bolus water intake on post-exercise orthostatic hypotension and cardiovascular hemodynamics.

Water intake is known to be effective in preventing orthostatic hypotension (OH). However, it is unknown whether water intake would be effective in acutely preventing exercise-induced OH. Fourteen adults (men/women: 7/7, age: 20 ± 8years) were recruited. Each subject underwent two protocols with and without 500ml water intake using a randomized crossover design (Water vs. Control). Participants underwent 30min of cycle ergometry at the 60-70% predicted VO2 max. OH and hemodynamics were assessed before and after exercise, and immediately (Water 1) and 20min (Water 2) after the water intake. OH was evaluated with a 1-min standing test as the criteria for systolic blood pressure (SBP) < 90mmHg. A cross-spectral analysis for RR and SBP variability was used to evaluate the cardiac autonomic activity and baroreflex sensitivity. In both protocols, the incidence of OH increased after the exercise. The incidence of OH was lower in Water than in Control at Water 1 (OR: 0.093, 95% CI: 0.015-0.591). Heart rate was lower and SBP was higher in Water than in Control at Water 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). High-frequency power of RR variability and transfer function gains in Water were normalized and higher than in Control at Water 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). The ratio of low- to high-frequency power of RR variability in Water was normalized and lower in Water than in Control at Water 1 (P < 0.05). Our findings indicate that water intake may prevent acute exercise-induced OH, accompanied by normalized cardiac autonomic activity and baroreflex sensitivity.

Orthostatic intolerance with tachycardia (postural tachycardia syndrome) and without (hypocapnic cerebral hypoperfusion) represent a spectrum of the same disorder.

Spectrum of chronic orthostatic intolerance without orthostatic hypotension includes postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), with orthostatic tachycardia and hypocapnic cerebral hypoperfusion (HYCH), without orthostatic tachycardia. This study compared autonomic, cerebrovascular, and neuropathic features of POTS and HYCH. This retrospective study evaluated patients with orthostatic intolerance referred for autonomic testing. Analyzed data included surveys (Survey of Autonomic Symptoms, Compass-31, Neuropathy Total Symptom Score-6, Central Sensitization Inventory) and autonomic tests (Valsalva maneuver, deep breathing, sudomotor and tilt tests), cerebrovascular (cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) monitoring in the middle cerebral artery), respiratory (capnography), neuropathic (skin biopsies for assessment of small fiber neuropathy) and invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET). A total of 127 HYCH, 125 POTS, and 42 healthy controls were analyzed. Compared HYCH to POTS patients, there was no difference in the duration of symptoms, the prevalence of younger women, comorbidities, sensory and autonomic complaints, central sensitization syndrome, supine/standing norepinephrine levels, inflammatory markers and medical therapy except for gastrointestinal medication. Autonomic testing showed widespread but similar abnormalities in POTS and HYCH that included: reduced orthostatic CBFv and end-tidal CO2, preload failure (assessed in 16/19 POTS/HYCH), mild autonomic failure, and frequent small fiber neuropathy. HYCH and POTS are syndromes of orthostatic intolerance with cerebral hypoperfusion associated with reduced orthostatic cerebral blood flow, hypocapnia, mild autonomic failure and small fiber neuropathy of a similar degree and distribution; except for tachycardia in POTS. Similarities in peripheral domain abnormalities that affect heart rate suggest that orthostatic tachycardia in POTS is driven by the central nervous system overcompensation of orthostatic challenge. These findings provide additional evidence that HYCH and POTS represent a spectrum of the same disorder. Reduced orthostatic cerebral blood flow is a key unifying feature of HYCH and POTS.

The Effect of a Biofeedback-Based Integrated Intervention for Older Adults with Orthostatic Hypotension: A Secondary Analysis on Psychological Health Outcomes in a Non-Randomized Pilot Trial.

Aging-related physical changes and dysfunctions in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) often lead to orthostatic hypotension (OH) in older adults. OH negatively impacts both the physical and psychological well-being of those affected. Previous studies have demonstrated that the biofeedback-based integrated program (BBIP), a multicomponent intervention focused on heart rate variability biofeedback, effectively improves OH, as well as symptoms related to ANS function. This substudy aims to examine the effects of the BBIP on psychological health outcomes among community-dwelling older adults with OH. This study employed a non-randomized controlled trial design with a convenience sampling strategy. A total of 51 older adults with OH were recruited from two senior welfare centers and randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 27) or the control group (n = 24). The intervention group participated in a 12-week BBIP, which included weekly biofeedback sessions and group education on lifestyle modification to alleviate OH. Telephone counseling was also provided to promote compliance. The intervention group showed significant improvements in health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, and fall efficacy after the 12-week BBIP, whereas the control group exhibited no significant changes. There was a significant reduction in the percentage of participants in the intervention group reporting problems in all five dimensions of the EQ-5D (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression). The BBIP was effective in improving the psychological health outcomes of older adults with OH. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of the BBIP using a larger sample size and a randomized controlled trial design.

Influence of orthostatic blood pressure changes on the effects of intensive blood pressure control in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Background Intensive blood pressure (BP) control has been proven to reduce the risks of major cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (1). Excessive orthostatic BP changes should be fully addressed, given its high prevalence and associations with adverse events among T2DM patients (2-5). However, the benefits of intensive BP control among T2DM patients with significant orthostatic BP changes have been equivocal. Purpose To examine whether orthostatic BP changes modify the efficacy of intensive BP control on CVD outcomes in patients with T2DM. Methods The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Blood Pressure trial (ACCORD BP) is a 2×2 factorial designed trial that aimed to evaluate the effects of intensive glycemia and BP control on major CVD events among T2DM patients (6). We enrolled participants with at least one record of orthostatic BP values for analysis. The composite CVD outcome in this study comprised cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and hospitalized congestive heart failure. Associations between orthostatic BP changes and the composite CVD outcome and all-cause death, respectively, were presented by restricted cubic spline curves based on multivariable Cox models. We examined if the effects of intensive BP control varied across the orthostatic BP change for the composite CVD outcome and all-cause death. Results Among 4330 participants, 877 (20.3%) experienced episodes of orthostatic hypotension (OH) at baseline or during follow-up. There was no significant difference in the proportions of OH participants between the intensive and standard BP arms. U-shaped associations were observed between orthostatic systolic BP changes and the composite CVD outcome, as well as all-cause mortality (Figure 1). In the standard glycemia arm, intensive BP control was significantly associated with a lower risk of composite CVD outcome (HR 0.76, 95%CI 0.59-0.97). There was a beneficial association of intensive BP control with all-cause mortality without statistical significance (HR 0.85, 95%CI 0.56-1.30). The favorable effect of intensive BP control was not influenced by orthostatic BP changes (P for interaction 0.51 for the composite CVD outcome and 0.97 for all-cause mortality) (Figure 2). Beneficial effects of intensive BP control were not observed for participants in the intensive glycemia arm on the composite CVD outcome (HR 0.99, 95%CI 0.76-1.28) and all-cause mortality (HR 1.19, 0.79-1.80). Conclusion Orthostatic BP changes should not be a barrier to intensive BP control for T2DM patients treated with guideline-recommended standard glycemia control.

Association between autonomic dysfunction, 12-year mortality and 10-year incident cardiovascular disease

Abstract Background Standing from a supine position requires a co-ordinated response in peripheral and central haemodynamic signals to protect the brain and body from sudden drops in blood pressure (BP) and has previously been shown to be an important measure of neuro-cardiovascular health (1-3). Previous studies have found an association between BP and heart rate recovery (HRR) to standing with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease and other health outcomes (4-8). However, almost all of these studies have exclusively investigated the association of consensus-defined HR/BP phenotypes measured at specific timepoints during standing. Purpose We hypothesised that assessing information from the entire haemodynamic response to orthostasis - instead of discrete timepoints or consensus definitions - may uncover novel associations between BP/HR responses to active stand and neuro-cardiovascular health in older adults. This may afford better physiological understanding of the longitudinal relationships between the response to standing and both Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and mortality. Methods We used functional Principal Components Analysis (FPCA) to examine the determinants of variability in the complete haemodynamic response to active stand and examine which components were related to mortality and incident CVD in &amp;gt;4500 community-dwelling adults aged 50+. Results Figure 1 shows the mean response curve according to mortality status and Figure 2 the mean curve for participants free of CVD at baseline who later have CVD vs those who remain CVD-free during 10 year follow-up. All-cause mortality was associated with functional principal components which discriminate higher baseline HR, blunted HR peak and impaired HRR up to ~25 seconds after standing. Components that discriminated high baseline and impaired recovery of SBP from the post-stand nadir to 60 seconds post stand were also associated with all-cause mortality. This association remained even after covariate adjustment. Interestingly, neither baseline SBP nor orthostatic hypotension (OH) were associated with mortality. Components which discriminate high baseline and blunted HR peak; elevated stroke volume index and impaired recovery of DBP from ~25 seconds post stand were associated with 10-year incident CVD. Conclusions To our knowledge this is the first study to incorporate data driven information over the entire trace of the haemodynamic response to standing to investigate associations with incident CVD and mortality. The fact that components which discriminated high BP and impaired recovery of BP were associated with 12-year mortality and 10-year incident CVD when traditional summary measures of OH and baseline BP were not; suggests that incorporating information across the entire response to standing allows for richer and more flexible associations with health outcomes to be uncovered and allows for a better understanding of the underlying physiology leading to such associations.Figure 1:Mean trace of Mortality StatusFigure 2:Mean Trace of CVD Status

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BODY MASS INDEX AND ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION AMONG ADULTS

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a condition characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, potentially leading to dizziness and falls. Body Mass Index (BMI) has been identified as a potential risk factor for OH, yet the relationship remains underexplored, particularly in specific populations. Objective: This study investigates the association between BMI and the prevalence of OH among adults in Ndola City, Copperbelt Province, Zambia, while also examining the influence of gender on this relationship. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving adults aged 16 to 60 years, selected through simple random sampling from local health centers. Data on BMI, blood pressure measurements, and demographic information were collected. Chi-square tests were employed to assess associations between BMI and OH, as well as between gender and OH. Results: The analysis revealed a statistically significant association between BMI and the occurrence of OH (Pearson Chi-Square: 63.8815, p &amp;lt; 0.001). In contrast, no significant association was found between gender and OH (Pearson Chi-Square: 1.8646, p = 0.172). These findings suggest that variations in BMI are related to the prevalence of OH among adults in Ndola City, while gender differences appear to have minimal impact. Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of monitoring BMI as a potential risk factor for orthostatic hypotension in adults. While gender does not significantly influence the occurrence of OH, further research is warranted to explore additional contributing factors and develop targeted interventions for the local population. These insights can inform public health strategies aimed at managing OH related to BMI.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0798/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

AGEING, ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION, AND MENTAL HEALTH: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN NDOLA CITY OF ZAMBIA

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; This study examines the relationship between ageing, standing blood pressure, and mental health in 770 adults from Ndola City, Zambia, focusing on orthostatic hypotension (OH). OH, characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, is particularly prevalent among older adults and is associated with mental health disorders such as depression and stress. &lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Using a cross-sectional design, participants were categorized by age, and standard blood pressure measurements were taken to assess OH. Mental health was evaluated using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS21) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ12). Statistical analyses, including Pearson chi-square tests, were employed to explore associations between age groups, the prevalence of OH, and mental health conditions. &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Results indicated no significant association between age and the occurrence of OH (Pearson chi2(4) = 7.5702, Pr = 0.109). However, a significant relationship was found between age and depression (Pearson chi2(8) = 23.4265, Pr = 0.003), suggesting that older age correlates with higher depression levels. In contrast, anxiety did not show a significant association with age (Pearson chi2(4) = 4.5814, Pr = 0.333). Stress levels were significantly associated with age (Pearson chi2(8) = 37.1247, Pr = 0.000), as were distress levels (Pearson chi2(4) = 9.9089, Pr = 0.042). Conclusion: While age does not significantly impact the occurrence of OH, it is correlated with increased levels of depression and stress among older adults, highlighting the need for mental health interventions in this population.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0794/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Neurotoxicity associated with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy: a real-world study leveraging the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System

ABSTRACT Background CAR-T-associated neurotoxicity is extremely frequent with highly variable clinical presentation. Research design and methods Disproportionality analysis was conducted leveraging the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), covering the period from 1 January 2017, through 31 March 2023. The reporting odds ratio (ROR) and the information component (IC) were utilized to assess the adverse signals in total/individual CAR-T product. The lower limit of the ROR and IC 95% confidence interval (ROR025 and IC025) both exceeding threshold value (1 and 0, respectively) was considered a significant signal. Results Of the 60, 730 records associated with CAR-T, 11, 037 (18.17%) pertained to neurological events. Tisagenlecleucel exhibited the highest percentage of death (38.02%) and life‐threatening (12.90%) outcomes. Notably, it also displayed the broadest distribution of neurotoxicity. Additionally, distinct adverse signals unique to individual CAR-T products were identified. For instance, paraparesis, cerebral hemorrhage, impaired pupillary reflex, Guillain-Barre syndrome, brain death following tisagenlecleucel; dysarthria, orthostatic hypotension, and spinal cord edema after axicabtagene; parkinsonism, Bell’s palsy, and cranial nerve paralysis post ciltacabtagene. Conclusions Axicabtagene ciloleucel, tisagenlecleucel, brexucabtagene autoleucel, lisocabtagene maraleucel, idecabtagene vicleucel, and ciltacabtagene autoleucel exhibited increased odds of neurotoxicity, with some discrepancies in their characteristics, profiles, and severity.

Effect of Silodosin on bladder outlet during antegrade cystourethrogram in patients with pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect

Background: Pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect is a traumatic injury to the male urethra that affects the region between the bulbar urethra and the prostatic apex. Pelvic fracture causes urethral injury in about 10% of patients. Combined retrograde urethrogram and antegrade cystourethrogram is used to define the length of the urethral injury before planning the definitive surgery. But during antegrade cystourethrogram bladder outlet sometimes fails to open due to faulty technique, prolong suprapubic catheterization and increase sympathetic drive, leading to erroneous estimation of the length of urethral injury. To overcome this problem Silodosin used in this study, which is a highly uroselective and rapid-acting α-adrenoreceptor antagonist in comparison to other α-adrenoreceptor antagonists available in the market. The uroselectivity of Silodosin helps in maximizing the effect by opening the bladder outlet and limiting the adverse effect on the cardiovascular system.The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of Silodosin in opening bladder outlet in patients with pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect on antegrade cystourethrogram. Methods: This is a Quasi-experimental study that was conducted in the Department of Urology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. In this study, 35 Patients with pelvic fracture urethral distraction defect with suprapubic catheter in situ who failed to open the bladder outlet on initial antegrade cystourethrogram were included. Urine culture and sensitivity report is confirmed negative. All participants were received a single dose of Silodosin capsule 3 hours before the antegrade cystourethrogram. Retrograde urethrogram was performed. After 3 hours bladder was filled with diluted contrast through the indwelling suprapubic catheter under sterile conditions according to bladder capacity. When the participants were felt the normal desire to void, bladder filling was stopped and voiding command was given and x-ray films were taken. Then the x-ray films were reviewed and findings were noted about the opening of the bladder outlet and visualization of the posterior urethra. Any complications during the procedure were observed and noted. After confirming hemodynamic stability, patients were advised to go home and continue the prescribed antibiotic for 5 days. Results: Thirty-five men were evaluated during this study period. The mean ages of the patients were 39.9±10.4 years. All patients had a suprapubic catheter in situ and the mean duration of the suprapubic catheter was 3.8 ± 1.5 months. On average 363±87.3 ml of diluted contrast were introduced to initiate voiding reflex. Thirty-two patients out of the 35 patients (91.4%) were able to achieve the satisfactory opening of the bladder outlet (95% confidence interval 82.11- 100%), while 3 patients (8.6%) failed to open the bladder outlet. No patient developed postural hypotension after single dose of Silodosin. Two patients were reported post procedure (combined retrograde urethrogram and antegrade cystourethrogram) fever, which needed another 5 days antibiotic treatment. Conclusion: Single dose of Silodosin before antegrade cystourethrogram conferred a statistically significant increase in opening the bladder outlet inpelvic fracture urethral distraction defectpatients. Bangladesh Crit Care J September 2024; 12 (2): 138-144