Symptoms Of Orthostatic Intolerance Research Articles

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is a disabling autonomic disorder characterised by tachycardia on standing with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. It may present with syncope. The syndrome affects female: male patients in a ratio of 4:1 and is more commonly present in younger patients aged 15–45 years. The term ‘PoTS’ was first coined in 1993 and used to describe a syndrome that may be idiopathic, triggered by viruses, or associated with neurodivergent and hypermobility conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest and research on the topic, as PoTS features are not uncommon in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Head-Up Tilt Sleeping to Treat Orthostatic Intolerance in a Patient with Advanced Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report

Introduction: Orthostatic hypotension is common in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) due to autonomic dysfunction and medication use and can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Pharmacological treatment is often complicated due to complex blood pressure regulation problems. This case report presents a patient whose symptoms of orthostatic intolerance were successfully treated with the non-pharmacological method of head-up tilt sleeping (HUTS). Case Presentation: A 69-year-old man with PD and prominent autonomic failure received recommendation from the neurologist to use HUTS to battle orthostatic intolerance, of which complaints were worst in the early morning. The patient noted a marked improvement of the orthostatic intolerance after a period in which he slowly step-by-step inclined the bed to an angle just over 10°. When ceasing HUTS for a brief period, complaints of orthostatic intolerance immediately returned and the patient returned to tilted sleeping right away. After a follow-up of 3 months, the patient did not report orthostatic intolerance during a standing test. Conclusion: This case illuminates that, despite difficulties intrinsic to this method, whole-body HUTS can ameliorate orthostatic intolerance and improve the daily life of people with advanced movement disorders.

Abstract P176: Elevated Circulating T Cell-Monocyte Complexes in Long COVID-19 Tachycardia Syndrome: Implications of Immune Dysregulation, Inflammation, and Disease Progression

Background: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a common complication in Long-COVID. Long-COVID POTS (LCP) is characterized by abnormal orthostatic tachycardia, symptoms of orthostatic intolerance, and persistent inflammation. Hypothesis: Novel parameters of immune activation exist in and likely contribute to the pathogenesis of LCP. Methods: We enrolled 15 LCP patients and 5 subjects who recovered from COVID-19 infection without lingering effects as controls. Hemodynamic parameters were measured at baseline and during a 10-minute 75° head-up tilt. Flow cytometry was used to detect circulating T cells, monocyte subsets, and their cytokines. Immune synapse formation between T cells and monocytes was detected using Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) between T cell receptors (TCR) and human leukocyte antigens (HLAs). Intracellular staining was used to detect the cytokines IL-17A, IFN-γ and IL-6. Results: Subjects with LCP exhibited a greater increase in heart rate (HR) during 10-min upright tilt compared with controls (50.23± 4.6 vs. 20.33 ± 3.17 bpm, p<0.01, Figure). Circulating monocyte/T cell complexes were increased in LCP vs controls and these exhibited high TCR/HLA FRET ( p<0.005 ), suggesting immune synapse formation. Importantly, complexed T cells demonstrated higher levels of IL-17A and IFN-γ, compared to non-complexed T cells and a profound increase in intracellular IL-6 compared to non-complexed monocytes ( p<0.005 ). Notably, the percent of IFN-γ + and IL-17A + T cells in the monocyte/T cell complexes of LCP subjects positively correlated with their increase in HR (ΔHR) in 10 min active standing test (Figure). Conclusion: Circulating T cell-monocyte complexes are markedly increased in humans with LPC, and exhibit evidence of functional and dynamic cellular interactions. We propose that these contribute to persistent inflammation and the pathogenesis of autonomic dysfunction in these subjects.

Data-independent LC-MS/MS analysis of ME/CFS plasma reveals a dysregulated coagulation system, endothelial dysfunction, downregulation of complement machinery

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a debilitating chronic condition that is characterized by unresolved fatigue, post-exertion symptom exacerbation (PESE), cognitive dysfunction, orthostatic intolerance, and other symptoms. ME/CFS lacks established clinical biomarkers and requires further elucidation of disease mechanisms. A growing number of studies demonstrate signs of hematological and cardiovascular pathology in ME/CFS cohorts, including hyperactivated platelets, endothelial dysfunction, vascular dysregulation, and anomalous clotting processes. To build on these findings, and to identify potential biomarkers that can be related to pathophysiology, we measured differences in protein expression in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) samples from 15 ME/CFS study participants and 10 controls not previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, using DIA LC-MS/MS. We identified 24 proteins that are significantly increased in the ME/CFS group compared to the controls, and 21 proteins that are significantly downregulated. Proteins related to clotting processes – thrombospondin-1 (important in platelet activation), platelet factor 4, and protein S – were differentially expressed in the ME/CFS group, suggestive of a dysregulated coagulation system and abnormal endothelial function. Complement machinery was also significantly downregulated, including C9 which forms part of the membrane attack complex. Additionally, we identified a significant upregulation of lactotransferrin, protein S100-A9, and an immunoglobulin variant. The findings from this experiment further implicate the coagulation and immune system in ME/CFS, and bring to attention the pathology of or imposed on the endothelium. This study highlights potential systems and proteins that require further research with regards to their contribution to the pathogenesis of ME/CFS, symptom manifestation, and biomarker potential, and also gives insight into the hematological and cardiovascular risk for ME/CFS individuals affected by diabetes mellitus.Graphical abstract

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome in Children: A Single-Center Experience.

Data on median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) in children are scant. It is postulated that MALS can cause chronic abdominal pain. It is unclear what percentage of children with this condition are symptomatic and what comorbidities are associated with this syndrome. In this retrospective study, data on consecutive patients in a single center diagnosed coincidentally with MALS during routine echocardiogram were reviewed. Symptom burden, comorbidities, and the effect of anthropometric indices on MALS were investigated. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests were used to describe the findings and to compare variables with normal distribution. Between 2013 and 2020, there were 82 children, 55 females (67%), mean age 13.9 ± 3.2 years, with MALS and complete record. Mean velocity across the stenotic area was 2.6 ± 0.4 m/s. Forty-six patients (57%) had abdominal pain. Age, gender, weight, body mass index (BMI), and Doppler velocity had no statistically significant influence on symptom occurrence. Conversely, patients with joint hypermobility and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance were more likely to have abdominal pain from MALS. Of 24 patients with joint hypermobility, 18 patients had abdominal pain (p=0.027). Thirty-eight patients with orthostatic intolerance (OI) with MALS complained of abdominal pain vs 13 patients with OI and no abdominal pain (p=<0.0001). Nearly half of patients with MALS had abdominal pain. Age, gender, weight, and the degree of stenosis had no statistically significant influence on symptom occurrence. OI, specifically postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and joint hypermobility on exam predicted a higher propensity for abdominal pain in patients with MALS.

Analysis of orthostatic intolerance symptoms in patients with premature ejaculation.

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays an important role in maintaining physiological regulation. It regulates the body's response to many variable situations. Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is one of the most important signs of autonomic dysfunction. Autonomic dysfunction is known to cause premature ejaculation (PE) by disturbing the balance in erection and ejaculation cycles. Considering that OI may develop due to autonomic dysfunction in patients with PE, we hypothesized that OI symptoms would increase in these patients. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between orthostatic intolerance and PE. This case-control study included a total of 39 patients with PE and 47 volunteers without PE. All subjects were assessed using the self-reported Orthostatic Grading Scale (OGS). In addition, the validated five-item Turkish version of the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) was used to evaluate PE. The PE group included patients with a PEDT score ≥ 11. The mean ages of the PE and control groups were 38.2 ± 7.8 and 40.5 ± 9.1 years, respectively (p = 0.137). The mean PEDT scores of the PE and control groups were 13.9 ± 3.6 and 6.6 ± 2.9, respectively (p < 0.0001), and their mean OGS scores were 5.6 ± 2.4 and 1.6 ± 1.3, respectively (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant correlation was found between the PEDT and OGS scores (r: 0.686, p < 0.0001). The orthostatic intolerance symptoms of patients with PE were higher than those of the control group. There was a correlation between the severity of PE and the severity of orthostatic intolerance. This is the first study in the literature to reveal a relationship between orthostatic intolerance and PE.

Blood Pressure Response and Symptoms During Active Standing Test Among Hospitalized and Outpatients With Heart Failure: Results From the GRAVITY-HF Prospective Observational Cohort Study

We conducted a multicenter, prospective, observational study to describe the incidence of orthostatic hypotension (OH) and orthostatic hypertension (OHtn) and its association with symptoms at standing and outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). 321 active standing tests were performed in 87 inpatients during admission, and 316 tests were performed in 208 outpatients during follow-up. Blood pressure (BP) was measured by an automatic device 4 times in the supine position and at 1, 3 and 5 minutes of standing. Patients were queried about symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. The incidence of OH and OHtn was similar in both groups at baseline (classical OH 11%-22%, OHtn 3%-8%, depending on definition and timing). Reproducibility of BP changes with standing was low. Up to 50% of cases with abnormal responses were asymptomatic. Symptoms were variable and occurred mainly during the first minute of standing and had a U-shaped association with BP changes. OH in outpatients with HF was associated with a higher risks of death or readmission due to HF. Patients with HF have variable hemodynamic responses and symptoms during repeated active standing tests. OH might identify outpatients with HF who are at risk of long-term negative outcomes.

Overview of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) for General Cardiologists

Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a chronic autonomic disorder characterized by excessive heart rate elevation upon standing or head-up tilt, in the absence of orthostatic hypotension. This debilitating condition affects primarily young to middle-aged individuals, particularly women, and substantially influences quality of life. The main presenting symptoms are lightheadedness, palpitations, exercise intolerance, and cognitive impairment. POTS is of particular importance to cardiologists, given its prominent cardiovascular symptoms. The diagnostic criteria for POTS include a sustained heart rate increase of more than 30 beats per minute upon standing or head-up tilt; symptoms of orthostatic intolerance lasting at least 3 months; and exclusion of other causes. The exact etiology of POTS is unknown, but multiple possible etiologies leading to a similar clinical phenotype have been proposed. Early intervention and appropriate management can improve symptoms. Treatment strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, and tailored conditioning programs. Non-pharmacologic options are the first line treatment. Prognosis varies widely: POTS can be a temporary condition for some individuals but a chronic and debilitating condition for others. Further research is necessary to elucidate the pathophysiology and optimize treatment strategies for this condition.

Frequency and severity of autonomic dysfunction assessed by objective hemodynamic responses and patient-reported symptoms in individuals with myasthenia gravis.

Myasthenia gravis (MG), a rare autoimmune disorder, poses diagnostic and management challenges, with increasing incidence in Europe and significant impact on patient quality of life. Despite prevalent autonomic symptoms, comprehensive assessments integrating subjective and objective measures are lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and severity of autonomic dysfunction in patients with MG and healthy controls (HCs). We used beat-to-beat hemodynamic responses during standardized autonomic function tests (AFTs) and the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire. Study participants including, 53 patients with MG and 30 age- and sex matched HCs underwent standardized cardiovascular AFTs and completed the COMPASS-31 questionnaire. Patients were categorized into Non-CAN and CAN groups based on their Cardiovascular Autonomic Neuropathy (CAN) status, as evaluated using the Composite Autonomic Scoring Scale (CASS). During the AFTs, cardiovascular parameters including heart rate, systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean BP, stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), and total peripheral resistance (TPR) were measured. Twenty patients with MG (38%) exhibited mild CAN (CASS ≥2) with a median total CASS score of 1.00 and CASS 0.00 in HCs. Adrenergic impairment was observed in 27 patients (52%), with 13 patients (24.5%) exhibiting longer pressure recovery time after Valsalva maneuver (VM). Cardiovagal impairment was evident in 71% of patients, with abnormal results observed in 39.6% for the deep breathing test and 56.6% for the VM. CAN MG showed worse scores than HCs for the total COMPASS-31 (p < 0.001), orthostatic (OI) (p < 0.001), secretomotor (p = 0.004), and pupillomotor domains (p = 0.004). Total COMPASS-31 and OI scores were correlated with worse disease outcomes (disease duration, severity), hemodynamic parameter changes (SV, CO, TPR) during phase II late of VM, and with changes (Δtilt-supine) in Δsystolic BP, Δdiastolic BP, Δmean BP, ΔTPR during head-up-tilt test, but not with CASS score. Our findings demonstrate mild cardiovascular autonomic impairment in adrenergic and cardiovagal domains in patients with MG. Additionally, patient-reported autonomic symptoms correlated with hemodynamic changes during AFTs and worse disease outcomes and not with the grade of autonomic abnormalities. Incorporating beat-to-beat hemodynamics during AFTs may offer further insights for characterizing orthostatic intolerance symptoms in MG group.

Improvement in chronic pelvic pain, orthostatic intolerance and interstitial cystitis symptoms after treatment of pelvic vein insufficiency.

Comorbidities associated with venous origin chronic pelvic pain (VO-CPP) were evaluated pre and post venous treatment to assess change. 45 women with VO-CPP were treated with venous stenting and/or embolization. Four surveys assessed symptoms pre- and post-treatment: IPPS (chronic pelvic pain), PUF (interstitial cystitis), OHQ (dysautonomia), and modified ROME III (IBS). Prevalence of joint hypermobility was investigated. Ages were 18-65. Pretreatment, 64% and 49% of women were in the severe range for PUF and OHQ, respectively. 40% and 56% met criteria for IBS and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome/Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (EDS/HSD), respectively. 17eceived an iliac stent, 5 pelvic embolization, and 23 both. Post-treatment, average scores improved: IPPS (by 55%), PUF (34%), and OHQ (49%). Rome III improved only slightly. Pelvic pain, interstitial cystitis, and dysautonomia were frequently found with VO-CPP and improved after venous treatment. EDS/HSD and IBS were common in these women.

Case report: Recurrent cervical spinal stenosis masquerading as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome with orthostatic intolerance

IntroductionMyalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex, chronic, multi-system disorder that is characterized by a substantial impairment in the activities that were well tolerated before the illness. In an earlier report, we had described three adult women who met criteria for ME/CFS and orthostatic intolerance, and had congenital or acquired cervical spinal stenosis. All three experienced substantial global improvements in their ME/CFS and orthostatic intolerance symptoms after recognition and surgical treatment of the cervical stenosis. After a several year period of improvement, one of the individuals in that series experienced a return of ME/CFS and orthostatic intolerance symptoms.Main symptoms and clinical findingsRadiologic investigation confirmed a recurrence of the ventral compression of the spinal cord due to a shift of the disc replacement implant at the involved cervical spinal level.Therapeutic interventionDecompression of the spinal cord with removal of the implant and fusion at the original C5-C6 level was once again followed by a similar degree of improvement in function as had been observed after the first operation.ConclusionThis recapitulation of the outcomes after surgical management of cervical stenosis provides further evidence in support of the hypothesis that cervical spinal stenosis can exacerbate pre-existing or cause new orthostatic intolerance and ME/CFS. Especially for those with refractory symptoms and neurological signs, surgical interventions may offer relief for selected patients with this complex condition.

Abstract 18128: How Long Should We Tilt?: Challenging the 10-Minute Cutoff in the Diagnosis of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Background: Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is defined by symptoms of orthostatic intolerance (OI) that correlate with an orthostatic tachycardia response. Current diagnostic criteria require a sustained increase in HR by ≥30 bpm [accentuated postural tachycardia (APT)], without a concurrent BP drop, within 10 minutes of standing or head-up tilt testing (HUTT). In many centers, the HUTT duration is predetermined to be 10 mins. However, many patients may exhibit APT after this cutoff. Research Question: How many patients with symptoms consistent with POTS demonstrate APT during HUTT after the 10-min cutoff, and what factors influence onset time? Methods: Using a cohort of 255 patients with OI, we characterized the temporal distribution of APT onset time during 45-minute HUTT at our referral center. We used multivariate linear regression to identify predictors influencing onset time, and plotted Kaplan-Meier failure function stratified by predictors. Results: The cohort's mean age was 33 years, 91% were female, 16% were obese, 13% had hypertension, 1.6% had diabetes, and 26% were smokers. Mean APT onset time was 17.5 mins (SD 10), and median onset time was 13 mins (IQR 11-22). About 15% had APT onset within 10 min, 60% in 15 mins, 75% in 20 mins, 90% in 30 mins, and 95% in 40 mins. Increasing age and BMI were associated with later APT onset time, whereas sex, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking were not influential Conclusion: The 10-min cutoff captured only 15% of patients with APT; extending the cutoff just 5 minutes longer captured an additional 60% patients. Our findings suggest that the current 10-min cutoff for POTS diagnosis is likely too restrictive, as a significant proportion of patients exhibit APT after this period but otherwise fit the clinical scenario of POTS. Increasing age particularly ≥40 yrs, and obesity were associated with a later APT response. Future definitions should consider extending the testing duration and cutoff time in the evaluation of POTS.

Dysautonomia, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome as Migraine Comorbidities.

Dysautonomia refers to the dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system and encompasses a wide variety of autonomic symptoms and disorders. The most common autonomic disorders are postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), neurocardiogenic syncope (NCS), and orthostatic hypotension (OH), which may be encountered in clinical practice as part of a triad of dysautonomia, hypermobility spectrum disorders (HSD), and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Migraine is one of the most common comorbidities of POTS, HSD, and MCAS; conversely, these conditions are also prevalent in patients with migraine, especially in those with multiple systemic symptoms, such as chronic dizziness, lightheadedness, orthostatic intolerance, joint pain, and allergic symptoms. Diagnostic criteria, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and therapeutic considerations in patients with migraine and comorbid dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS are reviewed. Numerous studies indicate a significant overlap and shared pathophysiology in migraine, dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS. In clinical setting, dysautonomia, HSD, and MCAS may present a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in patients with migraine and require a high index of suspicion on the part of the neurologist. Diagnosis and treatment of these complex disorders in patients with migraine is essential to comprehensive patient-centric care, reduced symptom burden, and improved functional impairment secondary to both migraine and comorbidities.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis-Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Common Data Element item content analysis.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a multisystem chronic disease estimated to affect 836,000-2.5 million individuals in the United States. Persons with ME/CFS have a substantial reduction in their ability to engage in pre-illness levels of activity. Multiple symptoms include profound fatigue, post-exertional malaise, unrefreshing sleep, cognitive impairment, orthostatic intolerance, pain, and other symptoms persisting for more than 6 months. Diagnosis is challenging due to fluctuating and complex symptoms. ME/CFS Common Data Elements (CDEs) were identified in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) Common Data Element Repository. This study reviewed ME/CFS CDEs item content. Inclusion criteria for CDEs (measures recommended for ME/CFS) analysis: 1) assesses symptoms; 2) developed for adults; 3) appropriate for patient reported outcome measure (PROM); 4) does not use visual or pictographic responses. Team members independently reviewed CDEs item content using the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework to link meaningful concepts. 119 ME/CFS CDEs (measures) were reviewed and 38 met inclusion criteria, yielding 944 items linked to 1503 ICF meaningful concepts. Most concepts linked to ICF Body Functions component (b-codes; n = 1107, 73.65%) as follows: Fatiguability (n = 220, 14.64%), Energy Level (n = 166, 11.04%), Sleep Functions (n = 137, 9.12%), Emotional Functions (n = 131, 8.72%) and Pain (n = 120, 7.98%). Activities and Participation concepts (d codes) accounted for a smaller percentage of codes (n = 385, 25.62%). Most d codes were linked to the Mobility category (n = 69, 4.59%) and few items linked to Environmental Factors (e codes; n = 11, 0.73%). Relatively few items assess the impact of ME/CFS symptoms on Activities and Participation. Findings support development of ME/CFS-specific PROMs, including items that assess activity limitations and participation restrictions. Development of psychometrically-sound, symptom-based item banks administered as computerized adaptive tests can provide robust assessments to assist primary care providers in the diagnosis and care of patients with ME/CFS.

Neurocognitive Profiles in Adolescents With Postural Tachycardia Syndrome and Perceived Brain Fog: A Preliminary Report

BackgroundPostural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is associated with complaints of cognitive and emotional difficulties that may contribute to severe functional disability. For high-achieving adolescents, these symptoms can result in decreased participation in school and extracurricular activities. There are very limited data comparing subjective symptom reports to neurocognitive profiles in adolescents presenting with POTS, “brain fog,” and cognitive difficulties. MethodsA review of medical records and neuropsychological data was conducted for six adolescents diagnosed with POTS at a pediatric neurology clinic. All patients had frequent symptoms of orthostatic intolerance for more than three months. There was heart rate increase of ≥40 beats per minute (bpm) within 10 minutes of active standing or head-up tilt test in five patients and 36 bpm in one patient, who was diagnosed with probable POTS. All were referred for neuropsychological evaluations due to reported debilitating cognitive problems and an inability to function in a regular academic setting. Patients underwent a six-hour neuropsychological evaluation utilizing standardized measures of cognitive and emotional functioning. Clinically reported symptoms included fatigue, poor concentration, and memory impairment as well as “brain fog.” ResultsSubjective complaints differed from patients’ performance on standardized neuropsychological measures. Patients performed in the average to superior range across measures of general intelligence, verbal and working memory, processing speed, and sustained attention. ConclusionsFurther research is needed to elucidate the basis for perceived “brain fog” and cognitive impairment in POTS, such as better understanding of patient and parental perceptions of initial medical symptoms and diagnosis as well as symptom amplification due to biopsychosocial processes.

Poor health-related quality of life in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in comparison with a sex- and age-matched normative population

PurposeThe effect of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) on health-related quality of life (HrQoL) remains poorly studied. Here, we sought to compare the HrQoL in individuals with POTS to a normative age-/sex-matched population.MethodsParticipants enrolled in the Australian POTS registry between 5 August 2021 and 30 June 2022 were compared with propensity-matched local normative population data from the South Australian Health Omnibus Survey. The EQ-5D-5L instrument was used to assess HrQoL across the five domains (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression) with global health rating assessed with a visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). A population-based scoring algorithm was applied to the EQ-5D-5L data to calculate utility scores. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were undertaken to explore predictors of low utility scores.ResultsA total of 404 participants (n = 202 POTS; n = 202 normative population; median age 28 years, 90.6% females) were included. Compared with the normative population, the POTS cohort demonstrated significantly higher burden of impairment across all EQ-5D-5L domains (all P < 0.001), lower median EQ-VAS (p < 0.001), and lower utility scores (p < .001). The lower EQ-VAS and utility scores in the POTS cohort were universal in all age groups. Severity of orthostatic intolerance symptoms, female sex, fatigue scores, and comorbid diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome were independent predictors of reduced HrQoL in POTS. The disutility in those with POTS was lower than many chronic health conditions.ConclusionsThis is the first study to demonstrate significant impairment across all subdomains of EQ-5D-5L HrQoL in the POTS cohort as compared with a normative population.Trial registrationACTRN12621001034820

ME/CFS and Long COVID share similar symptoms and biological abnormalities: road map to the literature.

Some patients remain unwell for months after "recovering" from acute COVID-19. They develop persistent fatigue, cognitive problems, headaches, disrupted sleep, myalgias and arthralgias, post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance and other symptoms that greatly interfere with their ability to function and that can leave some people housebound and disabled. The illness (Long COVID) is similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as well as to persisting illnesses that can follow a wide variety of other infectious agents and following major traumatic injury. Together, these illnesses are projected to cost the U.S. trillions of dollars. In this review, we first compare the symptoms of ME/CFS and Long COVID, noting the considerable similarities and the few differences. We then compare in extensive detail the underlying pathophysiology of these two conditions, focusing on abnormalities of the central and autonomic nervous system, lungs, heart, vasculature, immune system, gut microbiome, energy metabolism and redox balance. This comparison highlights how strong the evidence is for each abnormality, in each illness, and helps to set priorities for future investigation. The review provides a current road map to the extensive literature on the underlying biology of both illnesses.

Diagnostic value of 24-h ECG recording in Long COVID patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (CVAD) is a major complication for a large proportion of Long COVID (LC) patients. The main phenotype of CVAD is postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), commonly observed as a sequalae of COVID infection, thus defining a subset of LC patients. POTS is a cardiovascular autonomic disorder characterized by an excessive heart rate (HR) increase and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance when assuming upright posture, occurring predominantly in young and middle-aged women. Since the start of COVID-19 pandemic it has been observed that up to 30% of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome develop POTS with such symptoms as tachycardia, orthostatic intolerance, fatigue, and cognitive impairment. The heterogeneity of POTS symptoms makes the diagnosis and appropriate management of POTS more difficult and one of the first steps for clinicians is to develop and test relevant diagnostic methods for POTS. Methods Patients with persistent symptoms, 3 months after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection were referred to the multi-disciplinary LC unit at a hospital in Sweden. Consecutive patients seen at this unit from 2021 to 2022 underwent a 24-h ECG recording. LC patients with POTS verified by active standing test and/or head-up tilt testing were prospectively enrolled in the study database and were compared with LC patients without POTS according to 3 specific analyses based on 24-h ECG recording : (1) cardiac autonomic activity expressed by heart rate variability, HRV (SDNN and RMSSD in ms) parameters, (2) awakening HR increase (HR mean 10 min before vs. 30 min after awakening) and (3) HR spikes (number/h if at least over than 30 bpm and at least during 30 s). Control group consisted of healthy subjects from 24-h ECG recordings database (HRV analysis) of a hospital in France. Data were expressed as mean (± standard deviation, SD) and frequencies (%). Results A total of 120 LC patients (mean age: 42.7 +/-9.97 y, 88% women) and 100 healthy subjects (mean age: 46.4 +/-10.2 y, 82% women) were included. LC with POTS (42%) was associated with (1) a decrease in most HRV parameters (mean SDNN: 86.8 +/-24.3 vs. 108.7 +/-24.1 ms, p=0.03), and the most reduced components were those related to the parasympathetic tone (mean RMSSD: 34,5 +/-20.4 vs. 45.6 +/-22.1 ms, p=0.04), (2) an abrupt and sustained increase in HR during the first 30 min after awakening (+30%, p&amp;lt;0.05) and (3) a higher number of HR spikes per h (1.4 +/-0.8 vs. 0.8 +/-0.7/h, p&amp;lt;0.001) compared with healthy subjects (HRV) and LC patients without POTS (awakenings and HR peaks) respectively. Conclusion A triple analysis of 24-h ECG recordings revealed presence of autonomic dysfunction in LC patients with POTS compared with those without POTS. This novel analysis may be introduced in the clinic for screening and therapy monitoring.

Prevalence and associated factors of postoperative orthostatic intolerance at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia, 2022: cross sectional study

BackgroundPostoperative orthostatic intolerance is an inability to maintain an upright position because of symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion. It is a common problem in the early postoperative period and hinders early mobilization, however, there is limited information about factors associated with it. Thus, the main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and identify factors associated with postoperative orthostatic intolerance.MethodHospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from April 08 to July 20, 2022, at University of Gondar comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A semi-structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic variables and perioperative factors related to anesthesia and surgery was used for data collection. The presence of postoperative orthostatic intolerance during the first ambulation was evaluated with a standardized symptom checklist which contains symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with postoperative orthostatic intolerance. In multivariable regression, variables with P-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultA total of 420 patients were included in this study with a response rate of 99.06%. Postoperative orthostatic intolerance was experienced in 254 (60.5%) participants. Being female (AOR = 2.27; 95% CI = 1.06–4.86), low BMI (AOR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.71–0.95), ASA II and above (AOR = 3.34; 95% CI = 1.34–8.28), low diastolic blood pressure (AOR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.88–0.99), general anesthesia (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI = 1.31–8.12), high intraoperative blood lose (AOR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.88–0.99), high postoperative fluid intake (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.23–3.55), pain before ambulation (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.28–3.11) and pain during ambulation (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.23–2.69) were the significant factors associated with orthostatic intolerance.ConclusionOur study revealed that postoperative orthostatic intolerance was experienced in nearly two-thirds of participants. During the time of ambulation, assessing patients for the presence of orthostatic intolerance is necessary to reduce the adverse effects of postoperative OI. In addition, maintaining preoperative normotension, reducing intraoperative blood loss and optimizing postoperative pain control is recommended to reduce the risk of postoperative orthostatic intolerance.

PO-05-234 AUTONOMIC DYSFUNCTION AFTER COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION - CASE REPORT

The infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 continues affecting millions of people worldwide and vaccines to prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are considered the most promising approach for curbing the pandemic. Otherwise, cardiovascular and neurological complications associated with the vaccines were speculated and some few case reports were published. We describe a case of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) after viral vector COVID-19 vaccination and the possible autoimmune process of the syndrome. A 35-year-old female, without previous symptoms or comorbidities, developed intermittent palpitation, intense fatigue and dyspnea, compromising her daily activities, triggered by upright position, seven days following the second dose of the Oxford vaccine. Physical examination was normal, except for a heart rate (HR) increase of 33 beats/min from supine to standing position, with no significant change in blood pressure and reproduction of symptoms. A 24-hour Holter monitoring revealed episodes of spontaneous sinus tachycardia correlated with palpitation and fatigue. Extensive diagnostic investigations excluded primary cardiac, endocrine, infectious and rheumatologic etiologies. The patient underwent an autonomic function test which demonstrated normal baroreflex sensitivity, as well as normal cardiovagal and adrenergic scores. Head-up tilt test showed persistent orthostatic tachycardia (HR increase from a medium of 84 beats/min in supine position to 126 beats/min during upright tilt), without hypotension, consistent with the diagnostic criteria for POTS. According to the current guidelines, general behavior recommendations, pharmacotherapy with low dose of propranolol associated with the autonomic rehabilitation were oriented. Along three months of follow-up, the patient reported a gradually improvement in her symptoms. POTS is a heterogeneous disorder of the autonomic nervous system characterized by orthostatic tachycardia associated with symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. Although the physiopathology of COVID-19 vaccine and autonomic disorders remains speculative, autoimmune response is one of the possible mechanisms. Based on clinic presentation, the time frame of symptom onset is consistent with other well-known post-vaccination syndromes, which may be an indicator of an autoimmune process induced by immunization. Further studies are needed to assess causal relationship between immunization and autonomic dysfunction.