Orthostatic Hypotension: QTc Interval Prolongation during Head-Up Tilt

Background: The QT interval shortens in response to sympathetic stimulation. Head-up tilt-table (HUT) testing is a straightforward way to achieve brisk sympathetic stimulation. There is not enough information about the response of the QT interval to HUT, particularly, in patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH). Objective: Analyse the response of the RR, QT and QTc intervals in patients with OH and reflex syncope (NM) during HUT and find differences between groups. Methods: We reviewed the electrocardiograms and compare the RR and QT/QTc intervals during 1) baseline;2) HUT plus hyperventilation;3) positive test. Results: We studied 137 patients, 62 control group (no syncope and negative HUT). On average, the RR HUT interval was shorter than the resting RR by −171 ± 110.4 ms in controls;−228.6 ± 119.4 ms (NM) and −194 ± (OH) (P Conclusion: Significant differences between the reflex group and the OH during a positive test, the QTc decreased in the NM group, but in the OH population increased. This observation has not been described. We hypothesize that QTc prolongation could reflect autonomic nervous system downregulation and could explain to a degree, the increased mortality in this group.

Effect Study of the Recombinant Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Heart Failure Combined with Hypotension

Objective: This paper aims to investigate the effect of applying recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with heart failure combined with hypotension. Recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide is a synthetic polypeptide drug that is primarily used to treat acute heart failure. Its mechanism of action closely mimics that of human endogenous brain natriuretic peptide. By binding to receptors on cardiomyocytes, it exerts its pharmacological effects. Methods: For the study, 76 heart failure patients with hypotension were selected from our hospital between May 2022 and June 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a control group and an observation group, each comprising 38 patients. The control group received dopamine treatment, while the observation group was treated with recombinant brain natriuretic peptide. The objective was to compare the effects of the treatments in both groups by analyzing cardiac function indices and levels of vasoactive substances to identify any significant differences in outcomes. Results: The overall response rate of the patients in the observation group and the control group was 94.74% and 73.68%, significantly higher as compared with the observation group (P 0.05). After the following treatment, BNP, ANNP and urine output in the observation group were significantly different compared with the control group, of the statistical significance (P Conclusion: For the treatment of heart failure patients with hypotension, the clinical application of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide is the most ideal, and significantly improves the cardiac function of patients, which is worth popularizing.

Risk factors associated with intraoperative persistent hypotension in pancreaticoduodenectomy

BACKGROUND Intraoperative persistent hypotension(IPH)during pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)is linked to adverse postoperative outcomes,yet its risk factors remain unclear.AIM To clarify the risk factors associated with IPH during PD,ensuring patient safety in the perioperative period.METHODS A retrospective analysis of patient records from January 2018 to December 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University identified factors associated with IPH in PD.These factors included age,gender,body mass index,American Society of Anesthesiologists classification,comorbidities,medication history,operation duration,fluid balance,blood loss,urine output,and blood gas parameters.IPH was defined as sustained mean arterial pressure<65 mmHg,requiring prolonged deoxyepinephrine infusion for>30 min despite additional deoxyepinephrine and fluid treatments.RESULTS Among 1596 PD patients,661(41.42%)experienced IPH.Multivariate logistic regression identified key risk factors:increased age[odds ratio(OR):1.20 per decade,95%confidence interval(CI):1.08-1.33](P<0.001),longer surgery duration(OR:1.15 per additional hour,95%CI:1.05-1.26)(P<0.01),and greater blood loss(OR:1.18 per 250-mL increment,95%CI:1.06-1.32)(P<0.01).A novel finding was the association of arterial blood Ca^(2+)<1.05 mmol/L with IPH(OR:2.03,95%CI:1.65-2.50)(P<0.001).CONCLUSION IPH during PD is independently associated with older age,prolonged surgery,increased blood loss,and lower plasma Ca^(2+).

A Case Report of Recurrent Guillain-Barré Syndrome with Orthostatic Hypotension Syncope as the First Symptom

Guillain⁃Barré syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy with acute or subacute onset of flaccid paralysis of the limbs with symmetrical hypesthesia and autonomic nerve involvement [1]. The clinical manifestations of autonomic nerve damage are complex and varied, which may involve extensive or limited autonomic function damage, including abnormalities of the skin, pupil, urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, body temperature, lacrimal and salivary glands, and sexual function, etc. [2], and some patients may even have autonomic nerve damage as the only symptom, which is a variant of GBS and is prone to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis. Recurrence of GBS is rare, and the manifestations of recurrence are often similar to those of the first symptoms [3], but the patient admitted to our hospital had syncope as the main clinical manifestation of recurrence, which was completely different from that of the first incidence, and syncope is not a common and typical clinical manifestation of GBS, so misdiagnosis is highly likely.

Efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan after six months in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and asymptomatic hypotension

BACKGROUND It is not clear whether sacubitril/valsartan is beneficial for patients with heart failure(HF)with reduced ejec-tion fraction(HFrEF)and low systolic blood pressure(SBP).This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and tolerability of sacu-bitril/valsartan in HFrEF patients with SBP<100 mmHg.METHODS&RESULTS An observational study was conducted on 117 patients,40.2%of whom had SBP<100 mmHg wit-hout symptomatic hypotension,and 59.8%of whom had SBP≥100 mmHg in an optimized HF follow-up management system.At the 6-month follow-up,52.4%of patients with SBP<100 mmHg and 70.0%of those with SBP≥100 mmHg successfully rea-ched the target dosages of sacubitril/valsartan.A reduction in the concentration of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide was similar between patients with SBP<100 mmHg and SBP≥100 mmHg(1627.5 pg/mL and 1340.1 pg/mL,respectively;P=0.75).The effect of sacubitril/valsartan on left ventricular ejection fraction was observed in both SBP categories,with a 10.8%increase in patients with SBP<100 mmHg(P<0.001)and a 14.0%increase in patients with SBP≥100 mmHg(P<0.001).The effects of sac-ubitril/valsartan on SBP were statistically significant and inverse across both SBP categories(P=0.001),with an increase of 7.5 mmHg in patients with SBP<100 mmHg and a decrease of 11.5 mmHg in patients with SBP≥100 mmHg.No statistically signi-ficant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of the occurrence of symptomatic hypotension,deteriorating re-nal function,hyperkalemia,angioedema,or stroke.CONCLUSIONS Within an optimized HF follow-up management system,sacubitril/valsartan exhibited excellent tolerability and prompted left ventricular reverse remodeling in patients with HFrEF who presented asymptomatic hypotension.

Prevalence and Contributing Factors of Orthostatic Hypotension in the Cardiology Department of the CHU Ignace Deen in Conakry

Introduction: Orthostatic Hypotension (OH) is a frequent situation during consultation in hypertensive patients. The prevalence in the general population increases with age and it is recommended to systematically search for it in patients with multiple comorbidities. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of orthostatic hypotension;describe their socio- demographic profile, the various clinical and paraclinical aspects and the predisposing factors of orthostatic hypotension in treated hypertensives, controlled or not. Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, from January 2 to June 30, 2022 in the cardiology department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital. Included in this study were all patients who presented with orthostatic hypotension under antihypertensive treatment, regardless of age and sex, and who agreed to participate in the study. The non-inclusion criteria were hypertensive patients without OH and those who had not agreed to participate in the study. Each patient had blood pressure and heart rate measured in the supine position at room temperature and with an empty bladder. Then the measurement is taken again three (3) minutes after the switch to orthostatism. We retained the diagnosis of OH if the SBP drops by at least 20 mmHg and/or the PAD by at least 10 mmHg three (3) min after the transition to orthostatism. Our data obtained were analyzed in the Epi-info 7.4.0 software. Results: During our study period, we investigated 385 presented with OH, 12.2%. The mean age of the patients was 60.83 years ± 10.01 years and hypertensive patients, 47 of whom the M/F sex ratio was 0.81. In our study, blood pressure was not controlled in 36.2% of our patients with a predominance of grade 3 hypertension, a rate of 55.32%. Renal failure, anemia, heart failure and stroke were the main comorbidities associated with the occurrence of HO. The most incriminated factors were age with a frequency of 74.47%, followed by obesity at 44.68% and diabetes at 27.66%. BP was normally controlled with a rate of 68.8% in treated hypertensive patients with OH. It is found much more in patients using triple therapy, a rate of 61.71%. Conclusion: The prevalence of OH is high in our department. It is found much more in patients using triple therapy. The most incriminated factors were age followed by obesity and diabetes.

Rare cause of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis:Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome:A case report

BACKGROUND Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome is a relatively uncommon neurological disorder of unknown etiology with a good prognosis.Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis is a specific type of cerebrovascular disease caused by multiple etiologies of cerebral venous sinus or vein thrombosis that obstructs cerebral venous return and is associated with impaired cerebrospinal fluid absorption;this entity is rarely seen clinically.Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome is one of the causes of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis,and the probability of their combined occurrence is only 1%-2%.As such,it is easily overlooked clinically,thus increasing the difficulty of diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY A 29-year-old young woman presented with postural headache.Lumbar puncture suggested a pressure of 50 mmH2O(normal 80 mmH2O-180 mmH2O),and magnetic resonance imaging cerebral venography suggested thrombosis of the supratentorial sinus.These findings were considered indicative of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis due to spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome after ruling out immunological causes,tumor,infection,abnormal coagulation mechanism,and hypercoagulable state,etc.She was treated with rehydration and low-molecular heparin anticoagulation for 15 d,and follow-up magnetic resonance imaging cerebral venography suggested resolution of the thrombus.The patient had complete improvement of her headache symptoms.CONCLUSION Spontaneous intracranial hypotension syndrome is one of the rare causes of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis,which is frequently misdiagnosed or missed and deserves consideration by clinicians during differential diagnosis.Dehydration should be avoided in such patients,and early rehydration and anticoagulation therapy are effective treatment options.

Incidence,characteristics and risk factors for alveolar recruitment maneuver-related hypotension in patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection

BACKGROUND Alveolar recruitment maneuvers(ARMs)may lead to transient hypotension,but the clinical characteristics of this induced hypotension are poorly understood.We investigated the characteristics of ARM-related hypotension in patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection.AIM To investigate the characteristics of ARM-related hypotension in patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection.METHODS This was a secondary analysis of the PROtective Ventilation using Open Lung approach Or Not trial and included 140 subjects.An ARM was repeated every 30 min during intraoperative mechanical ventilation.The primary endpoint was ARM-related hypotension,defined as a mean arterial pressure(MAP)<60 mmHg during an ARM or within 5 min after an ARM.The risk factors for hypotension were identified.The peri-ARM changes in blood pressure were analyzed for the first three ARMs(ARM_(1,2,3))and the last ARM(ARMl_(ast)).RESULTS Thirty-four subjects(24.3%)developed ARM-related hypotension.Of all 1027 ARMs,37(3.61%)induced hypotension.More ARMs under nonpneumoperitoneum(33/349,9.46%)than under pneumoperitoneum conditions(4/678,0.59%)induced hypotension(P<0.01).The incidence of hypotension was higher at ARM_(1)points than at non-ARM_(1)points(18/135,13.3%vs 19/892,2.1%;P<0.01).The median percentage decrease in the MAP at ARM1 was 14%.Age≥74 years,blood loss≥150 mL and peak inspiratory pressure under pneumoperitoneum<24 cm H_(2)O were risk factors for ARM-related hypotension.CONCLUSION When the ARM was repeated intraoperatively,a quarter of subjects developed ARM-related hypotension,but only 3.61%of ARMs induced hypotension.ARM-related hypotension most occurred in a hemodynamically unstable state or a hypovolemic state,and in elderly subjects.Fortunately,ARMs that were performed under pneumoperitoneum conditions had less impact on blood pressure.

Persistent postoperative hypotension caused by subclinical empty sella syndrome after a simple surgery:A case report

BACKGROUND Empty sella is an anatomical and radiological finding of the herniation of the subarachnoid space into the pituitary fossa leading to a flattened pituitary gland.Patients with empty sella may present with various symptoms,including headache due to intracranial hypertension and endocrine symptoms related to the specific pituitary hormones affected.Here,we report a female patient who developed persistent postoperative hypotension caused by subclinical empty sella syndrome after a simple surgery.CASE SUMMARY A 47-year-old woman underwent vocal cord polypectomy under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation.She denied any medical history,and her vital signs were normal before the surgery.Anesthesia and surgery were uneventful.However,she developed dizziness,headache and persistent hypotension in the ward.Thus,intravenous dopamine was started to maintain normal blood pressure,which improved her symptoms.However,she remained dependent on dopamine for over 24 h without any obvious anesthesia-and surgery-related complications.An endocrine etiology was then suspected,and further examination showed a high prolactin level,a low normal adrenocorticotropic hormone level and a low cortisol level.Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed an empty sella.Therefore,she was diagnosed with empty sella syndrome and secondary adrenal insufficiency.Her symptoms disappeared one week later after daily glucocorticoid supplement.CONCLUSION Endocrine etiologies such as pituitary and adrenal-related dysfunction should be considered in patients showing persistent postoperative hypotension when anesthesia-and surgery-related factors are excluded.

Prediction of Hypotension During Neuraxial Anesthesia in Patients with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension Through Subclavian Vein Collapsibility Index

Objective:To explore and evaluate the predictive value of subclavian vein collapsibility index(SCV-CI)on hypotension during neuraxial anesthesia in patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH).Methods:Pregnant women with PIH who underwent elective cesarean section in our hospital from January to July 2021 were selected as the research subjects.Patients who experienced hypotension during anesthesia were included into the hypotension group,whereas patients who had a normal blood pressure during anesthesia were included in the normotensive group.The SCV-CI was then calculated for three respiratory cycles,the average value was taken as the base value,and the patient was monitored for another 20 minutes.The blood pressure,heart rate,blood oxygen saturation,and SCV-CI of the patients were measured,and the incidence of maternal nausea and vomiting and cord blood gas were recorded.Then,a correlation analysis was conducted on the relationship between subclavian vein collapsibility index and hypotension.A receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to seek the threshold value of subclavian vein collapsibility index for post-anesthesia hypotension.Results:There was no significant difference in systolic blood pressure(SBP),diastolic blood pressure(DBP),and heart rate(HR)between the two groups before anesthesia(P>0.05).After anesthesia,the above indexes(SBP,103.25±12.48 mmHg;DBP,58.94±7.46 mmHg;and HR,52.96±6.48 beats/min)were significantly lower than those of the normal blood pressure group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).In comparison,the SCV-CI in the hypotension group was 35.82±4.93%greater than that in the normal blood pressure group(23.85±5.27%),and the incidence of nausea and vomiting in the hypotension group(40.0%)was significantly higher than that in the normotensive group(10.53%),and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The area under the curve of SCV-CI prediction against hypotension in patients with PIH under neuraxial anesthesia was 0.825(95%CI:0.762-0.893,P<0.001),the cut-off value was 25.68%,the predictive sensitivity was 92.68%,and the specificity was 81.24%.Conclusion:SCV-CI has a good predictive value for the occurrence of hypotension in patients with PIH during neuraxial anesthesia.

Effects of infusion of different fluids during controlled hypotension on gastric intramucosal pH and postoperative gastroenterological function

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of infusion of different fluids combined with control-led hypotension on gastric intramucosal pH （pHi） and postoperative gastrointestinal function in patients undergo-ing hepatocarcinoma surgery. Forty-five patients （ASAⅡ） scheduled for surgical resection of hepatocarcinoma undergoing controlled hypotension were randomly assigned to three groups and received infusion of 20 mL/kg Ringer’s solution （R group）, 6% HAES（H group） or 6% Voluven group （W group）. Intragastric PgCO2, pHi, he-matocrit and hemoglobin were measured. The significant decrease of pHi and increase of PgCO2 were produced at 1 and 2 h after controlled hypotension in the R group （P 0.05 or P 0.01）. The time of bowel movement af-ter operation was shorter in the W group than the R group. Meanwhile, we also did not find obvious difference in blood gas indexes among the three groups. The infusion of HAES and Voluven during controlled hypotension could improve gastrointestinal perfusion and accelerate the recovery of postoperative gastrointestinal function.

What is the relationship between frailty and orthostatic hypotension in older adults?

Background Frailty and orthostatic hypotension (OH),which is common in older adults,is associated with morbidity and mortality.The relationship between them remains unclear.The aim of the study is to determine whether there is a relationship between frailty and OH.Methods A total of 496 patients who were admitted to the geriatric clinic and underwent comprehensive geriatric assessment were retrospectively reviewed.In a cross-sectional and observational study,OH was measured by the Head-up Tilt Table test at 1,3,and 5 min (respectively,OH1,OH3,and OH5) and the frailty was measured by the Fried’s frailty scale.Results The mean age of all patients was 75.4 ± 7.38.The prevalence of females was 69.8%.When the frail people were compared with the pre-frail and the robust ones,the frailty was associated with OH1.There was no relationship between the groups in terms of OH1 when the pre-frail group was compared with the robust group.OH3 were higher in the frail group than in the pre-frail group (P < 0.05) and the OH5 were higher in the frail group than in the pre-frail and robust group (P < 0.05),but OH3 and OH5 were not associated with frailty status when they were adjusted for age (P > 0.05).Slowness and weakness were associated with OH1 (P < 0.05),whereas the other components of the Fried’s test were not.Conclusions Frailty may be a risk factor for OH1.The 1^st min measurements of OH should be routinely evaluated in frail older adults to prevent OH-related poor outcomes.

Prevalence of and risk factors for postprandial hypotension in older Chinese men

Objective To assess the prevalence of and risk factors for postprandial hypotension （PPH） among old and very old Chinese men. Methods The study included 349 Chinese men aged 65 and older, grouped into two age categories： group 1 （old） included 163 men aged 65 to 80 years; group 2 （very old） included 186 men aged over 80 years. Blood pressure changes after meals were assessed every 15 min by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Symptoms after meal ingestion and after standing up and changes in the baseline condition relative to blood pressure changes were observed continuously. Additional baseline data included body mass index, medical history, and medication use Results The prevalence of PPH was 59.3% overall and was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 （63.4% vs. 54.6%, P 〈 0.05）. In group 2, the prevalence of PPH after breakfast （33.8%） and lunch （32.1%） were higher than that after supper （20.9%）, P 〈 0.05. Hypertension and age were significant risk factors for PPH （OR = 2.188, 95% CI： 1.134-4.223, P = 0.02; OR = 1.86, 95% CI： 1.112-3.11, P = 0.018, respectively）. In contrast, acarbose use was protective against PPH （OR = 0.4, 95% CI： 0.189-0.847, P = 0.017）. The decrease in blood pres- sure during PPH was 20-40 mmHg and the maximum was 90 mmHg. PPH usually occurred at 30-60 min after a meal and lasted 30-120 rnin. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that the prevalence of PPH in men aged over 80 years is significantly higher than those in men aged 65 to 80 years, and the blood pressure decline is also higher for men aged over 80 years. In addition, hypertension and age were main risk factors for PPH in the older men, which suggest that preventing and treating PPH is worthwhile.

Rare empty sella syndrome found after postoperative hypotension and respiratory failure:A case report

BACKGROUND Empty sella syndrome is a condition in which the pituitary gland shrinks or flattens. Patients with empty sella syndrome often present with headache,hypertension, obesity, visual disturbances, cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) rhinorrhoea,or endocrine dysfunction. Herein, we report a rare case of empty sella syndrome discovered after the patient experienced postoperative hypotension and respiratory failure.CASE SUMMARY A 60-year-old man was admitted for further workup of left shoulder pain. He was assessed by the orthopaedics team and booked for internal fixation of the left clavicle. General anaesthesia with a nerve block was administered. His blood pressure continued to decrease post-operation. Endocrine tests were performed,with the results supporting a diagnosis of hypopituitarism with hypocortisolism and hypothyroidism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the sella was enlarged and filled with CSF, confirming a diagnosis of empty sella syndrome. The patient was started on endocrine replacement therapy. The patient regained consciousness and spontaneous breath finally.CONCLUSION This case highlights the importance of considering pituitary hormone insufficiency in the context of respiratory and hemodynamic failure during the perioperative period.

Differential effects of controlled hypotension on gastric intramucosal pH and post-operational gastrointestinal functional under two different anesthesia methods

Objective： To observe the effects of controlled hypotension on gastric intrarnucosal pH and post-operational gastrointestinal functions using two specific anesthesia methods. Methods： Thirty patients（ASA II ）scheduled for ectomy of hepatocarcinoma, were randomly assigned to two groups： epidural block combined with intravenous anesthesia group（E group） and inhalation anesthesia group（G group）. Gastric PgCO2 and phi were monitored at different time points, before theintravenous induction of controlled hypotension, after 1 h and 2 h, and 1 h after the termination of controlled hypotension. In the meanwhile, the artery blood gas was analyzed. Results： There was no significant difference in blood gas indexes between E group and G group. However, phi decreased significantly after I h and 2 h of controlled hypotension（P 〈 0.05）, and during the same periods PgCO2 increased significantly（P 〈 0.05 or P 〈 0.01）, the time of bowel movement and defecating deferred significantly shorter in G group patients, when compared with E group patients. Conclusion： Epidural block in combination with general anesthesia can improve gastrointestinal blood flow during controlled hypotension and facilitates post-operational recovery of gastrointestinal functions.

Recurrent hypotension induced by sacubitril/valsartan in cardiomyopathy secondary to Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A case report

BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy(DMD),which is caused by a mutation/deletion in the dystrophin gene on the X-chromosome,is the most common type of neuromuscular disorder in pediatrics.Skeletal muscle weakness progressively develops in DMD patients and usually leads to respiratory failure in the early adolescent years.Cardiac muscle is frequently affected in DMD patients,which leads to a high burden of cardiomyopathy and heart failure.In the era of improved respiratory care,cardiac deaths are becoming the major cause of mortality in DMD patients.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented to the hospital due to recurrent orthopnea for 6 mo and palpitations for 4 mo.He was diagnosed with progressive muscular dystrophy at the age of 3 years and was confined to a wheelchair at 12 years.He was prescribed diuretics and digoxin at the outpatient clinic;however,his symptoms did not resolve.Sacubitril/valsartan was added 1 mo prior to presentation,but he experienced recurrent episodes of palpitations.The electrocardiogram showed atrial tachycardia with a heart rate of 201 bpm,and he was then hospitalized.Hypotension was found following the administration of sacubitril/valsartan tablets;he could not tolerate even a small dose,always developing tachyarrhythmia.His symptoms were relieved after discontinuing sacubitril/valsartan,and his heart rate was controlled by a small dose of metoprolol tartrate and digoxin.Atrial tachycardia spontaneously converted in this patient,and his symptoms attenuated in the following 6 mo,without palpitation episodes.CONCLUSION Blood pressure should be closely monitored in DMD patients with advanced heart failure when taking sacubitril/valsartan.

Should dopamine be the first line inotrope in the treatment of neonatal hypotension? Review of the evidence

AIM: To determine if dopamine is effective in treating neonatal hypotension and safe to use comparing to other inotropes. METHODS: This is a review of evidence on inotropic treatment of neonatal hypotension. Databases searched were MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library, a total of 134 studies were identified. Only studies with high quality evidence(level 1a and b and 2a) were included. After review, only eight studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled risk ratios derived for each outcome [Mantel-Haenzel(M-H) fixed effect] with CI, as reported in the Cochrane reviews were plotted in forest plot form. RESULTS: Eight articles met inclusion criteria, which all included treatment in preterm infants. Dopamine increased mean arterial blood pressure(BP)(n = 163; r = 0.88, 95%CI: 0.76 to 0.94) and systolic BP(n = 142; r = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.42 to 0.94) comparing to placebo. Dopamine has been shown overall to be statistically more effective in increasing BP than dobutamine(n = 251, r = 0.26, 95%CI: 0.20-0.32). However there were no differences in short term outcomes(periventricular leucomalacia, periventricular haemorrhage) and mortality between both drugs. There is no statistical evidence of dopamine being more effective than adrenaline or corticosteroids. There was no difference in morbidity and mortality outcomes when dopamine was compared to hydrocortisone(RR 1.81, 95%CI: 0.18 to 18.39) or adrenaline. CONCLUSION: In preterms, dopamine is the most studied drug, and we suggest it could be used as first line treatment in hypotension.

Clinical correlates of hypotension in patients with acute organophosphorus poisoning

BACKGROUND:The aim of the present study is to describe the clinical correlates of hypotension and its associated outcomes in patients with acute organophosphorus poisoning(AOPP).METHODS:In this retrospective cohort study,we analyzed data pertaining to 871 patients with AOPP who were treated at two hospitals.Data from hypotensive and non-hypotensive patients were compared to identify clinical correlates of hypotension.We also evaluated the association between clinical parameters(including hypotension)and in-hospital mortality.RESULTS:The incidence of hypotension in AOPP patients was 16.4%.Hypotensive patients showed signifi cantly higher in-hospital mortality(1.1%vs.39.9%,P<0.001).Advanced age(odds ratio[OR]1.25,95%confi dence interval[CI]1.08–1.44),history of diabetes(OR 2.65,95%CI 1.14–5.96),and increased white blood cell count(OR 1.06,95%CI 1.03–1.09),plasma cholinesterase(OR 0.91,95%CI 0.84–0.94),plasma albumin(OR 0.88,95%CI 0.85–0.92),serum amylase(OR 1.01,95%CI 1.01–1.02),and blood pH(OR 0.64,95%CI 0.54–0.75)were signifi cantly associated with hypotension.After adjusting for potential confounders,hypotension was associated with increased in-hospital mortality(hazard ratio 8.77–37.06,depending on the controlled variables).CONCLUSIONS:Hypotension is a common complication of AOPP and is associated with increased in-hospital mortality.Advanced age,history of diabetes,and changes in laboratory parameters were associated with hypotension in AOPP patients.

Effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section on post-spinal hypotension and neonatal hemodynamic parameters: nonrandomized controlled clinical trial

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effect of lower leg compression during cesarean section (CS) on post-spinal hypotension (PSH) and neonatal hemodynamic parameters.Methods: This study is a nonrandomized controlled clinical trial conducted in the cesarean delivery unit of the National Medical institute,Damanhour,Egypt.The sample included 120 parturients (60 intervention and 60 control).The researchers developed three tools for data collection: sociodemographic data and reproductive history interview schedule,electronic monitoring of maternal hemodynamic parameters,and neonatal hemodynamic assessment sheet.All parturients received ordinary preoperative care.For the intervention group,a long elastic stocking (ordinary pressure 20-30 mmHg,1 mmHg =0.133 kPa) was applied on both legs during cesarean section.The control group received the same care without the elastic stocking.Results: Systolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,and mean arterial blood pressure were significantly higher in the intervention group throughout the entire operation period except in the last 5 -15 min.Heart rate was significantly lower in the intervention group.Only 13.3% of the intervention group took ephedrine compared with 45% of the control group.Apgar score was higher among neonates of intervention group compared with the control group at 1 min.Neonatal acidosis was significantly higher in the control group than in the contral group.Conclusion: Lower leg compression technique can effectively reduce PSH and neonatal acidosis.

Intracranial hypotension syndrome in a patient due to suboccipital craniectomy secondary to Chiari type malformation

Intracranial hypotension syndrome(IHS) is a rare disorder characterized by a decrease in cerebrospinal fluid pressure to less than 60 mm H2 O. The syndrome is associated with occipital headache radiating to the frontal and temporal zones. The current clinical case describes the manifestation of IHS in a twenty-five year old female with a history of suboccipital craniectomy due to Chiari I malformation nine years earlier. The patient was admitted to the hospital complaining about postural, mainly occipital, headache during the last three months, aggravated by being in an upright position. The magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) revealed engorgement of the dural venous sinuses, significant enlargement of the pituitary gland and download displacement or sagging of the brain with effacement of the perichiasmatic cisterns and the prepontine cistern, while the spinal T2 W MRI revealed a 7 mm × 2.5 mm dural defect with an extradural cerebrospinal fluid collection at the dorsal soft tissues of the cervical spine. The previous imaging did not reveal subdural effusions.