Prevalence of joint hypermobility, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and orthostatic hypotension in school-children. / Prevalencia de la hipermovilidad articular, el síndrome de taquicardia postural (POTS) y la hipotensión ortostática en escolares.

INTRODUCTION: Children with joint hypermobility, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and orthostatic hypotension report autonomic symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and palpitations. It is unclear if there is a pathophysiological link between connective tissue disorders and autonomic symptoms. There is no published data on the prevalence of disorder at the community level. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of joint hypermobility, orthostatic hypotension, and postural or thostatic tachycardia syndrome in children. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship bet ween joint hypermobility, orthostatic hypotension, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Participants aged 10 to 18 years were selected from public schools in three Colombian cities. The surveys included historical questions on the incidence of dizziness, nausea, headache, tremor, blurred vision, vertigo, anxiety, near syncope and syncope, sweating, palpitations triggered by standing in the two months prior to the investigation. Each of these signs and symptoms was also assessed during the recumbency (10 minutes) and standing (2, 5 and 10 minutes) phases of the investigation. HR and BP measurements were obtained at the same intervals. Joint mobility was measured with a mechanical goniometer and assessed with the Beighton score. RESULTS: Prevalence of joint hyperlaxity: 87 of 306 (28.4%). Prevalence of orthostatic hypotension: 5 of 306 (1.6%). Prevalen ce of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: 6 of 306 (2.0%). Of 87 children with joint hyperlaxi ty, only 1 child had joint hyperlaxity at the same time as postural hypotension (1.2%) (p = 0.6735), and 1 child had joint hyperlaxity and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome simultaneously (1.2%) (p = 0.5188). CONCLUSION: Children with joint hyperlaxity did not have a higher prevalence of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic hypotension. It seems unlikely that con nective tissue disorders are responsible for most cases of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic hypotension in the community. Of note, the pathophysiology of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic hypotension requires further investigation.

Orthostatic changes in blood pressure and survival in elderly cardiopaths.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the association between orthostatic changes in blood pressure and mortality in elderly cardiopath patients. METHODS: A cohort of 455 elderly cardiopath patients, monitored at a referral outpatient cardiology clinic in Pernambuco, Brazil, from October 2015 to July 2018. The exposure groups were formed according to their orthostatic changes in blood pressure following the requirements of the Brazilian Guidelines for Hypertension. RESULTS: Orthostatic hypotension was present in 46 patients (10.1%), 91 had orthostatic hypertension (20%), and 318 had no orthostatic alterations (69.9%). There were 52 deaths during follow-up. The results demonstrated that there was no statistically significant association between orthostatic hypotension and overall mortality (HR 1.30; 95%CI 0.53-3.14; p=0.567) nor between orthostatic hypertension and overall mortality (HR 0.95; 95%CI 0.65-1.39; p=0.34). Survival in relation to the exposure groups presented no statistically significant difference (p=0.504). CONCLUSION: There was a low frequency of orthostatic hypotension and a mild high frequency of orthostatic hypertension when compared with previous studies, and no association was observed with overall mortality or with the survival time of elderly patients with heart disease.

Orthostatic changes in blood pressure and survival in elderly cardiopaths

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze the association between orthostatic changes in blood pressure and mortality in elderly cardiopath patients. METHODS: A cohort of 455 elderly cardiopath patients, monitored at a referral outpatient cardiology clinic in Pernambuco, Brazil, from October 2015 to July 2018. The exposure groups were formed according to their orthostatic changes in blood pressure following the requirements of the Brazilian Guidelines for Hypertension. RESULTS: Orthostatic hypotension was present in 46 patients (10.1%), 91 had orthostatic hypertension (20%), and 318 had no orthostatic alterations (69.9%). There were 52 deaths during follow-up. The results demonstrated that there was no statistically significant association between orthostatic hypotension and overall mortality (HR 1.30; 95%CI 0.53-3.14; p=0.567) nor between orthostatic hypertension and overall mortality (HR 0.95; 95%CI 0.65-1.39; p=0.34). Survival in relation to the exposure groups presented no statistically significant difference (p=0.504). CONCLUSION: There was a low frequency of orthostatic hypotension and a mild high frequency of orthostatic hypertension when compared with previous studies, and no association was observed with overall mortality or with the survival time of elderly patients with heart disease.

[Factors associated with orthostatic hypotension in adults: the ELSA-Brasil study]. / Fatores associados à hipotensão ortostática em adultos: estudo ELSA-Brasil.

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with orthostatic hypotension in 14,833 individuals 35-74 years of age. This was a cross-sectional study of baseline data (2008-2010) from the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Postural testing was performed after 20 minutes resting in supine position and active adoption of orthostatic posture. Blood pressure was measured in supine position and at 3 minutes in orthostatic position with an oscillometer (HEM 705 CP, Omron, São Paulo, Brazil). Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a drop of ≥ 20mmHg in systolic blood pressure and/or a drop of ≥ 10mmHg in diastolic blood pressure. The target covariates were sex, age bracket, race/color, schooling, nutritional status, waist circumference, alteration in the ankle-brachial index, pulse wave velocity, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, use of antihypertensives, cholesterol, triglycerides, Chagas disease serology, symptoms, and heart rate variation in the postural test, self-reported heart disease, acute myocardial infarction (AMI)/revascularization, and stroke. Orthostatic hypotension was significantly associated with higher age bracket, OR = 1.83 (95%CI: 1.14-2.95); alteration in the ankle-brachial index, OR = 2.8 (95%CI: 1.13-6.88); AMI/revascularization, OR = 1.70 (95%CI: 1.01-2.87); report of heart disease, OR = 3.03 (95%CI: 1.71-5.36); increased systolic blood pressure, OR = 1.012 (95%CI: 1.006-1.019); positive Chagas disease serology, OR = 2.29 (95%CI: 1.23-4.27); and occurrence of symptoms with postural change, OR = 20.81 (95%CI: 14.81-29.24). Presence of orthostatic hypotension can be a warning sign for cardiovascular disorders and thus a useful tool for screening and prevention.

O objetivo foi investigar os fatores associados à presença de hipotensão ortostática em 14.833 indivíduos de 35-74 anos. Estudo transversal realizado com os dados da linha de base (2008-2010) do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). O teste postural foi realizado após repouso de 20 minutos na posição supina e adoção ativa da postura ortostática. A pressão arterial foi medida em supino e aos três minutos de ortostase com aparelho oscilométrico (HEM 705 CP, Omron, São Paulo, Brasil). A hipotensão ortostática foi definida por queda ≥ 20mmHg na pressão arterial sistólica e/ou queda ≥ 10mmHg na pressão arterial diastólica. As covariáveis analisadas foram sexo, faixa etária, raça/cor, escolaridade, estado nutricional, circunferência da cintura, alteração no índice tornozelo braquial, velocidade de onda de pulso, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, hipertensão, diabetes, uso de anti-hipertensivos, colesterol, triglicérides, sorologia para a doença de Chagas, ocorrência de sintomas e variação de frequência cardíaca no teste postural, relato de doença cardíaca, infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM)/revascularização e acidente vascular cerebral. A hipotensão ortostática foi significativamente associada à maior faixa etária, OR = 1,83 (IC95%: 1,14-2,95); alteração no índice tornozelo braquial, OR = 2,8 (IC95%: 1,13-6,88), IAM/revascularização, OR = 1,70 (IC95%: 1,01-2,87); relato de doença cardíaca, OR = 3,03 (IC95%: 1,71-5,36); pressão arterial sistólica aumentada, OR = 1,012 (IC95%: 1,006-1,019); sorologia positiva para a doença de Chagas, OR = 2,29 (IC95%: 1,23-4,27) e ocorrência de sintomas na mudança postural, OR = 20,81 (IC95%: 14,81-29,24). A presença de hipotensão ortostática pode ser alerta de potencial comprometimento cardiovascular, e, portanto, uma ferramenta de rastreamento e prevenção.

El objetivo fue investigar los factores asociados a la presencia de hipotensión ortostática en 14.833 individuos de 35-74 años. Se realizó un estudio transversal con los datos de la línea de base (2008-2010) del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). El examen postural se realizó tras un reposo de 20 minutos en posición supina y la adopción activa de la postura ortostática. Se midió la presión arterial en supino y a los 3 minutos de ortostasis con aparato oscilométrico (HEM 705 CP, Omron, São Paulo, Brasil). La hipotensión ortostática se definió por la caída ≥ 20mmHg en la presión arterial sistólica y/o caída ≥ 10mmHg en la presión arterial diastólica. Las covariables analizadas fueron sexo, franja de edad, raza/color, escolaridad, estado nutricional, circunferencia de la cintura, alteración en el índice tobillo-brazo, velocidad de onda de pulso, presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, hipertensión, diabetes, uso de antihipertensivos, colesterol, triglicéridos, serología para a enfermedad de Chagas, ocurrencia de síntomas y variación de frecuencia cardíaca en el examen postural, informe de enfermedad cardíaca, infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM)/revascularización y accidente vascular cerebral. La hipotensión ortostática estuvo significativamente asociada a la mayor franja de edad, OR = 1,83 (IC95%: 1,14-2,95); alteración en el índice tobillo-brazo, OR = 2,8 (IC95%: 1,13-6,88), IAM/revascularización, OR = 1,70 (IC95%: 1,01-2,87); relato de enfermedad cardíaca, OR = 3,03 (IC95%: 1,71-5,36); presión arterial sistólica aumentada, OR = 1,012 (IC95%: 1,006-1,019); serología positiva para a enfermedad de Chagas, OR = 2,29 (IC95%: 1,23-4,27) y ocurrencia de síntomas en el cambio postural, OR = 20,81 (IC95%: 14,81-29,24). La presencia de hipotensión ortostática puede ser una alerta de potencial comprometimiento cardiovascular, y, por tanto una herramienta de seguimiento y prevención.

Fatores associados à hipotensão ortostática em adultos: estudo ELSA-Brasil / Factors associated with orthostatic hypotension in adults: the ELSA-Brasil study / Factores asociados a la hipotensión ortostática en adultos: estudio ELSA-Brasil

Resumo: O objetivo foi investigar os fatores associados à presença de hipotensão ortostática em 14.833 indivíduos de 35-74 anos. Estudo transversal realizado com os dados da linha de base (2008-2010) do Estudo Longitudinal de Saúde do Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). O teste postural foi realizado após repouso de 20 minutos na posição supina e adoção ativa da postura ortostática. A pressão arterial foi medida em supino e aos três minutos de ortostase com aparelho oscilométrico (HEM 705 CP, Omron, São Paulo, Brasil). A hipotensão ortostática foi definida por queda ≥ 20mmHg na pressão arterial sistólica e/ou queda ≥ 10mmHg na pressão arterial diastólica. As covariáveis analisadas foram sexo, faixa etária, raça/cor, escolaridade, estado nutricional, circunferência da cintura, alteração no índice tornozelo braquial, velocidade de onda de pulso, pressão arterial sistólica e diastólica, hipertensão, diabetes, uso de anti-hipertensivos, colesterol, triglicérides, sorologia para a doença de Chagas, ocorrência de sintomas e variação de frequência cardíaca no teste postural, relato de doença cardíaca, infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM)/revascularização e acidente vascular cerebral. A hipotensão ortostática foi significativamente associada à maior faixa etária, OR = 1,83 (IC95%: 1,14-2,95); alteração no índice tornozelo braquial, OR = 2,8 (IC95%: 1,13-6,88), IAM/revascularização, OR = 1,70 (IC95%: 1,01-2,87); relato de doença cardíaca, OR = 3,03 (IC95%: 1,71-5,36); pressão arterial sistólica aumentada, OR = 1,012 (IC95%: 1,006-1,019); sorologia positiva para a doença de Chagas, OR = 2,29 (IC95%: 1,23-4,27) e ocorrência de sintomas na mudança postural, OR = 20,81 (IC95%: 14,81-29,24). A presença de hipotensão ortostática pode ser alerta de potencial comprometimento cardiovascular, e, portanto, uma ferramenta de rastreamento e prevenção.

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with orthostatic hypotension in 14,833 individuals 35-74 years of age. This was a cross-sectional study of baseline data (2008-2010) from the Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Postural testing was performed after 20 minutes resting in supine position and active adoption of orthostatic posture. Blood pressure was measured in supine position and at 3 minutes in orthostatic position with an oscillometer (HEM 705 CP, Omron, São Paulo, Brazil). Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a drop of ≥ 20mmHg in systolic blood pressure and/or a drop of ≥ 10mmHg in diastolic blood pressure. The target covariates were sex, age bracket, race/color, schooling, nutritional status, waist circumference, alteration in the ankle-brachial index, pulse wave velocity, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, use of antihypertensives, cholesterol, triglycerides, Chagas disease serology, symptoms, and heart rate variation in the postural test, self-reported heart disease, acute myocardial infarction (AMI)/revascularization, and stroke. Orthostatic hypotension was significantly associated with higher age bracket, OR = 1.83 (95%CI: 1.14-2.95); alteration in the ankle-brachial index, OR = 2.8 (95%CI: 1.13-6.88); AMI/revascularization, OR = 1.70 (95%CI: 1.01-2.87); report of heart disease, OR = 3.03 (95%CI: 1.71-5.36); increased systolic blood pressure, OR = 1.012 (95%CI: 1.006-1.019); positive Chagas disease serology, OR = 2.29 (95%CI: 1.23-4.27); and occurrence of symptoms with postural change, OR = 20.81 (95%CI: 14.81-29.24). Presence of orthostatic hypotension can be a warning sign for cardiovascular disorders and thus a useful tool for screening and prevention.

Resumen: El objetivo fue investigar los factores asociados a la presencia de hipotensión ortostática en 14.833 individuos de 35-74 años. Se realizó un estudio transversal con los datos de la línea de base (2008-2010) del Estudio Longitudinal de Salud del Adulto (ELSA-Brasil). El examen postural se realizó tras un reposo de 20 minutos en posición supina y la adopción activa de la postura ortostática. Se midió la presión arterial en supino y a los 3 minutos de ortostasis con aparato oscilométrico (HEM 705 CP, Omron, São Paulo, Brasil). La hipotensión ortostática se definió por la caída ≥ 20mmHg en la presión arterial sistólica y/o caída ≥ 10mmHg en la presión arterial diastólica. Las covariables analizadas fueron sexo, franja de edad, raza/color, escolaridad, estado nutricional, circunferencia de la cintura, alteración en el índice tobillo-brazo, velocidad de onda de pulso, presión arterial sistólica y diastólica, hipertensión, diabetes, uso de antihipertensivos, colesterol, triglicéridos, serología para a enfermedad de Chagas, ocurrencia de síntomas y variación de frecuencia cardíaca en el examen postural, informe de enfermedad cardíaca, infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM)/revascularización y accidente vascular cerebral. La hipotensión ortostática estuvo significativamente asociada a la mayor franja de edad, OR = 1,83 (IC95%: 1,14-2,95); alteración en el índice tobillo-brazo, OR = 2,8 (IC95%: 1,13-6,88), IAM/revascularización, OR = 1,70 (IC95%: 1,01-2,87); relato de enfermedad cardíaca, OR = 3,03 (IC95%: 1,71-5,36); presión arterial sistólica aumentada, OR = 1,012 (IC95%: 1,006-1,019); serología positiva para a enfermedad de Chagas, OR = 2,29 (IC95%: 1,23-4,27) y ocurrencia de síntomas en el cambio postural, OR = 20,81 (IC95%: 14,81-29,24). La presencia de hipotensión ortostática puede ser una alerta de potencial comprometimiento cardiovascular, y, por tanto una herramienta de seguimiento y prevención.

Risk Factors for Orthostatic Hypotension: Differences Between Elderly Men and Women.

BACKGROUND: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) occurs when mechanisms regulating blood pressure (BP) levels after standing-up are altered. It is unclear how prevalence and risk factors for OH are different between sexes. We aimed to investigate sex differences in prevalence and risk factors for OH elderly individuals. METHODS: We included 882 participants from Maracaibo Aging Study. OH was a sustained reduction of ≥20 mm Hg in systolic BP, ≥10 mm Hg in diastolic BP, or both, after 3 minutes of changing positions from supine to standing. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the relationships among risk factors for OH in men and women considering interaction sex-term and stratified by sex. RESULTS: The mean age was 66.7 ± 8.5 years, being similar by sex. Women and men 55-74 years had similar prevalence of OH+ (18.5% vs. 20.9%, respectively). After 75 years, the proportion of women with OH+ was lower than men (11% vs. 30%, respectively). Hypertension, specifically systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg, and high pulse pressure (PP) were related with OH+ accounted by interaction sex-term, while diastolic BP ≥90 mm Hg, antihypertensive treatment, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus and age were not. Systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg increases the risk of OH only among women, while BMI showed an inverse association in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of OH is similar in both sexes, there are different risk factors associated by sex. Systolic BP ≥140 mm Hg was associated with increased risk of OH only with women while BMI was a protective factor for OH in men and women.

Sildenafil: eficácia, segurança e efeito sobre a pressão arterial postural em homens com 70 ou mais anos portadores de disfunção erétil / Sildenafil: efficacy, safety and impact on postural blood pressure in men aged 70 years or older with erectile dysfunction

Justificativa e objetivos: Avaliar a segurança, a eficácia e o impacto sobre a pressão arterial postural do citrato de sildenafila (100mg) em homens com 70 ou mais anos portadores de disfunção erétil. Método: Os pacientes iniciaram tratamento com o citrato de sildenafila 100 mg sob demanda. Após seis semanas foram divididos em dois grupos: respondedores e não respondedores ao tratamento. Os respondedores continuaram o mesmo tratamento por mais 12 semanas. Os não respondedores passaram a fazer uso do citrato de sildenafila, 100 mg, em dose diária e foram reavaliados após quatro semanas, quando optaram por descontinuar o estudo ou continuar tomando as doses diárias por mais oito semanas. Em todos os pacientes a avaliação final foi feita após 18 semanas. Resultados: Dos 47 pacientes incluídos, 39 foram avaliados. A idade média foi de 74 anos (70 a 88 anos). O escore do domínio da função erétil do Índice Internacional de Função Erétil aumentou significativamente de 13,4 ± 5,0 (basal) para 23,3 ± 8,0 (P<0.0001) (pós-tratamento). Aproximadamente 25% da amostra apresentaram efeitos colaterais leves que não resultaram em abandono do estudo. Hipotensão postural foi detectada em um paciente (2,6%) no pós-tratamento. Conclusões: O tratamento da disfunção erétil com o citrato de sildenafila em pacientes com 70 ou mais anos resultou em um aumento significativo no escore do domínio da função erétil do Índice Internacional de Função Erétil, efeitos colaterais leves e praticamente nenhum efeito negativo aparente sobre a pressão arterial postural.

Orthostatic hypotension: a common, serious and underrecognized problem in hospitalized patients.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is strongly age-dependent, with a prevalence ranging from 5% to 11% in middle age to 30% or higher in the elderly. It is also closely associated with other common chronic diseases, including hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes mellitus, and Parkinson's disease. Most studies of OH have been performed in population cohorts or elderly residents of extended care facilities, but in this review, we draw attention to a problem little studied to date: OH in hospitalized patients. The prevalence of OH in all hospitalized patients is not known because most studies have included only older individuals with multiple comorbid diseases, but in some settings as many as 60% of hospitalized adults have postural hypotension. Hospitalized patients are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of OH, particularly falls, because postural blood pressure (BP) regulation may be disturbed by many common acute illnesses as well as by bed rest and drug treatment. The temporal course of OH in hospitalized patients is uncertain, both because the reproducibility of OH is poor and because conditions affecting postural BP regulation may vary during hospitalization. Finally, OH during hospitalization often persists after discharge, where, in addition to creating an ongoing risk of falls and syncope, it is strongly associated with risk of incident cardiovascular complications, including myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke, and all-cause mortality. Because OH is a common, easily diagnosable, remediable condition with important clinical implications, we encourage caregivers to monitor postural BP change in patients throughout hospitalization.

Hipotensión ortostática: un actor solapado en la vida de los ancianos frágiles / Orthostatic hypotension: a sneaky player in the life of the frail elderly

Se investigó la presencia de hipotensión ortostática (HO) y su relación con parámetros demográficos, funcionales, cognitivos, antecedentes y patologías activas, medicación, internaciones en el último año y fallecimiento durante el seguimiento a seis meses, en 69 ancianos residentes en el Sector Geriatría del Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, sede San Justo. Se definió la HO como la reducción de la presión arterial (PA) sistólica ≥ a 20 mmHg y/o de la PA diastólica ≥ de 10 mmHg medidas entre 1 y 3 minutos del cambio postural.La HO afectó al 40% de la población. La PA (sistólica/diastólica) disminuyó -26/-7 mmHg al sentarse y -34/-13 mmHg al pararse, en el grupo con HO, y solo -3/-1 mmHg y 3/-1 mmHg, respectivamente, en el grupo sin HO. La respuesta cronotrópica no fue diferente entre los grupos. No encontramos asociación estadísticamente significativa entre HO y enfermedad de Parkinson, demencia, depresión, diabetes, historia de caídas, fractura de cadera, postración, uso de silla de ruedas, trastorno de la deglución, incontinencia urinaria, ni con la medicación utilizada. Durante el seguimiento fallecieron 6 pacientes, de los cuales 4 tenían HO.En conclusión, aunque en nuestros ancianos institucionalizados la HO es frecuente, su asociación con las patologías o medicamentos que clásicamente afectan el ajuste circulatorio postural no alcanzó significancia estadística. La condición de anciano frágil podría ser en sí misma una causa suficiente de HO.

Marca-passo atrial no tratamento da hipotensão ortostática primária / Atrial pacemaker for treating primary orthostatic hypotension

Homem, 78 anos, com hipotensão ortostática neurogênica incapacitante não responsiva e terapêutica clássica, admitido em hospital para implantação de marca-passo atrial programável. Inicialmente, implantou-se marca-passo atrial temporário, a frequencia de 96 bpm (dia) e 60 bpm (noite). Observou-se melhora dos sintomas, justificando a implantação de marca-passo definitivo. Recomenda-se considerar esta modalidade terapeutica em idosos com hipotensão ortostática neurogênica sem taquicardia compensatória quando não houver resposta a tratamento clássico.

A 78-year-old male patient with incapacitating neurogenic orthostatic hypertension was admitted in hospital for implantation of programmable pacemaker after no response to classic treatment. The initial procedure consisted in implanting a temporary pacemaker at a frequency of 96 BPM in the morning and 60 BPM at night. A definitive pacemaker was implanted because of the improvement of symptoms. Such treatment modality is herein recommended for elderly patients suffering from neurogenic orthostatic hypotension without compensatory tachycardia when they show no positive response to the classic treatment.

Improving idiophatic orthostatic hypotension in a patient with multiple system atrophy (Shy-Drager syndrome) with cardiac pacemaker implantation: case report / Melhora da hipotensão ortostática em um paciente com atrofia de múltiplos sistemas (syndrome de Shy-Drager) com implantação de marca-passo cardíaco: relato de caso

Orthostatic hypotension is a frequent symptom in patients with multiple system atrophy and it has an important impact on their quality of life. We report a case of idiopathic orthostatic hypotension, in a patient with multiple system atrophy (Shy-Drager syndrome), treated with pacemaker implantation resulting in a substantial improvement in the quality of his life.

Hipotensão ortostática é um sintoma freqüente em pacientes com atrofia de múltiplos sistemas e tem importante impacto na sua qualidade de vida. Relatamos um paciente com hipotensão ortostática idiopática e atrofia de múltiplos sistemas (Síndrome de Shy-Drager), tratado com implantação de marca-passo resultando numa evidente melhora na qualidade de vida.

Factors associated with functional balance and mobility among elderly diabetic outpatients.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize balance and mobility among diabetic elderly outpatients and to estimate the extent to which functional balance and mobility abnormalities can be influenced by sociodemographic, clinical and other functional factors in a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Ninety-one elderly (65+ years) outpatients were assessed. Mobility was evaluated by the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and the balance, by the Berg Balance Scale (BS). RESULTS: TUGT mean score was 15.65 +/- 5.9 seconds and BS mean score was 49.31 +/- 7.3 points. Using linear regression analysis (alpha < 0.05), significant and independent positive relationships were obtained between TUGT and age, daily activities (ADL/IADL), step strategy, and proprioceptive sensitivity. Factors negatively associated with BS were: ADL/IADL, step strategy, proprioceptive sensitivity, orthostatic hypotension (OH) and conflictive sensory conditions. CONCLUSION: Elderly diabetic outpatients show abnormal balance and mobility related mainly to advanced age, disability, absence of step strategy, absence of proprioceptive sensitivity and presence of OH.

Factors associated with functional balance and mobility among elderly diabetic outpatients / Fatores associados ao equilíbrio funcional e à mobilidade em idosos diabéticos ambulatoriais

OBJECTIVES: To characterize balance and mobility among diabetic elderly outpatients and to estimate the extent to which functional balance and mobility abnormalities can be influenced by sociodemographic, clinical and other functional factors in a cross-sectional study. METHODS: Ninety-one elderly (65+ years) outpatients were assessed. Mobility was evaluated by the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and the balance, by the Berg Balance Scale (BS). RESULTS: TUGT mean score was 15.65 ± 5.9 seconds and BS mean score was 49.31 ± 7.3 points. Using linear regression analysis (α < 0.05), significant and independent positive relationships were obtained between TUGT and age, daily activities (ADL/IADL), step strategy, and proprioceptive sensitivity. Factors negatively associated with BS were: ADL/IADL, step strategy, proprioceptive sensitivity, orthostatic hypotension (OH) and conflictive sensory conditions. CONCLUSION: Elderly diabetic outpatients show abnormal balance and mobility related mainly to advanced age, disability, absence of step strategy, absence of proprioceptive sensitivity and presence of OH.

OBJETIVOS: Caracterizar o equilíbrio e a mobilidade de idosos diabéticos ambulatoriais e estimar o quanto suas anormalidades podem ser influenciadas por fatores sociodemográficos, clínicos e funcionais globais em um estudo transversal. MÉTODOS: 91 idosos (65 + anos) ambulatoriais foram avaliados quanto à mobilidade pelo Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) e ao equilíbrio, pela Berg Balance Scale (BS). RESULTADOS: A média dos escores do TUGT foi de 15,65 ± 5,9 segundos e da BS, de 49,31 ± 7,3 pontos. Empregando-se análise de regressão linear (α < 0,05), associações significantes positivas e independentes foram obtidas entre o TUGT e idade, atividades cotidianas, estratégia do passo atrás e sensibilidade proprioceptiva. Os fatores associados negativamente à BS foram: atividades cotidianas, estratégia do passo, sensibilidade proprioceptiva, hipotensão ortostática (HO) e condições sensoriais conflituosas. CONCLUSÃO: Idosos diabéticos ambulatoriais apresentam equilíbrio e mobilidade prejudicados, relacionados principalmente à idade avançada, limitação para atividades diárias, ausência de estratégia de equilíbrio, prejuízo na sensibilidade proprioceptiva e a presença de HO.

Síncope / Diagnosis and prognosis of syncope

El síncope es motivo de consulta frecuente y corresponde al médico tratar de hacer un diagnóstico etiológico rápido con elobjeto de distinguir los de origen neurocardiogénico de buen pronóstico de los cardíacos que pueden provocar la muerte. El diagnóstico inicial se puede basar en la historia clínica, el examen físico y el electrocardiograma, completando luego con otros estudios. No siempre se llega a un diagnóstico certero. En oportunidades se pueden tratar con drogas o marcapasos con buen resultado.

Síncope / Diagnosis and prognosis of syncope

El síncope es motivo de consulta frecuente y corresponde al médico tratar de hacer un diagnóstico etiológico rápido con elobjeto de distinguir los de origen neurocardiogénico de buen pronóstico de los cardíacos que pueden provocar la muerte. El diagnóstico inicial se puede basar en la historia clínica, el examen físico y el electrocardiograma, completando luego con otros estudios. No siempre se llega a un diagnóstico certero. En oportunidades se pueden tratar con drogas o marcapasos con buen resultado.(AU)

[Pure autonomic failure. Bradbury Eggleston Syndrome. Case report]. / Falla auttonómica pura: síndrome de Bradbury Eggleston.

Pure Autonomic Failure is a progressive, adult onset, degenerative disorder of the autonomic nervous system characterized clinically by orthostatic hypotension, bladder, sexual and sudomotor dysfunction. Since there are no other associated somatic neurological deficits, this condition must be considered in the differential diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension. We report a 64 years old man with a history of seven years of autonomic dysfunction, with severe orthostatic hypotension, erectile and bladder dysfunction. Autonomic tests showed low circulating norepinephrine levels, sweating abnormalities with regional anhydrosis of the left side of the trunk and abnormal cardiovagal response, indicating generalized autonomic failure. Peripheral somatic neuropathies with autonomic involvement were excluded by normal electrophysiologic tests and the patient was diagnosed pure autonomic failure. Treatment with fludrocortisone and midodrine improved orthostatic tolerance.