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Basics

Adam P.J. Younger

David S. Younger, MD


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

It is valuable to diagnose variable degrees of autonomic failure that may present as orthostatic intolerance (OI), postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), or syncope. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is a dominant feature of severe autonomic failure. The clinician must rely upon the history and observations of patients of any age, from childhood to older age, as autonomic failure can affect all age groups. The history of rapid-onset, short-lived dizziness, and other symptoms upon assuming the upright position that abates and resolves usually over seconds to minutes is suggestive of OH and OI. It is defined as (a) symptoms triggered by standing and relieved in supine position, (b) heart rate increase >30 beats per minutes (bpm) or >120 bpm, and (c) blood pressure is normal or increased. OH is defined as (a) blood pressure fall >20/10 mm Hg for 3 minutes, (b) with or without symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion, and (c) loss of heart rate increase indicating severe autonomic failure. Neurogenic syncope is triggered by reflex mechanism and may occur with both conditions. The syndrome of POTS is defined as symptoms of OI usually of greater than 6 months’ duration, accompanied by a rise in the heart rate of at least 30 bpm or exceeds 120 bpm, within the first 10 minutes of the upright position or upon head-up tilting.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

In the US, 500,000 patients have OI.

RISK FACTORS

Falls, injury.

Pregnancy Considerations

Genetics

Unknown, except for familial dysautonomia [Riley–Day syndrome in Ashkenazi Jews on chromosome 9 (q31)].

COMMONLY ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

Diagnosis

DIAGNOSIS

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND INTERPRETATION

Lab

Imaging

Diagnostic Procedures/Other

Diagnosis of autonomic failure is made using a battery of autonomic tests:

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Treatment

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT

General Measures

Treatment of OH includes a combination of volume expansion, pressor agents, and supportive measures.

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

SURGERY/OTHER PROCEDURES

IN-PATIENT CONSIDERATIONS

Admission Criteria

Frequent loss of consciousness/improvement of orthostatic tolerance.

Ongoing Care

ONGOING-CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

DIET

High sodium and 2–2.5 L of fluids; small, more frequent, low-carbohydrate meals.

PATIENT EDUCATION

PROGNOSIS

Additional Reading

SEE-ALSO

Codes

CODES

ICD9