Do we need to evaluate diastolic blood pressure in patients with suspected orthostatic hypotension?

Purpose The contribution of diastolic blood pressure measurement to the diagnosis of classical orthostatic hypotension is not known. We aimed to explore the prevalence of isolated systolic and diastolic orthostatic hypotension components in patients with syncope and orthostatic intolerance. Methods: A total of 1520 patients aged >15 years with suspected syncope and/or symptoms of orthostatic intolerance were investigated in a tertiary center using tilt-table testing and continuous non-invasive blood pressure monitoring. Classical orthostatic hypotension was defined as a decline in systolic blood pressure ≥20 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥10 mmHg at 3 min of tilt test. The prevalence of upright systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg and its overlap with isolated diastolic orthostatic hypotension was also assessed. Results: One hundred eighty-six patients (12.2%) met current diagnostic criteria for classical orthostatic hypotension. Of these, 176 patients (94.6%) met the systolic criterion and 102 patients (54.8%) met the diastolic criterion. Ninety-two patients (49.5%) met both systolic and diastolic criteria, whereas ten patients (5.4%) met the diastolic criterion alone. Of these, three had systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg during tilt test and were diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension on the grounds of low standing blood pressure. Based on patient history and ancillary test results, causes of orthostatic intolerance and syncope other than orthostatic hypotension were present in the remaining seven patients. Conclusions: An abnormal orthostatic fall in diastolic blood pressure without an abnormal fall in systolic blood pressure is rare among patients with syncope and orthostatic intolerance. Approximately 95% of patients with classical orthostatic hypotension can be identified by systolic criterion alone

Circulating adrenomedullin and B-type natriuretic peptide do not predict blood pressure fluctuations during pheochromocytoma resection:a cross-sectional study

Background: Despite adequate presurgical management, blood pressure fluctua tions are common during resection of pheochromocytoma or sympathetic paraganglioma (PPGL). To a larg e extent, the variability in blood pressure control during PPGL resection remains unexplained. Adrenomedullin and B -type natriuretic peptide, measured as MR-proADM and NT-proBNP, respectively, are circulating biomarkers of card iovascular dysfunction. We investigated whether plasma levels of MR-proADM and NT-proBNP are associated with bl ood pressure fluctuations during PPGL resection. Methods: Study subjects participated in PRESCRIPT, a randomized control led trial in patients undergoing PPGL resection. MR-proADM and NT-proBNP were determined in a single plasma sample drawn before surgery. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations between these biomarkers and blood pressure fluctuations, use of vasoconstrictive agents duri ng surgery as well as the occurrence of perioperative cardiovascular events. Results: A total of 126 PPGL patients were included. Median plasma conc entrations of MR-proADM and NT-proBNP were 0.51 (0.41-0.63) nmol/L and 68.7 (27.9-150.4) ng/L, respec tively. Neither MR-proADM nor NT-proBNP were associated with blood pressure fluctuations. There was a positiv e correlation between MR-proADM concentration and the cumulative dose of vasoconstrictive agents (03B2 0.44, P = 0.001). Both MR-proADM and NT-proBNP were significantly associated with perioperative cardiovascular events (OR: 5.46, P = 0.013 and OR: 1.54, P = 0.017, respectively). Conclusions: Plasma MR-proADM or NT-proBNP should not be considered as biom arkers for the presurgical risk assessment of blood pressure fluctuations during PPGL resection. Future studies are needed to explore the potential influence of these biomarkers on the intraoperative requirement of vasoconstrictive agents and the perioperative cardiovascular risk

The acute effect of cigarette smoking on the high-sensitivity CRP and fibrinogen biomarkers in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients

Item does not contain fulltextAim: The evidence on the acute effects of smoking on biomarkers is limited. Our aim was to study the acute effect of smoking on disease-related biomarkers. Methods: The acute effect of smoking on serum high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and plasma fibrinogen and its association with disease severity was studied by challenging 31 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with cigarette smoking and repeatedly measuring these biomarkers before and after smoking. Results: Fibrinogen and hs-CRP increased directly after smoking by 9.4 mg/dl (95% CI: 4.2-14.5) and 0.13 mg/l (95% CI: 0.03-0.23), respectively. Fibrinogen levels remained elevated after 35 min, whereas hs-CRP normalized. Pearson's correlation coefficient between the hs-CRP change and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease severity was 0.25 (p = 0.06). Conclusion: Fibrinogen and hs-CRP increased directly after smoking in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Their association with disease risk and/or progression remains to be demonstrated

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline

Item does not contain fulltextObjective: The aim was to formulate clinical practice guidelines for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). Participants: The Task Force included a chair selected by the Endocrine Society Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee (CGS), seven experts in the field, and a methodologist. The authors received no corporate funding or remuneration. Evidence: This evidence-based guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to describe both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. The Task Force reviewed primary evidence and commissioned two additional systematic reviews. Consensus Process: One group meeting, several conference calls, and e-mail communications enabled consensus. Committees and members of the Endocrine Society, European Society of Endocrinology, and Americal Association for Clinical Chemistry reviewed drafts of the guidelines. Conclusions: The Task Force recommends that initial biochemical testing for PPGLs should include measurements of plasma free or urinary fractionated metanephrines. Consideration should be given to preanalytical factors leading to false-positive or false-negative results. All positive results require follow-up. Computed tomography is suggested for initial imaging, but magnetic resonance is a better option in patients with metastatic disease or when radiation exposure must be limited. (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy is a useful imaging modality for metastatic PPGLs. We recommend consideration of genetic testing in all patients, with testing by accredited laboratories. Patients with paraganglioma should be tested for SDHx mutations, and those with metastatic disease for SDHB mutations. All patients with functional PPGLs should undergo preoperative blockade to prevent perioperative complications. Preparation should include a high-sodium diet and fluid intake to prevent postoperative hypotension. We recommend minimally invasive adrenalectomy for most pheochromocytomas with open resection for most paragangliomas. Partial adrenalectomy is an option for selected patients. Lifelong follow-up is suggested to detect recurrent or metastatic disease. We suggest personalized management with evaluation and treatment by multidisciplinary teams with appropriate expertise to ensure favorable outcomes

Genotype-dependent brown adipose tissue activation in patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma

Context: Patients with pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PGLs) may have brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation induced by catecholamine excess. F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) can be used for the localization of both PGLs and BAT. It is unknown whether BAT is specifically affected by altered cellular energy metabolism in patients with SDHx- and VHL-related PGLs. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine endocrine and paracrine effects of catecholamine excesson BAT activation in patients with PGLs as detected by F-18-FDG PET/CT, taking into account genetic variation. Design: Patients with PGLs who were fully genetically characterized underwent presurgical F-18-FDG PET/CT imaging for tumor localization and to quantify BAT activation. Setting: The study was conducted at a single Dutch tertiary referral center. Patients and Intervention: Seventy-three patients, aged 52.4 +/- 15.4 years, with a body mass index of 25.2 +/- 4.1 kg/m(2), mean +/- SD, were grouped into sporadic, cluster 1 (SDHx, VHL) and cluster 2 (RET, NF1, MAX) mutations. Main Outcome Measures: F-18-FDG mean standard uptake values were assessed in predefined BAT locations, including perirenal fat. Results: Twenty-one of 73 patients (28.8%) exhibited BAT activation. BAT activation was absent in all six patients with nonsecreting PGLs. No difference in F-18-FDG uptake by perirenal fat on the side of the pheochromocytoma and the contralateral side was observed (mean standard uptake value of 0.80 vs 0.78, respectively, P = .42). The prevalence of BAT activation did not differ between sporadic (28.9%), cluster 1 (40.0%), and cluster 2 patients (15.4%, P = .36). Conclusion: Patients with PGLs exhibit a high prevalence of BAT activation on F-18-FDG PET/CT. This is likely due to systemic catecholamine excess. BAT activation is not associated with specific germline mutations

Pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma: an endocrine society clinical practice guideline.

ObjectiveThe aim was to formulate clinical practice guidelines for pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL).ParticipantsThe Task Force included a chair selected by the Endocrine Society Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee (CGS), seven experts in the field, and a methodologist. The authors received no corporate funding or remuneration.EvidenceThis evidence-based guideline was developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to describe both the strength of recommendations and the quality of evidence. The Task Force reviewed primary evidence and commissioned two additional systematic reviews.Consensus processOne group meeting, several conference calls, and e-mail communications enabled consensus. Committees and members of the Endocrine Society, European Society of Endocrinology, and Americal Association for Clinical Chemistry reviewed drafts of the guidelines.ConclusionsThe Task Force recommends that initial biochemical testing for PPGLs should include measurements of plasma free or urinary fractionated metanephrines. Consideration should be given to preanalytical factors leading to false-positive or false-negative results. All positive results require follow-up. Computed tomography is suggested for initial imaging, but magnetic resonance is a better option in patients with metastatic disease or when radiation exposure must be limited. (123)I-metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy is a useful imaging modality for metastatic PPGLs. We recommend consideration of genetic testing in all patients, with testing by accredited laboratories. Patients with paraganglioma should be tested for SDHx mutations, and those with metastatic disease for SDHB mutations. All patients with functional PPGLs should undergo preoperative blockade to prevent perioperative complications. Preparation should include a high-sodium diet and fluid intake to prevent postoperative hypotension. We recommend minimally invasive adrenalectomy for most pheochromocytomas with open resection for most paragangliomas. Partial adrenalectomy is an option for selected patients. Lifelong follow-up is suggested to detect recurrent or metastatic disease. We suggest personalized management with evaluation and treatment by multidisciplinary teams with appropriate expertise to ensure favorable outcomes