posted
Here is a study that could help those with POTS' dizziness, fainting etc. I called and they only want ,Shy Drager syndrome (Multiple System Atrophy), Pure Autonomic Failure, and Parkinson's disease. I explained that so many people with lyme, have this condition and I think would benefit from this drug. I don't think she knew the extent of lyme disease. Maybe if many people called her they may be convinced to do a trial for lyme.
Clinical Study of Droxidopa in Patients with Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension
The purpose of this study is to see whether Droxidopa is effective in treating symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in patients with Primary Autonomic Failure (Pure Autonomic Failure, Multiple System Atrophy, Parkinson's Disease), Non-diabetic neuropathy, or Beta Hydroxylase deficiency.
Systolic blood pressure is transiently and minimally decreased in healthy individuals upon standing. Normal physiologic feedback mechanisms work through neurally-mediated pathways to maintain the standing blood pressure, and thus maintain adequate cerebral perfusion. The compensatory mechanisms that regulate blood pressure upon standing are dysfunctional in subjects with orthostatic hypotension (OH), a condition that may lead to inadequate cerebral perfusion with accompanying symptoms of syncope, dizziness or lightheadedness, unsteadiness and blurred or impaired vision, among other symptoms.
The autonomic nervous system has a central role in the regulation of blood pressure. Primary Autonomic Failure is manifested in a variety of syndromes. Orthostatic hypotension is a usual presenting symptom. Primary Autonomic Failure may be the primary diagnosis, and classifications include pure autonomic failure (PAF), also called idiopathic orthostatic hypotension (Bradbury-Eggleston syndrome) autonomic failure with multiple system atrophy (Shy-Drager syndrome) and also Parkinson's disease. Regardless of the primary condition, autonomic dysfunction underlies orthostatic hypotension.
Orthostatic hypotension may be a severely disabling condition which can seriously interfere with the quality of life of afflicted subjects. Currently available therapeutic options provide some symptomatic relief in a subset of subjects, but are relatively ineffective and are often accompanied by severe side effects that limit their usefulness. Support garments (tight-fitting leotard) may prove useful in some subjects, but is difficult to don without family or nursing assistance, especially for older subjects. Midodrine, fludrocortisone, methylphenidate, ephedrine, indomethacin and dihydroergotamine are among some of the pharmacological interventions that have been used to treat orthostatic hypotension, although only midodrine is specifically approved for this indication. The limitations of these currently available therapeutic options, and the incapacitating nature and often progressive downhill course of disease, point to the need for an improved therapeutic alternative.
The current withdrawal design study will measure the efficacy of droxidopa on symptoms of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension in patients randomized to continued droxidopa treatment versus placebo, following 14 days of double-blind treatment.
Droxidopa
Droxidopa [also, known as L-threo-3,4-dihydroxyphenylserine, L-threo-DOPS, or L-DOPS] is the International non-proprietary name (INN) for a synthetic amino acid precursor of norepinephrine (NE), which was originally developed by Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals Co., Limited, Japan. It has been approved for use in Japan since 1989. Droxidopa has been shown to improve symptoms of orthostatic hypotension that result from a variety of conditions including Shy Drager syndrome (Multiple System Atrophy), Pure Autonomic Failure, and Parkinson's disease. There are four stereoisomers of DOPS; however, only the L-threo-enantiomer (droxidopa) is biologically active.
The exact mechanism of action of droxidopa in the treatment of symptomatic NOH has not been precisely defined; however, its NE replenishing properties with concomitant recovery of decreased noradrenergic activity are considered to be of major importance.
Droxidopa has been marketed in Japan since 1989. Data from clinical studies and post-marketing surveillance programs conducted in Japan show that the most commonly reported adverse drug reactions with droxidopa are increased blood pressure, nausea, and headache. In clinical studies, the prevalence and severity of droxidopa adverse effects appear to be similar to those reported by the placebo control arm.
Contact Information:
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00633880
LisaS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10581
posted
Al, Does POTS always show up on a tilt table test? They couldnt get my BP to drop. It was frustrating because, once time I go to the doctor and it is 80/60 the next 110 over 60. It's so frustrating to have symptoms and never a test that shows anything!
posted
Hi Lisa , The Tilt test is about 60% accurate from what I know. Did you have a drug added with your test? Until you know for sure what's causing your symptoms don't rule out anything. Your symptoms are identical to hundreds here on the board. email "wildcondor" here on lymenet , she will have more information for you. She has really been through the dizziness, fainting etc. for a long time. Al
Posts: 789 | From CT, | Registered: Jun 2006
| IP: Logged |
posted
Does anyone know how they differentiate between POTS, Pure Autonomic Failure, and Shy-Drager Syndrome?
I am going in for my tilt table test on Thursday. The vascular specialist was "certain" I will test positive but I am skeptical as I rarely test positive on anything.
My average BP is 90/60 and heart rate is typically about 45.
-------------------- Lisa D Posts: 103 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2009
| IP: Logged |
LisaS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10581
posted
Yeah Al, I was given Isopril. But nothing! Coulnd't believe it.
I will search for some of wildcondors posts.
I have a high heart rate, Capa I have the same bp as you but heart rate is usually 80+.
The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:
The
Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey 907 Pebble Creek Court,
Pennington,
NJ08534USA http://www.lymenet.org/
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic