Use of Accelerometer for Quantification of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms

Description

The objective of this study is to find a more objective and accurate way to assess the efficacy of the treatment for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. For this purpose, the investigators will use an activity monitor to determine the amount of time patients spend in the upright position (standing and walking; upright time) during 1 week of placebo (a pill with no active ingredients) and 1 week of their regular medication for orthostatic hypotension (midodrine or atomoxetine at their usual doses). Total upright time (i.e. tolerance to standing and walking) will be compared between placebo and active treatment to test the hypothesis that it can be used to assess the efficacy of the treatment for orthostatic hypotension and whether this outcome is superior to the assessment of symptoms using validated questionnaires.

Conditions

Orthostatic; Hypotension, Neurogenic, Autonomic Failure, Pure Autonomic Failure, Multiple System Atrophy, Orthostatic; Hypotension, Parkinsonism

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The objective of this study is to find a more objective and accurate way to assess the efficacy of the treatment for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. For this purpose, the investigators will use an activity monitor to determine the amount of time patients spend in the upright position (standing and walking; upright time) during 1 week of placebo (a pill with no active ingredients) and 1 week of their regular medication for orthostatic hypotension (midodrine or atomoxetine at their usual doses). Total upright time (i.e. tolerance to standing and walking) will be compared between placebo and active treatment to test the hypothesis that it can be used to assess the efficacy of the treatment for orthostatic hypotension and whether this outcome is superior to the assessment of symptoms using validated questionnaires.

Use of Accelerometer for Quantification of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms

Use of Accelerometer for Quantification of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms

Condition
Orthostatic; Hypotension, Neurogenic
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Nashville

Autonomic Dysfunction Center/ Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, United States, 37232

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Male and female subjects, age 40-80 years.
  • * Possible or probable Multiple Systems Atrophy, Pure Autonomic Failure, or Parkinson's disease with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.
  • * Neurogenic orthostatic hypotension defined as a ≥ 30 mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure within 3 minutes of standing associated with impaired autonomic reflexes determined by autonomic testing in the absence of other identifiable causes.
  • * Patients on treatment for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension with either midodrine or atomoxetine, who have experienced some improvement in their orthostatic symptoms, but still remain symptomatic (Orthostatic hypotension symptom assessment \[OHSA\] score of 1 to 5 while on medication).
  • * Patients who are able to stay with their caregiver during study participation.
  • * Able and willing to provide informed consent.
  • * Bedridden, physically disabled, or unable to walk.
  • * Patients with Orthostatic hypotension symptom assessment (OHSA) score ≥ 6, or orthostatic systolic blood pressure drop ≥ 30 mmHg on their regular treatment.
  • * Patients taking more than one medication for the treatment of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (concomitant use of pyridostigmine or fludrocortisone are accepted).
  • * Pregnancy
  • * Systemic illnesses known to produce autonomic neuropathy, including but not limited to diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis, monoclonal gammopathies, and autoimmune neuropathies.
  • * Clinically unstable coronary artery disease (recurrent angina despite medical therapy), or major cardiovascular or neurological event in the past 6 months (myocardial infarction, stroke).
  • * Concomitant use of anticoagulants.

Ages Eligible for Study

40 Years to 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Vanderbilt University Medical Center,

Italo Biaggioni, MD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Study Record Dates

2025-10-01