loading page

Efficacy of pharmacological management of orthostatic hypotension- a systematic review and meta-analysis
  • +2
  • Spoorthy Kulkarni,
  • Danny Jenkins,
  • Holly Pavey,
  • Veronica Phillips,
  • Fraz Mir
Spoorthy Kulkarni
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Danny Jenkins
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Author Profile
Holly Pavey
University of Cambridge
Author Profile
Veronica Phillips
University of Cambridge
Author Profile
Fraz Mir
University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine
Author Profile

Abstract

Introduction Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies are employed in the management of OH. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide an up-to-date review of the efficacy parameters of pharmacological therapies. Methods Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched (inception-July 2021), and published articles with randomized control trials, meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were quality assessed (Risk of Bias 2 tool). Assessment for trends in patient-related outcome measures and postural blood pressure improvement was undertaken. Studies reporting postural systolic blood pressure (SBP) before and after intervention in comparison to placebo were included in a meta-analysis using inverse -variance in a random-effects model. Results 19 articles were included in the systematic review. The orthostatic symptoms questionnaire (OHQ) was the most common patient-related outcome measure utilized in trials. Six studies included in the meta-analysis demonstrated that pharmacological therapies (pyridostigmine, midodrine, atomoxetine, yohimbine) improved postural SBP compared to placebo, with a mean rise of 12.50 mmHg [95% CI: 6.01, 18.98; p value<0.001, I2 =97%]. Midodrine showed the highest impact on SBP, with a mean SBP of 16.11 mmHg [95% CI: 5.59, 26.63; p=0.003, I2 =99%]. Conclusions Pharmacological treatment can significantly increase postural SBP, however with significant heterogeneity related to trial designs. Further efforts to homogenize outcome measures, incorporating symptom improvement and reduction in the postural drop and testing for a prolonged duration of therapy would strengthen the evidence, and improve the translatability of findings in clinical settings.