Research Studies
Cardiovascular Autonomic and Immune Mechanism of Post COVID-19 Tachycardia Syndrome
Summary: The term post-acute COVID-19 syndrome or Long COVID is a disabling syndrome that persists beyond the 3-month convalescence period after COVID-19 infections. Aim 1 of the study is to test the hypothesis that reduced parasympathetic (PNS) activity is associated with persistent inflammation in patients with post-COVID-19 POTS.
CPAP for the Treatment of Supine Hypertension
Summary: This study aims to learn about the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on people with autonomic failure and high blood pressure when lying down (supine hypertension) to determine if it can be used to treat their high blood pressure during the night.
Effect of 2-HOBA in Persistent Immune Activation in Long COVID POTS
PI: Cyndya Shibao, MD, MSCI
Summary: Long COVID is defined by a range of symptoms affecting multiple organs that persist for more than three months following an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Approximately 7% of individuals who recover from SARS-Cov-2 infection develop Long COVID. The purpose of this research is to study the effects of 2-hydroxybenzylamine (2-HOBA), an Iso-LG-adduct scavenger, its effects in immune markers and compare it with placebo.
Effects of Midodrine and Droxidopa on Splanchnic Capacitance in Autonomic Failure
PI: Italo Biaggioni, MD
Summary: The purpose of this study is to learn more about the effects of midodrine and droxidopa, two medications used for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure on standing), on the veins of the abdomen of patients with autonomic failure.
Effect of Raised Head of the Bed on Lying Blood Pressure in Autonomic Failure
PI: Italo Biaggioni, MD
Summary: Many persons with autonomic failure often have high blood pressure when lying down (supine hypertension). This study is exploring the impact of decreased venous return to the heart (achieved by raising the head of the bed) to lessen supine blood pressure.
Overnight Trials with Heat Stress in Autonomic Failure Patients with Supine Hypertension
PI: Italo Biaggioni, MD
Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether applying local heat over the abdomen of patients with autonomic failure and supine hypertension during the night would decrease their nocturnal high blood pressure while lying down.
Restoring Iron Deficiency in POTS
PI: Italo Biaggioni, MD
Summary: People with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) often have low red blood cell volumes and low ferritin in their blood (a marker of iron storage in the body). The purpose of this pilot study is to investigate whether giving iron to people with POTS who have low ferritin levels will increase the red blood cell volume and improve POTS symptoms.
Splanchnic Venous Capacitance in Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
PI: Cyndya Shibao, MD, MSCI
Summary: The purpose of this study is to determine if the worsening orthostatic tachycardia and symptoms after glucose ingestion in POTS patients are due to a greater increase in splanchnic venous capacitance and excessive blood pooling on standing as compare to Healthy controls.
Use of Accelerometer for Quantification of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension Symptoms
PI: Italo Biaggioni, MD
Summary: 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.