Does A Therapy for Reflex Vasovagal Syncope Really Exist?

Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness due to transient global cerebral hypoperfusion. Reflex syncope is the most frequent, representing 21% of all types of syncopal events, and includes: (a) the vasovagal syncope (classical type); (b) the situational syncope; (c) the carotid sinus syncope and (d) non-classical forms. An accurate anamnesis and physical examination are fundamental for the diagnosis. Although limited evidence is available regarding the efficacy of some treatments, a number of these can be successfully used in the clinical practice. It is, however, important to personalize the therapeutic approach in order to achieve an efficient reduction or suppression of syncopal episodes. Patients should be reassured about the benignity of these events and the possibility of reducing their frequency over time. They should be also educated on how to recognize and abort incoming syncopal episodes. Patients may be advised to increase their introit in water and salt, as well as to reduce vasoactive medications, if no contraindications exist. Orthostatic training may be beneficial but only in very motivated young patients capable of strictly adhering to the exercise plan. So far, any proposed pharmacological treatment has demonstrated very limited efficacy and, therefore, it should be tried in case of failure of non-pharmacological approaches. Pacemaker implantation is clearly indicated in patients with documented cardioinhibitory syncope in the absence of a vasodepressor component, which can compromise their quality of life. Despite the American and European guidelines for the treatment of syncope are similar, still some differences can be denoted. Aim of this study is to evaluate the management of patients with recurrent syncopal episodes focusing on pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches.

Prevalence and Comorbidities of Resistant Hypertension: A Collaborative Population-Based Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: Resistant hypertension, is a clinical condition that may confer high cardiovascular risk. Aim of the observational study was to evaluate the prevalence of resistant hypertension, and the association with cardiovascular risk factors or diseases in the Verona urban area. DESIGN AND METHODS: Eleven family doctors retrieved anonymised data concerning blood pressure, diagnosis of hypertension and treatments from a population of 17,502 adult subjects. The prevalence of resistant hypertension was estimated considering patients who had been consecutively treated with at least four antihypertensive medications, regardless of blood pressure values. Further search concerning the clinical characteristics associated with resistant hypertension was performed in a random subsample of 55 patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 21.9%, that of resistant hypertension was 2.1%, approximately 10% of the whole hypertensive population. High prevalence of diabetes mellitus (53%) and hyperlipidemia (83%) was found in association with resistant hypertension. As for end organ damage, high prevalence of carotid artery stenosis (45%), ischemic heart disease (43%) and left ventricular hypertrophy (40%) was observed in patients with resistant hypertension. Blood pressure was higher than 140/90 mmHg in 58% of patients in spite of treatment with four or more different antihypertensive drugs. The average age, systolic and pulse pressure were significantly higher in the subgroup of patients with resistant hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with resistant hypertension are characterised by a higher systolic and pulse pressure and a very high attributable cardiovascular risk, due to high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and overt organ damage and cardiovascular disease.

A strange lupus-like malar rash with renal involvement: an angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma - A case report.

Cutaneous malar rash and kidney involvement has not previously been reported as presenting symptoms of an angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). We report a case of a woman with erythematous rash. A PET-CT revealed a lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. An inguinal lymph node biopsy showed an AITL. There was clinical improvement after prednisone.