Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Clinical Autonomic Research 1/2009

01-02-2009 | RESEARCH ARTICLE

Reappraisal of the diagnostic role of orthostatic hypotension in diabetes

Authors: Vincenza Spallone, MD, PhD, Roberto Morganti, MD, Tiziana Fedele, MD, Cinzia D’Amato, MD, Maria Rosaria Maiello, MD

Published in: Clinical Autonomic Research | Issue 1/2009

Login to get access

Abstract

Objective

Given the controversial aspects of orthostatic hypotension (OH) testing in diabetes, we evaluated the diagnostic role for cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) and for nondipping of OH, defined according to a fall in systolic blood pressure (BP) ≥ 30 (30-OH) or ≥ 20 mmHg (20-OH).

Methods

164 diabetic patients underwent 24 hours BP monitoring, three heart rate cardiovascular tests, and OH test.

Results

Compared to 30 mmHg, the 20 mmHg criterion increased the frequency of OH from 11 to 19.5%. Both 30-OH and 20-OH were associated with CAN (χ 2 = 30.5, P < 0.0001, and χ 2 = 45.1, P < 0.0001, respectively) and nondipping (χ 2 = 31.7, P < 0.0001, and χ 2 = 17.2, P = 0.0001, respectively). ROC curve for orthostatic systolic BP fall provided an AUC of 0.79 ± 0.04 (95% CI 0.70–0.86) for diagnosing CAN and of 0.77 ± 0.05 (95% CI 0.66–0.86) for diagnosing nondipping. Both 30-OH and 20-OH showed a low sensitivity and high specificity for CAN [sensitivity 31%, specificity 98%, Likelihood Ratio for a positive result (LR+) 17.1; and sensitivity 50%, specificity 95%, LR+ 9.3, respectively], and for nondipping (sensitivity 40%, specificity 96%, LR+ 8.9, and sensitivity 47%, specificity 87%, LR+ 3.5, respectively), having 30-OH a higher LR+ in both cases.

Interpretation

OH had only moderate diagnostic accuracy, with high specificity and low sensitivity, for CAN, diagnosed on the basis of heart rate cardiovascular tests, and—as a novel finding—also for nondipping. A different definition of OH did not substantially affect its diagnostic characteristics, with just a slightly greater ability of the 30 mmHg criterion to estimate the probability of CAN and nondipping.
Literature
1.
go back to reference Anonymous (1996) Assessment: clinical autonomic testing report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology 46:873–880 Anonymous (1996) Assessment: clinical autonomic testing report of the Therapeutics and Technology Assessment Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology 46:873–880
2.
go back to reference Anonymous (1996) Consensus statement on the definition of orthostatic hypotension, pure autonomic failure, and multiple system atrophy. Neurology 46:1470 Anonymous (1996) Consensus statement on the definition of orthostatic hypotension, pure autonomic failure, and multiple system atrophy. Neurology 46:1470
3.
go back to reference Cardone C, Paiusco P, Marchetti G, Burelli F, Feruglio M, Fedele D (1990) Cough test to assess cardiovascular autonomic reflexes in diabetes. Diab Care 13:719–724CrossRef Cardone C, Paiusco P, Marchetti G, Burelli F, Feruglio M, Fedele D (1990) Cough test to assess cardiovascular autonomic reflexes in diabetes. Diab Care 13:719–724CrossRef
4.
go back to reference Chen HS, Hwu CM, Kuo BI, Chiang SC, Kwok CF, Lee SH, Lee YS, Weih MJ, Hsiao LC, Lin SH, Ho LT (2001) Abnormal cardiovascular reflex tests are predictors of mortality in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diab Med 18:268–273CrossRef Chen HS, Hwu CM, Kuo BI, Chiang SC, Kwok CF, Lee SH, Lee YS, Weih MJ, Hsiao LC, Lin SH, Ho LT (2001) Abnormal cardiovascular reflex tests are predictors of mortality in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diab Med 18:268–273CrossRef
5.
go back to reference Davis BR, Langford HG, Blaufox MD, Curb JD, Polk BF, Shulman NB (1987) The association of postural changes in systolic blood pressure and mortality in persons with hypertension: the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program experience. Circulation 75:340–346PubMed Davis BR, Langford HG, Blaufox MD, Curb JD, Polk BF, Shulman NB (1987) The association of postural changes in systolic blood pressure and mortality in persons with hypertension: the Hypertension Detection and Follow-up Program experience. Circulation 75:340–346PubMed
6.
go back to reference ESH/ESC Hypertension Practice Guidelines Committee (2007) 2007 Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. J Hypertens 25:1105–1187CrossRef ESH/ESC Hypertension Practice Guidelines Committee (2007) 2007 Guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension. J Hypertens 25:1105–1187CrossRef
7.
go back to reference Ewing DJ (1992) Analysis of heart rate variability and other non-invasive tests with special reference to diabetes mellitus. In: Bannister R, Mathias CJ (eds) Autonomic failure, 3rd edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 312–333 Ewing DJ (1992) Analysis of heart rate variability and other non-invasive tests with special reference to diabetes mellitus. In: Bannister R, Mathias CJ (eds) Autonomic failure, 3rd edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 312–333
8.
9.
go back to reference Junqueira LF (2008) Teaching cardiac autonomic function dynamics employing the Valsalva (Valsalva-Weber) maneuver. Adv Physiol Educ 32:100–106PubMedCrossRef Junqueira LF (2008) Teaching cardiac autonomic function dynamics employing the Valsalva (Valsalva-Weber) maneuver. Adv Physiol Educ 32:100–106PubMedCrossRef
10.
go back to reference Kahn R (1992) Proceedings of a consensus development conference on standardized measures in diabetic neuropathy. Diab Care 15:1080–1103 Kahn R (1992) Proceedings of a consensus development conference on standardized measures in diabetic neuropathy. Diab Care 15:1080–1103
11.
go back to reference Kempler P, Tesfaye S, Chaturvedi N, Stevens LK, Webb DJ, Eaton S, Kerényi Z, Tamás G, Ward JD, Fuller JH (2001) Blood pressure response to standing in the diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy: the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study. Arch Physiol Biochem 109:215–222PubMedCrossRef Kempler P, Tesfaye S, Chaturvedi N, Stevens LK, Webb DJ, Eaton S, Kerényi Z, Tamás G, Ward JD, Fuller JH (2001) Blood pressure response to standing in the diagnosis of autonomic neuropathy: the EURODIAB IDDM Complications Study. Arch Physiol Biochem 109:215–222PubMedCrossRef
12.
go back to reference Lahrmann H, Cortelli P, Hilz M, Mathias CJ, Struhal W, Tassinari M (2006) EFNS guidelines on the diagnosis and management of orthostatic hypotension. Eur J Neurol 13:930–936PubMedCrossRef Lahrmann H, Cortelli P, Hilz M, Mathias CJ, Struhal W, Tassinari M (2006) EFNS guidelines on the diagnosis and management of orthostatic hypotension. Eur J Neurol 13:930–936PubMedCrossRef
13.
go back to reference Lahrmann H, Magnifico F, Haensch CA, Cortelli P (2005) Autonomic nervous system laboratories: a European survey. Eur J Neurol 12:375–379PubMedCrossRef Lahrmann H, Magnifico F, Haensch CA, Cortelli P (2005) Autonomic nervous system laboratories: a European survey. Eur J Neurol 12:375–379PubMedCrossRef
14.
go back to reference Low PA, Benrud-Larson LM, Sletten DM, Opfer-Gehrking TL, Weigand SD, O’Brien PC, Suarez GA, Dyck PJ (2004) Autonomic symptoms and diabetic neuropathy: a population-based study. Diab Care 27:2942–2947CrossRef Low PA, Benrud-Larson LM, Sletten DM, Opfer-Gehrking TL, Weigand SD, O’Brien PC, Suarez GA, Dyck PJ (2004) Autonomic symptoms and diabetic neuropathy: a population-based study. Diab Care 27:2942–2947CrossRef
15.
go back to reference Low PA, Denq JC, Opfer-Gehrking TL, Dyck PJ, O’Brien PC, Slezak JM (1997) Effect of age and gender on sudomotor and cardiovagal function and blood pressure response to tilt in normal subjects. Muscle Nerve 20:1561–1568PubMedCrossRef Low PA, Denq JC, Opfer-Gehrking TL, Dyck PJ, O’Brien PC, Slezak JM (1997) Effect of age and gender on sudomotor and cardiovagal function and blood pressure response to tilt in normal subjects. Muscle Nerve 20:1561–1568PubMedCrossRef
16.
go back to reference Luukinen H, Koski K, Laippala P, Airaksinen KE (2004) Orthostatic hypotension and the risk of myocardial infarction in the home-dwelling elderly. J Intern Med 255:486–493PubMedCrossRef Luukinen H, Koski K, Laippala P, Airaksinen KE (2004) Orthostatic hypotension and the risk of myocardial infarction in the home-dwelling elderly. J Intern Med 255:486–493PubMedCrossRef
17.
go back to reference Luukinen H, Koski K, Laippala P, Kivelä SL (1999) Prognosis of diastolic and systolic orthostatic hypotension in older persons. Arch Intern Med 159:273–280PubMedCrossRef Luukinen H, Koski K, Laippala P, Kivelä SL (1999) Prognosis of diastolic and systolic orthostatic hypotension in older persons. Arch Intern Med 159:273–280PubMedCrossRef
18.
go back to reference Masaki KH, Schatz IJ, Burchfiel CM, Sharp DS, Chiu D, Foley D, Curb JD (1998) Orthostatic hypotension predicts mortality in elderly men: the Honolulu Heart Program. Circulation 98:2290–2295PubMed Masaki KH, Schatz IJ, Burchfiel CM, Sharp DS, Chiu D, Foley D, Curb JD (1998) Orthostatic hypotension predicts mortality in elderly men: the Honolulu Heart Program. Circulation 98:2290–2295PubMed
19.
go back to reference Maser RE, Mitchell BD, Vinik AI, Freeman R (2003) The association between cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and mortality in individuals with diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diab Care 26:1895–1901CrossRef Maser RE, Mitchell BD, Vinik AI, Freeman R (2003) The association between cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy and mortality in individuals with diabetes: a meta-analysis. Diab Care 26:1895–1901CrossRef
20.
go back to reference Mathias CJ, Bannister R (1999) Investigation of autonomic disorders. In: Mathias CJ, Bannister R (eds) Autonomic failure, 4th edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 169–194 Mathias CJ, Bannister R (1999) Investigation of autonomic disorders. In: Mathias CJ, Bannister R (eds) Autonomic failure, 4th edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 169–194
21.
go back to reference McLeod JG, Tuck RR (1987) Disorders of the autonomic nervous system: part 2. Investigation and treatment. Ann Neurol 21:519–529PubMedCrossRef McLeod JG, Tuck RR (1987) Disorders of the autonomic nervous system: part 2. Investigation and treatment. Ann Neurol 21:519–529PubMedCrossRef
22.
go back to reference Metz CE (1998) Rockit 0.9.1B Beta Version. Apple Macintosh™ version. February 1998 Metz CE (1998) Rockit 0.9.1B Beta Version. Apple Macintosh™ version. February 1998
23.
go back to reference O’Brien E, Mee F, Atkins N, O’Malley K (1991) Evaluation of the SpaceLabs 90202 non-invasive ambulatory recorder according to the AAMI Standard and BHS criteria. J Hum Hypertens 5:223–226PubMed O’Brien E, Mee F, Atkins N, O’Malley K (1991) Evaluation of the SpaceLabs 90202 non-invasive ambulatory recorder according to the AAMI Standard and BHS criteria. J Hum Hypertens 5:223–226PubMed
24.
go back to reference Petrie A, Sabin C (2000) Medical statistics at a glance. Blackwell, Oxford Petrie A, Sabin C (2000) Medical statistics at a glance. Blackwell, Oxford
25.
go back to reference Pfeifer M (1999) Cardiovascular assessment. In: Dyck PJ, Thomas PK (eds) Diabetic neuropathy, 2nd edn. WB Saunders Company, Philadelphia, pp 171–183 Pfeifer M (1999) Cardiovascular assessment. In: Dyck PJ, Thomas PK (eds) Diabetic neuropathy, 2nd edn. WB Saunders Company, Philadelphia, pp 171–183
26.
go back to reference Purewal TS, Watkins PJ (1995) Postural hypotension in diabetic autonomic neuropathy: a review. Diab Med 12:192–200 Purewal TS, Watkins PJ (1995) Postural hypotension in diabetic autonomic neuropathy: a review. Diab Med 12:192–200
27.
go back to reference Rathmann W, Ziegler D, Jahnke M, Haastert B, Gries FA (1993) Mortality in diabetic patients with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. Diab Med 10:820–824 Rathmann W, Ziegler D, Jahnke M, Haastert B, Gries FA (1993) Mortality in diabetic patients with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. Diab Med 10:820–824
28.
go back to reference Ravits JM (1997) AAEM minimonograph #48: autonomic nervous system testing. Muscle Nerve 20:919–937PubMedCrossRef Ravits JM (1997) AAEM minimonograph #48: autonomic nervous system testing. Muscle Nerve 20:919–937PubMedCrossRef
29.
go back to reference Rose KM, Eigenbrodt ML, Biga RL, Couper DJ, Light KC, Sharrett AR, Heiss G (2006) Orthostatic hypotension predicts mortality in middle-aged adults: the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study. Circulation 114:630–636PubMedCrossRef Rose KM, Eigenbrodt ML, Biga RL, Couper DJ, Light KC, Sharrett AR, Heiss G (2006) Orthostatic hypotension predicts mortality in middle-aged adults: the atherosclerosis risk in communities (ARIC) study. Circulation 114:630–636PubMedCrossRef
30.
go back to reference Sampson MJ, Wilson S, Karagiannis P, Edmonds M, Watkins PJ (1990) Progression of diabetic autonomic neuropathy over a decade in insulin-dependent diabetics. Q J Med 75:635–646PubMed Sampson MJ, Wilson S, Karagiannis P, Edmonds M, Watkins PJ (1990) Progression of diabetic autonomic neuropathy over a decade in insulin-dependent diabetics. Q J Med 75:635–646PubMed
31.
go back to reference Schatz IJ (2002) Orthostatic hypotension predicts mortality: lessons from the Honolulu Heart Program. Clin Auton Res 12:223–224PubMedCrossRef Schatz IJ (2002) Orthostatic hypotension predicts mortality: lessons from the Honolulu Heart Program. Clin Auton Res 12:223–224PubMedCrossRef
32.
go back to reference Spallone V, Bax G, Bellavere F, Esposito K, Melga P, Morganti R, Quadri R, Scionti L, Viviani G, per il Gruppo di Studio SID “Neuropatia Diabetica” (2007) Raccomandazioni sull’uso dei test cardiovascolari nella diagnosi di neuropatia autonomica diabetica. Il Diabete 19:197–223 Spallone V, Bax G, Bellavere F, Esposito K, Melga P, Morganti R, Quadri R, Scionti L, Viviani G, per il Gruppo di Studio SID “Neuropatia Diabetica” (2007) Raccomandazioni sull’uso dei test cardiovascolari nella diagnosi di neuropatia autonomica diabetica. Il Diabete 19:197–223
33.
go back to reference Spallone V, Maiello MR, Morganti R, Mandica S, Frajese G (2007) Usefulness of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in predicting the presence of autonomic neuropathy in type I diabetic patients. J Hum Hypertens 21:381–386PubMed Spallone V, Maiello MR, Morganti R, Mandica S, Frajese G (2007) Usefulness of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in predicting the presence of autonomic neuropathy in type I diabetic patients. J Hum Hypertens 21:381–386PubMed
34.
go back to reference Staessen JA, Bieniaszewski L, O’Brien E, Gosse P, Hayashi H, Imai Y, Kawasaki T, Otsuka K, Palatini P, Thijs L, Fagard R, for the “Ad Hoc’ Working Group (1997) Nocturnal blood pressure fall on ambulatory monitoring in a large international database. Hypertension 29:30–39PubMed Staessen JA, Bieniaszewski L, O’Brien E, Gosse P, Hayashi H, Imai Y, Kawasaki T, Otsuka K, Palatini P, Thijs L, Fagard R, for the “Ad Hoc’ Working Group (1997) Nocturnal blood pressure fall on ambulatory monitoring in a large international database. Hypertension 29:30–39PubMed
35.
go back to reference Töyry JP, Niskanen LK, Mantysaari MJ, Lansimies EA, Uusitupa MI (1996) Occurrence, predictors, and clinical significance of autonomic neuropathy in NIDDM: ten-year follow-up from the diagnosis. Diabetes 45:308–315PubMedCrossRef Töyry JP, Niskanen LK, Mantysaari MJ, Lansimies EA, Uusitupa MI (1996) Occurrence, predictors, and clinical significance of autonomic neuropathy in NIDDM: ten-year follow-up from the diagnosis. Diabetes 45:308–315PubMedCrossRef
36.
go back to reference van Dijk JG, Tjon-A-Tsien AM, Kamzoul BA, Kramer CG, Lemkes HH (1994) Effects of supine blood pressure on interpretation of standing up test in 500 patients with diabetes mellitus. J Auton Nerv Syst 47:23–31PubMedCrossRef van Dijk JG, Tjon-A-Tsien AM, Kamzoul BA, Kramer CG, Lemkes HH (1994) Effects of supine blood pressure on interpretation of standing up test in 500 patients with diabetes mellitus. J Auton Nerv Syst 47:23–31PubMedCrossRef
37.
go back to reference Vinik AI, Maser RE, Mitchell BD, Freeman R (2003) Diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Diab Care 26:1553–1579CrossRef Vinik AI, Maser RE, Mitchell BD, Freeman R (2003) Diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Diab Care 26:1553–1579CrossRef
38.
39.
go back to reference Wieling W, Karemaker JM (1999) Measurement of heart rate and blood pressure to evaluate disturbances in neurocardiovascular control. In: Mathias CJ, Bannister R (eds) Autonomic failure, 4th edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 196–210 Wieling W, Karemaker JM (1999) Measurement of heart rate and blood pressure to evaluate disturbances in neurocardiovascular control. In: Mathias CJ, Bannister R (eds) Autonomic failure, 4th edn. Oxford University Press, Oxford, pp 196–210
40.
go back to reference Ziegler D (1994) Diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy: prognosis, diagnosis and treatment. Diab Metab Rev 10:339–383 Ziegler D (1994) Diabetic cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy: prognosis, diagnosis and treatment. Diab Metab Rev 10:339–383
41.
go back to reference Ziegler D, Laude D, Akila F, Elghozi J-L (2001) Time- and frequency-domain estimation of early diabetic cardiovascular neuropathy. Clin Auton Res 11:369–376PubMedCrossRef Ziegler D, Laude D, Akila F, Elghozi J-L (2001) Time- and frequency-domain estimation of early diabetic cardiovascular neuropathy. Clin Auton Res 11:369–376PubMedCrossRef
42.
go back to reference Ziegler D, Laux G, Dannehl K, Spuler M, Muhlen H, Mayer P, Gries FA (1992) Assessment of cardiovascular autonomic function: age-related normal ranges and reproducibility of spectral analysis, vector analysis, and standard tests of heart rate variation and blood pressure responses. Diab Med 9:166–175CrossRef Ziegler D, Laux G, Dannehl K, Spuler M, Muhlen H, Mayer P, Gries FA (1992) Assessment of cardiovascular autonomic function: age-related normal ranges and reproducibility of spectral analysis, vector analysis, and standard tests of heart rate variation and blood pressure responses. Diab Med 9:166–175CrossRef
Metadata
Title
Reappraisal of the diagnostic role of orthostatic hypotension in diabetes
Authors
Vincenza Spallone, MD, PhD
Roberto Morganti, MD
Tiziana Fedele, MD
Cinzia D’Amato, MD
Maria Rosaria Maiello, MD
Publication date
01-02-2009
Publisher
Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in
Clinical Autonomic Research / Issue 1/2009
Print ISSN: 0959-9851
Electronic ISSN: 1619-1560
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-009-0517-0

Other articles of this Issue 1/2009

Clinical Autonomic Research 1/2009 Go to the issue