Northera (Droxidopa) Research Study in POTS and Vasovagal Syncope
Dr. Julian Stewart's team at New York Medical College is seeking people ages 18-35 years of age who have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or have had frequent postural fainting episodes (Vasovagal Syncope) to participate in a New York Medical College research protocol.
We are recruiting patients who faint with at least 2 episodes of vasovagal fainting in the past 12 months and patients with POTS who have had symptoms for 6 months or more. You do not have to have POTS and VVS to participate.
It is thought that many of the symptoms of orthostatic intolerance are caused by abnormalities in the way in which blood volume (the amount of blood in your circulatory system) shifts when you go from lying down to standing upright. Blood pressure is maintained by the contraction of blood vessels. We want to determine whether Northera (droxidopa) will improve blood vessel contraction in VVS and POTS and whether this improves patients' quality-of-life.
When you come for your testing, we will perform a type of tilt testing and other simple noninvasive tests. The first part of the study is designed to take place over 2 days and will require that you remain lying down on a table for 2-3 hours each day while being hooked-up to the various noninvasive monitoring devices. On the first day, you will be monitored for about 30 minutes prior to the random administration of either Northera 600mg or placebo (a harmless capsule containing no medication) by mouth. After 2 hours of monitoring while lying down, a 70 degree upright tilt test will be performed for approximately 10 minutes. You will be then be scheduled to come back a week or so later to repeat the testing and receive the treatment you did not receive (either Northera/placebo).
The 2nd part of the study, you will receive Northera or placebo for two weeks. You will then return for a follow-up tilt table test and will fill out questionnaires. There will be a one week wash out period, and you will receive the alternative treatment for 2 additional weeks and then return for a one day tilt table test.
Patients will have a total of 4 days of testing and will be reimbursed $150 per day.
If interested or if you have any questions, please contact:
Courtney Terilli, Research Coordinator
The Center for Hypotension
Department of Pediatrics
19 Bradhurst Avenue, Suite 1600 South
Hawthorne, New York 10532
courtney_terilli@nymc.edu
Telephone: 914-593-8888
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