Key result
Head-up tilt to 45 degrees increased plasma noradrenaline by 14% in tetraplegic patients compared to 115% in normal controls, indicating a failure of sympathetic activity in tetraplegia.
Why the study?
Does head-up tilt alter plasma catecholamines, renin activity, and aldosterone differently in tetraplegic patients compared to normal subjects?
Population
4 subjects with physiologically complete cervical spinal cord transections and 5 normal male volunteers
Comparison
Head-up tilt to 45 degrees for up to 30 min vs Supine position and normal male volunteers
Design
Case-control
Follow-up
30 min
Authors
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Blunted noradrenaline response to tilt supports sympathetic failure in tetraplegia; leaves open clinical relevance of exaggerated renin-aldosterone compensation.
Observational (n=9)
Does head-up tilt alter plasma catecholamines, renin activity, and aldosterone differently in tetraplegic patients compared to normal subjects?
Absolute Event Rate: 14% vs 115%
Tetraplegic patients show a blunted sympathetic response but an exaggerated renin-aldosterone response during head-up tilt.
Mathias et al. (1975) conducted an observational in Tetraplegia (n=9). Head-up tilt to 45 degrees vs. Normal male volunteers was evaluated on Plasma noradrenaline rise after 10 min of head-up tilt. Head-up tilt to 45 degrees increased plasma noradrenaline by 14% in tetraplegic patients compared to 115% in normal controls, indicating a failure of sympathetic activity in tetraplegia.
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