HypertensionNCT02417415
Local Heat Stress in Autonomic Failure Patients With Supine Hypertension
A study testing Passive heat stress in people with Hypertension and Pure Autonomic Failure, run by Vanderbilt University at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Patients with autonomic failure are characterized by disabling orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure on standing), and at least half of them also have high blood pressure while lying down (supine hypertension). Exposure to heat, such as in hot environments, often worsens their orthostatic hypotension. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Hypertension, Pure Autonomic Failure, Multiple System Atrophy
- What is being tested?
- Passive heat stress
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 22 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Apr 2015to Feb 2021
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 80 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Male and female patients, between 18-80 yrs., with primary autonomic failure (Parkinson Disease, Multiple System Atrophy, and Pure Autonomic Failure) and supine hypertension. Supine hypertension will be defined as SBP≥150 mmHg.
- Patients able and willing to provide informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Pregnancy
- Significant cardiac, renal or hepatic illness, or with contraindications to administration of pressor agents or with other factors, which in the investigator's opinion would prevent the subject from completing the protocol including clinically significant abnormalities in clinical, mental or laboratory testing.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Patients with autonomic failure are characterized by disabling orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure on standing), and at least half of them also have high blood pressure while lying down (supine hypertension). Exposure to heat, such as in hot environments, often worsens their orthostatic hypotension. The causes of this are not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether applying local heat over the abdomen of patients with autonomic failure and supine hypertension would decrease their high blood pressure while lying down. This will help us better understand the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, and may be of use in the treatment of supine hypertension.
Read the detailed description
Primary autonomic failure is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by severe impairment of the autonomic nervous system. The clinical hallmark of autonomic failure is disabling orthostatic hypotension, but at least half of patients are also hypertensive while lying down. This supine hypertension can be severe and associated with end-organ damage and worsening of orthostatic hypotension due to increased pressure natriuresis. It also complicates the management of these patients by limiting the use of daytime pressor agents for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension.
It is well known that heat exposure (e.g. hot weather or a hot bath or shower) produces an acute and temporary worsening of orthostatic hypotension in autonomic failure patients. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are completely unexplored. Factors that may predispose autonomic failure patients to the acute lowering blood pressure effects of heat stress include 1) impaired heat dissipation due to inability to sweat, 2) preserved heat-mediated skin vasodilation, and 3) blunted sympathetic hemodynamic responses to maintain blood pressure. In this study, we test the hypothesis that moderate levels of local (abdominal) passive heat stress will lower blood pressure in autonomic failure patients with supine hypertension.
To test this hypothesis, we propose this pilot study with the following specific aims:
- To evaluate the acute blood pressure effects of local passive heat stress in autonomic failure patients with supine hypertension, we will compare changes in BP between controlled local heat stress (~44ºC) using a commercial heating pad that covers the abdomen and part of the torso, and a control (non-heating) study day using the same heating pad but turned off.
- To evaluate the mechanisms underlying BP changes during local heat stress, we will compare changes in hemodynamic parameters (cardiac output, stroke volume and peripheral vascular resistance), segmental fluid shifts (measured by segmental bioimpedance), skin blood flow and skin temperature between the heat and non-heating study days.
- Being tested
- Passive heat stress, Control (non-heating)
- Keywords
- Supine hypertension, Autonomic failure, Heat intolerance, Orthostatic hypotension, Heat stress
- Medical subject headings
- Hypertension, Pure Autonomic Failure, Multiple System Atrophy, Hypotension, Orthostatic, Heat Stress Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Passive heat stressOther
Also called Heating pad
Passive heat stress will be applied with a commercial heating pad that covers all the abdomen and part of the torso to provide local heating at ~44ºC continuously for 2 hr.
Control (non-heating)Other
Also called sham
Heating pad will be applied over the abdomen and part of the torso but it will be turned off.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Local Heat Stress | Experimental | Passive heat-stress using a commercial heating pad applied over the abdomen and part of the torso Receives: Other: Passive heat stress |
| Control (Non-heating) | Sham comparator | Commercial heating pad applied over the abdomen and part of the torso but turned off Receives: Other: Control (non-heating) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Systolic Blood Pressure
Change from baseline in systolic blood pressure at 2 hr post-intervention
Measured: 2 hours of heat stress or sham
Secondary outcomes (1)
Percent Change in Hemodynamic Parameters (Cardiac Output, Stroke Volume and Systemic Vascular Resistance)
Percent change from baseline ([post-intervention - baseline]/baseline X 100) in cardiac output, stroke volume and systemic vascular resistance at 2 hours post-intervention
Measured: 2 hours of heat stress or sham
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Apr 2015 (estimated)
- Study startApr 2015
- Primary completionFeb 2021
- Study completionFeb 2021
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for HypertensionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Model description
- randomized, 2-arm crossover study (heat vs. sham)
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 22 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Vanderbilt University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Italo Biaggioni, Vanderbilt University
- Investigators
- Italo Biaggioni, MD, Principal investigator, Vanderbilt University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02417415
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 141523
- Status last verified
- Dec 2021
- First submitted
- 10 Apr 2015
- Last updated
- 10 Mar 2022
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Publications
Okamoto LE, Celedonio JE, Smith EC, Gamboa A, Shibao CA, Diedrich A, Paranjape SY, Black BK, Muldowney JAS 3rd, Peltier AC, Habermann R, Crandall CG, Biaggioni I. Local Passive Heat for the Treatment of Hypertension in Autonomic Failure. J Am Heart Assoc. 2021 Apr 6;10(7):e018979. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.120.018979. Epub 2021 Mar 19.
PubMed 33739123
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 Mar 2022. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Local Heat Stress in Autonomic Failure Patients With Supine Hypertension
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02417415
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 141523
- Keywords
- Supine hypertension, Autonomic failure, Heat intolerance, Orthostatic hypotension, Heat stress
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 22 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Vanderbilt UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Apr 2015 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Feb 2021 (actual)
- Study completion
- Feb 2021 (actual)
- First posted
- 15 Apr 2015 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 10 Mar 2022
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Patients with autonomic failure are characterized by disabling orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure on standing), and at least half of them also have high blood pressure while lying down (supine hypertension). Exposure to heat, such as in hot environments, often worsens their orthostatic hypotension. The causes of this are not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether applying local heat over the abdomen of patients with autonomic failure and supine hypertension would decrease their high blood pressure while lying down. This will help us better understand the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, and may be of use in the treatment of supine hypertension.
Detailed description
Primary autonomic failure is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by severe impairment of the autonomic nervous system. The clinical hallmark of autonomic failure is disabling orthostatic hypotension, but at least half of patients are also hypertensive while lying down. This supine hypertension can be severe and associated with end-organ damage and worsening of orthostatic hypotension due to increased pressure natriuresis. It also complicates the management of these patients by limiting the use of daytime pressor agents for the treatment of orthostatic hypotension.
It is well known that heat exposure (e.g. hot weather or a hot bath or shower) produces an acute and temporary worsening of orthostatic hypotension in autonomic failure patients. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are completely unexplored. Factors that may predispose autonomic failure patients to the acute lowering blood pressure effects of heat stress include 1) impaired heat dissipation due to inability to sweat, 2) preserved heat-mediated skin vasodilation, and 3) blunted sympathetic hemodynamic responses to maintain blood pressure. In this study, we test the hypothesis that moderate levels of local (abdominal) passive heat stress will lower blood pressure in autonomic failure patients with supine hypertension.
To test this hypothesis, we propose this pilot study with the following specific aims:
- To evaluate the acute blood pressure effects of local passive heat stress in autonomic failure patients with supine hypertension, we will compare changes in BP between controlled local heat stress (~44ºC) using a commercial heating pad that covers the abdomen and part of the torso, and a control (non-heating) study day using the same heating pad but turned off.
- To evaluate the mechanisms underlying BP changes during local heat stress, we will compare changes in hemodynamic parameters (cardiac output, stroke volume and peripheral vascular resistance), segmental fluid shifts (measured by segmental bioimpedance), skin blood flow and skin temperature between the heat and non-heating study days.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Other
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Crossover
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- randomized, 2-arm crossover study (heat vs. sham)
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Local Heat Stress | Experimental | Other: Passive heat stressPassive heat-stress using a commercial heating pad applied over the abdomen and part of the torso |
| Control (Non-heating) | Sham comparator | Other: Control (non-heating)Commercial heating pad applied over the abdomen and part of the torso but turned off |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Male and female patients, between 18-80 yrs., with primary autonomic failure (Parkinson Disease, Multiple System Atrophy, and Pure Autonomic Failure) and supine hypertension. Supine hypertension will be defined as SBP≥150 mmHg.
- Patients able and willing to provide informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Pregnancy
- Significant cardiac, renal or hepatic illness, or with contraindications to administration of pressor agents or with other factors, which in the investigator's opinion would prevent the subject from completing the protocol including clinically significant abnormalities in clinical, mental or laboratory testing.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Passive heat stressAlso: Heating padPassive heat stress will be applied with a commercial heating pad that covers all the abdomen and part of the torso to provide local heating at ~44ºC continuously for 2 hr. | Other | Local Heat Stress |
| Control (non-heating)Also: shamHeating pad will be applied over the abdomen and part of the torso but it will be turned off. | Other | Control (Non-heating) |
Primary outcome
Change in Systolic Blood Pressure
Time frame: 2 hours of heat stress or sham
Change from baseline in systolic blood pressure at 2 hr post-intervention
1 secondary outcome
Percent Change in Hemodynamic Parameters (Cardiac Output, Stroke Volume and Systemic Vascular Resistance)
Time frame: 2 hours of heat stress or sham
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 Mar 2022.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 33739123Okamoto LE, Celedonio JE, Smith EC, Gamboa A, Shibao CA, Diedrich A, Paranjape SY, Black BK, Muldowney JAS 3rd, Peltier AC, Habermann R, Crandall CG, Biaggioni I. Local Passive Heat for the Treatment of Hypertension in Autonomic Failure. J Am Heart Assoc. 2021 Apr 6;10(7):e018979. doi: 10.1161/JAHA.120.018979. Epub 2021 Mar 19.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Italo Biaggioni, MD principal investigator
Vanderbilt University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Passive heat stress in people with Hypertension and Pure Autonomic Failure, run by Vanderbilt University at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Mar 2022. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 10 Mar 2022). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Systolic Blood Pressure (time frame: 2 hours of heat stress or sham). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02417415, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Mar 2022; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 8 Nov 2026.