Objective

The goal of this study was to see how ampreloxetine (a medication taken by mouth at 10 mg/day) affects supine hypertension, which is high blood pressure when lying down. This was measured using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.

Background

Patients with certain neurological conditions often experience both low blood pressure when standing (neurogenic orthostatic hypotension or nOH) and high blood pressure when lying down (supine hypertension). Current medications for nOH can worsen supine hypertension. Ampreloxetine is a new treatment being tested for nOH that may not have this side effect.

Methods

186 participants with nOH were enrolled in a 4-week study where they received either ampreloxetine or a placebo (a non-active substance). Blood pressure was measured both in the office after resting and throughout the night using a portable monitor. The severity of supine hypertension was categorized based on blood pressure readings.

Results

Out of the participants, 80 had satisfactory blood pressure recordings. The average nighttime blood pressure before treatment was similar in both groups. After treatment, there was no significant change in blood pressure for either group. Importantly, there was no increase in the severity of supine hypertension in those taking ampreloxetine.

Conclusions

The study found no evidence that ampreloxetine worsens supine hypertension in patients with nOH. If further studies confirm these findings, ampreloxetine could be the first medication to treat nOH without increasing the risk of supine hypertension, which is beneficial for patient safety and health.

Next Steps

To effectively utilize these findings in clinical settings:

Define Measurable Outcomes: Establish clear goals for the impact of ampreloxetine on patients.
Select AI Tools: Choose AI solutions that can assist in monitoring and managing patient care based on the study data.
Implement Gradually: Start with a pilot project to track results and expand based on the findings.