Orthostatic hypotension in human immunodeficiency virus infection may be the result of generalized autonomic nervous system dysfunction

J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr (1988). 1991;4(1):31-3.

Abstract

We used an autonomic nervous system (ANS) testing battery to determine if generalized ANS dysfunction was present in five human immunodeficiency virus-positive (HIV+) patients presenting with severe orthostatic hypotension (OH). All five patients had abnormal ANS testing, which demonstrated both sympathetic and parasympathetic defects, i.e., generalized ANS dysfunction. Treatment with fludrocortisone effectively reversed the OH in four of the five patients. The OH was transient in these four patients. We believe it is important to recognize that OH may be the result of generalized ANS dysfunction in HIV-positive patients and that it can be effectively treated.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Autonomic Nervous System / physiopathology*
  • Bisexuality
  • Blood Pressure
  • Fludrocortisone / therapeutic use
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / physiopathology
  • Homosexuality
  • Humans
  • Hypotension, Orthostatic / complications*
  • Hypotension, Orthostatic / drug therapy
  • Hypotension, Orthostatic / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Substance Abuse, Intravenous / complications

Substances

  • Fludrocortisone