Investigating the autoimmune causes of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome and the effects of vagal stimulation
Official title: Autoimmune Basis for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
Run by University of Oklahoma · NCT05043051 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if certain autoimmune factors cause Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and whether using vagal nerve stimulation can help relieve symptoms for people with this condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Oklahoma Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) |
| Trial ID | NCT05043051 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18-80 diagnosed with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome or healthy controls without significant cardiovascular issues.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, or significant cardiovascular or immunological disorders may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore the role of muscarinic autoantibodies in the development of Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and assess whether vagal nerve stimulation can alleviate symptoms associated with this condition. Researchers will evaluate a cohort of POTS patients and healthy controls to determine the prevalence of these autoantibodies and their impact on autonomic function. The study will utilize non-invasive transcutaneous vagal stimulation to enhance parasympathetic activity and potentially reduce inflammation and improve symptoms in participants. The findings could provide insights into the autoimmune mechanisms underlying POTS and offer a novel therapeutic approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment options for patients suffering from POTS by targeting autoimmune mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of vagal stimulation in POTS is novel, there is emerging evidence supporting the role of autoimmunity in similar conditions.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-80 years old, female or male * Either healthy control or individual with postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) defined as heart rate increase \>30 bpm from supine within 10 min of standing, in the absence of orthostatic hypotension (\>20/10 mmHg fall in blood pressure), with chronic symptoms (\>6 months), and in the absence of other acute cause of orthostatic tachycardia * Able and willing to provide informed consent * Understand and be able to comply with the study procedures and restrictions Exclusion Criteria: * Hypertension (\>150 mmHg systolic and \>100 mmHg diastolic) based on history or findings at screening * Orthostatic hypotension (consistent drop in blood pressure \>20/10 mmHg with 10 min of standing) * Cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction within 6 months * History or presence of significant immunological or hematological disorders * History of vagotomy * Currently pregnant women or women planning on becoming pregnant ≤ 3 months * Inability to comply with the protocol * Patients with active implants (such as a cardiac pacemaker, or a cochlear implant) Healthy control subjects will be healthy, non-smoking and on no chronic medications at the time of the study. Healthy control subjects will be group-matched to the POTS patients for age and gender.
Where it's running
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Oklahoma Clinical and Translational Science Institute
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Xichun Yu
- Email: xichun-yu@ouhsc.edu
- Phone: 405-271-5896
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Stellate ganglion block to help POTS symptoms
This study tests whether a stellate ganglion block can improve symptoms and heart rate in adults with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome compared with a sham injection.
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Understanding how the brain communicates in young people with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome
This study is testing how young people with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome understand visual information to see how their brain communicates differently compared to healthy peers.
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Registry for Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia and Postural Tachycardia Syndrome treatments
This study is collecting information on the safety and effectiveness of AtriCure devices used to treat people with Inappropriate Sinus Tachycardia or Postural Tachycardia Syndrome.
-
Observing autonomic neuropathies and Ehlers Danlos syndromes over time
This study is trying to understand how autonomic neuropathies and Ehlers Danlos syndromes change over time in patients compared to healthy individuals.
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Effects of CO2 on heart rate and symptoms in POTS patients
This study tests if breathing in higher levels of carbon dioxide can help improve heart rate and symptoms for people with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS).
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Comparing Propranolol and Ivabradine for treating POTS
This study tests which medication, Propranolol or Ivabradine, works better to help people with Postural Tachycardia Syndrome feel better and manage their symptoms.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.