Using a CO2 rebreather to improve blood pressure in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the effectiveness of a CO2 rebreather device in improving blood pressure and orthostatic tolerance in patients diagnosed with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH). The study is based on the hypothesis that increasing arterial CO2 levels through rebreathing can enhance blood pressure responses in these patients. The intervention involves capturing and re-inhaling expired CO2 to transiently elevate CO2 levels, potentially offering a novel treatment approach for managing nOH symptoms. The study will include 28 participants who meet specific eligibility criteria and will be conducted at the University of Calgary.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥18 years
* Male and Female
* Physician diagnosis of Neurogenic Orthostatic Hypotension
* Non-smokers.
* Able and willing to provide informed consent.
* Ability to travel to Libin Cardiovascular Institute Autonomic Testing Lab at the University of Calgary, Calgary, AB.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medical therapies or medications which could interfere with testing of autonomic function
* Pregnant or breast-feeding females
* Subjects with chronic heart failure or severe pulmonary disease who are unable to climb one flight of stairs due to shortness of breath.
* Presence of failure of other organ systems or systemic illness that can affect autonomic function or the participant's ability to cooperate. These include dementia, alcohol and/or drug abuse, cerebrovascular disease, kidney or liver disease, surgical procedures where the nerves of the sympathetic nervous system have been cut.
* Other factors which in the investigator's opinion would prevent the participant from completing the protocol, including poor compliance during previous studies.

Where it's running

• University of Calgary
  Calgary, Alberta, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Satish R Raj, MD — University of Calgary
• Study coordinator: Jacquie Baker, PhD
• Email: autonomic.research@ucalgary.ca
• Phone: 4032103819

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.