NEWS HIGHLIGHTSMedia Articles Related to Methyldopate
New Consortium Paves The Way For Improved Treatment Of Hypertension And Associated Vascular Complications
Source: Hypertension News From Medical News Today [2009.11.18]
Top Institute Pharma (TI Pharma) has formed a consortium with Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Erasmus Medical Centre and Maastricht University to define new modalities for the treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) and associated vascular complications such as heart and kidney failure, myocardial infarction and stroke.
Kids with CKD Often Have Masked Hypertension (CME/CE)
Source: MedPage Today Nephrology [2009.11.13]
Many children with chronic kidney disease may have undetected hypertension, placing them at risk for enlarged hearts and future cardiovascular disease, a cross-sectional study showed.
Key Player Identified In Cascade That Leads To Hypertension-Related Kidney Damage
Source: Hypertension News From Medical News Today [2009.11.06]
A key player in a cascade that likely begins with stress and leads to high blood pressure and kidney damage has been identified by researchers who say the finding may lead to better ways to control both. Medical College of Georgia researchers have found endothelin, a powerful blood vessel constrictor and inflammatory peptide, increases the number of T cells in the kidneys, which helps recruit other immune cells, causing inflammation and destruction.
A Recipe For Hypertension: High Fructose Corn Syrup
Source: Hypertension News From Medical News Today [2009.10.31]
A diet high in fructose increases the risk of developing high blood pressure (hypertension), according to a paper presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, California. The findings suggest that cutting back on processed foods and beverages that contain high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) may help prevent hypertension.
Hypertension Guidelines Reappraised In Light Of New Research
Source: Hypertension News From Medical News Today [2009.10.30]
A Task Force of the European Society of Hypertension have released the official European guidelines on the management and treatment of hypertension. The guidelines are an update of those published in 2007, and will be published in the November issue of the Journal of Hypertension.
Clinical Trials Related to Methyldopate
A Comparison of Compliance Between Clonidine Patch and Methyldopa for the Treatment of Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy [Recruiting]
High blood pressure (BP) before pregnancy is called chronic hypertension (CHTN), and is
associated with an increased risk of development of pregnancy related high BP called
preeclampsia, preterm delivery, decreased growth of the fetus, fetal death, premature
separation of the placenta from the uterus resulting in damage to the fetus and cesarean
delivery. Longer duration and severity of CHTN in pregnancy leads to worse outcomes for the
mother and the fetus. Treatment of mild CHTN in pregnancy does not improve these outcomes,
and therefore, medications to lower BP are used for moderate to severe hypertension. To date
the literature on the medications used in pregnancy is extremely limited.
Methyldopa is used as a first choice medicine for CHTN in pregnancy. It acts on the central
nervous system (CNS) by relaxation of the blood vessels leading to a decrease in BP. It does
not decrease the blood flow to the uterus, placenta, or the fetus (4). Methyldopa is a weak
antihypertensive medicine given three or four times a day and frequently needs changes in the
dose or may require an additional medication to control BP. This may lead to a greater chance
of non compliance. Another option is Clonidine which is an effective antihypertensive
treatment and is available in many forms (oral, parenteral, and transdermal.) It acts on the
maternal CNS. Clonidine is not associated with teratogenic or neonatal side effects.
Transdermal clonidine (catapres-TTS®) is a preparation of clonidine hydrochloride that can be
released and absorbed transdermally over a 7-day period.
The study will determine differences in compliance between the two antihypertensive regimens-
oral methyldopa and Catapres-TTS, comparisons of patient tolerability, compliance and
adequacy of BP control, as well as provide information on an alternate option for BP
control.
Autonomic Nervous System and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [Recruiting]
The investigators propose to test the hypothesis that the sympathetic nervous system
contributes to the cardiovascular and inflammatory abnormalities present in the chronic
fatigue syndrome (CFS) and, in particular in the subset of patients characterized by
postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). CFS and POTS are seen mostly in otherwise normal
young women, and are the cause of significant disability. A substantial proportion of
patients referred for evaluation of POTS met diagnostic criteria for CFS and, conversely, a
subset of patients referred for treatment for CFS have POTS. The investigators hypothesize
that sympathetic activation underlies the pathophysiology of patients in whom CFS and POTS
overlap (CFS-P).
Treatment of Orthostatic Hypotension [Recruiting]
The purpose of this study is to try different medications in patients with low blood
pressure and other problems with their involuntary (autonomic) nervous system. The
pharmacological trials in this study will perhaps lead to more effective treatment. This
study consists of single dose trials, dose selection trials, 5-day trials and chronic
(approximately 2 months) trials.
Cardiovascular and Autonomic Reactivity in Women With a History of Pre-Eclampsia [Recruiting]
A history of preeclampsia is associated with a low plasma volume and higher sympathetic
activity. Methyldopa will suppress sympathetic activity to normal values. In this study, the
researchers will test that effect on the total cardiovascular balance.
The Pathophysiology of Orthostatic Hypotension [Recruiting]
The purpose of this study is to determine the cause of low blood pressure in selective
patients who have problems with their involuntary (autonomic) nervous system. These
patients frequently have had symptoms throughout their life, and their disorder might have a
genetic basis. The biochemical, physiological and pharmacological procedures in this study
should help us define the problem and perhaps lead to more effective treatment.
|
