Nebivolol in the Supine Hypertension of Autonomic Failure

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of the antihypertensive drug, nebivolol (Bystolic), compared to metoprolol (Lopressor) and sildenafil (Viagra) on blood pressure in patients with autonomic failure and supine hypertension.

Detailed Description
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Nebivolol is distinct among beta-blockers by its ability to increase nitric oxide (NO) bioactivity. The contribution of this effect to the pharmacological actions of the drug, however, is difficult to ascertain in normal subjects because of the confounding contribution of the autonomic nervous system. Autonomic failure patients provide a unique model of hypertension devoid of autonomic modulation but sensitive to NO mechanisms. We propose to determine the effect of nebivolol on blood pressure in this patient population. A decrease in blood pressure will imply increased bioactivity of NO. Comparisons will be made with placebo, metoprolol (as a negative control) and sildenafil (as a positive control).

Official Title
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Effect of Nebivolol on Blood Pressure in a Model of Hypertension Sensitive to Potentiation of Nitric Oxide Bioactivity

Conditions
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Hypertension, Pure Autonomic Failure, Multiple System Atrophy

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Placebo
* Drug: Nebivolol 5 mg
* Drug: metoprolol tartrate 50 mg
* Drug: Sildenafil25 mg


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Male or female and aged 18 years or over. Clinical diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension associated with Primary Autonomic Failure (Parkinson Disease, Multiple System Atrophy and Pure Autonomic Failure). A documented fall in systolic blood pressure of at least 20 mmHg, or in diastolic blood pressure of at least 10 mmHg, within 3 minutes after standing. Supine hypertension, defined as a systolic blood pressure >150 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure > 90 mm Hg. Provide written informed consent to participate in the study and understand that they may withdraw their consent at any time without prejudice to their future medical care. Exclusion Criteria: Have changed dose, frequency and or type of prescribed medication, within two weeks of study start. Women of childbearing potential who are not using a medically accepted contraception. Have, in the investigator's opinion, any significant cardiac, systemic, hepatic, or renal illness. Diabetes mellitus or insipidus. In the investigator's opinion, have clinically significant abnormalities on clinical examination or laboratory testing. In the investigator's opinion, are unable to adequately co-operate because of individual or family situation. In the investigator's opinion, are suffering from a mental disorder that interferes with the diagnosis and/or with the conduct of the study, e.g. schizophrenia, major depression, dementia. Are not able or willing to comply with the study requirements for the duration of the study. Persons on drugs with beta-blocking potential (e.g., amiodarone), persons taking scheduled or as needed nitrates and persons on drugs with alpha-blocking potential (e.g. tamsulosin).

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Double


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo capsule<br>Placebo capsule | Drug: Placebo<br>* Placebo capsule<br>* Other names: sugar pill;|
| Experimental: Nebivolol 5 mg<br>Nebivolol 5 mg capsule | Drug: Nebivolol 5 mg<br>* Nebivolol 5mg single oral dose<br>* Other names: Bystolic;|
| Active Comparator: Metoprolol tartrate 50 mg<br>Metoprolol tartrate 50 mg single oral dose | Drug: metoprolol tartrate 50 mg<br>* metoprolol tartrate 50 mg single oral dose<br>* Other names: Lopressor;|
| Active Comparator: Sildenafil 25 mg<br>Sildenafil 25 mg single oral dose | Drug: Sildenafil25 mg<br>* Sildenafil 25 mg single oral dose<br>* Other names: Viagra;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Systolic Blood Pressure During the Night | Maximal change from baseline in systolic blood pressure, measured from 8 pm to 8 am, after a single dose of the intervention | 8 pm - 8 am | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Nocturnal Urinary Sodium Excretion | Nocturnal sodium excretion was defined as the ratio of urinary sodium to urinary creatinine. | 8 pm - 8 am | 
| Orthostatic Tolerance the Following Morning | Orthostatic tolerance was defined as the area under the curve of standing systolic blood pressure calculated by the trapezoidal rule (upright systolic blood pressure multiplied by standing time) during a 10-minute standing test | 10 min standing | 
| Change in Heart Rate During the Night | Change from baseline (8 pm) in heart rate at the time of maximal BP-lowering effect | 8 pm - 8 am | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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supine Hypertension, autonomic failure, nitric oxide, nebivolol