Characterisation of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Findings from a physician chart-audit pre- and post-COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a complex disorder with challenging diagnosis and management.

METHODS

This cross-sectional, multi-national, web-based physician chart audit described clinical features and management of POTS, offering insights into disease burden and outcomes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

Physicians (n = 153), primarily cardiologists (77.1 %), reported data from 599 patients from two cohorts: 1) POTS not triggered by COVID-19 (n = 361) and 2) POTS triggered by COVID-19 (n = 238). Overall, most patients experienced POTS symptoms onset between the ages of 18 and 39 years (33 %), with 13 % presenting symptom onset before 18 years of age. Over 70 % had at least one pre-existing medical condition. Most patients underwent 5-8 tests to define POTS diagnosis. Around 80 % received incorrect diagnoses before POTS confirmation, and 25 % waited over a year for diagnosis. Although some patients showed reduction in symptom severity over time, symptoms were still persistent at last consultation. Non-pharmacological interventions were common in the first treatment line. In subsequent lines, there was an increase in pharmacological treatments, with beta-blockers and ivabradine being the most frequently prescribed medications. Comparative analysis between pre- and post-COVID-19 POTS showed that while POTS patients triggered by COVID-19 were somewhat older and had fewer comorbidities, differences were not clinically meaningful, suggesting similar diagnostic, management and treatment patterns. Regional differences in diagnoses and treatment patterns were observed between US and Europe.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the challenges faced by POTS patients, while providing insights into the diagnostic and treatment approaches in real-world settings.