[Action of dihydroergotamine in severe orthostatic hypotension. 16 cases]

A cooperative study of dihydroergotamine in the treatment of severe postural hypotension was conducted in 16 patients. Postural hypotension was related to Shy-Drager syndrome in 9 and to diabetic neuropathy in one; it was idiopathic in 6 patients. With an average daily dose of 36 mg orally, the fall in systolic blood pressure when passing from supine to standing position was 39 mmHg versus 59 mmHg (mean values) before treatment. Standing and walking were made possible in 4 out of 6 and in 4 out of 7 patients respectively. The treatment was well tolerated. Dihydroergotamine was found worth trying in patients with symptomatic postural hypotension.