title: Prospective evaluation of terazosin for the treatment of autonomic dysreflexia.
abstract: Terazosin was evaluated in 21 normotensive spinal cord injured patients with autonomic dysreflexia. The patients were followed for 3 months during which the autonomic dysreflexia severity and frequency were evaluated. Autonomic dysreflexia severity mean score was significantly improved when measured at baseline and at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months (10.3 +/- 4.2, 5.08 +/- 2.3, 3.83 +/- 2.5 and 4.5 +/- 1.4, respectively, p < 0.0005). No statistically significant change was seen in erectile function and blood pressure. Three patients complained of fatigue, 1 of whom had the dosage reduced from 5 to 2.5 mg. daily. Terazosin appears to be effective in preventing serious harm from autonomic dysreflexia without erectile function impairment. The effectiveness is significant in the first week and remains for at least 3 months.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, Magee Rehabilitation Hospital, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pennslyvania.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Chancellor
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Erhard
authors.forename: I H
authors.initials: IH
authors.lastname: Hirsch
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Stass
mesh_terms: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000328:Adult; D001342:Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011224:Prazosin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012021:Reflex, Abnormal / Q000187:drug effects*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*
chemical_list: D000316:Adrenergic alpha-Agonists; C041226:Terazosin; D011224:Prazosin