A Study to Systematically Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Intravenous Albumin Infusions in Severe POTS

POTS is a relatively common condition that affects millions of patients around the globe. It has an estimated prevalence of 170/100,000 with approximately 80% of patients being women of childbearing age. POTS is characterized by an excessive heart rate increase on assuming an upright posture, either standing or even sitting and leading to disabling palpitations, light-headedness, and even in syncope in severe cases. More than 95% patients with POTS have pronounced cardiovascular deconditioning and show marked exercise intolerance. The severity of POTS is variable. In mild cases the affected patient may continue with routine activities with minimal limitations. Severe form of the disease precludes most normal life activities, such as sitting upright, walking or standing to perform even basic house chores. An estimated 40% of patients with POTS have a resistant form of the condition that is nonresponsive or mildly responsive to all treatments resulting in continued functional limitations in the long term. Many of the currently available treatments in POTS are geared towards increasing blood pressure. These include compression stockings, increased daily fluid intake and increased salt ingestion. Saline infusions may be helpful in certain patients in the short term, though many do not respond. The effectiveness of medications varies greatly, with many patient failing to improve. A small series of clinical patients suffering from severe POTS have shown robust response to weekly albumin therapy, which supports the hypothesis that periodic albumin infusions will provide significant and sustained symptomatic relief to patients with severe POTS. This pilot study will explore the effectiveness of albumin infusions as a treatment for POTS. Eligible patients will receive weekly intravenous infusions of 5% Albumin or Saline in a double blinded fashion for 4 weeks and will crossover to the other infusion for 4 weeks after an intervening 4-week washout period. The participants