Management of Blood Pressure After Acute Ischemic Stroke

Machine learning models reveal the critical role of nighttime systolic blood pressure in predicting functional outcome for acute ischemic stroke after endovascular thrombectomy

Background

Blood pressure (BP) is a key factor for the clinical outcomes of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) receiving endovascular thrombectomy (EVT). However, the effect of the circadian pattern of BP on functional outcome is unclear.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective, observational study was conducted from 2016 to 2023 at three hospitals in China (ChiCTR2300077202). A total of 407 patients who underwent endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) and continuous 24-h BP monitoring were included. Two hundred forty-one cases from Beijing Hospital were allocated to the development group, while 166 cases from Peking University Shenzhen Hospital and Hainan General Hospital were used for external validation. Postoperative systolic BP (SBP) included daytime SBP, nighttime SBP, and 24-h average SBP. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE), Boruta were used to screen for potential features associated with functional dependence defined as 3-month modified Rankin scale (mRS) score ≥ 3. Nine algorithms were applied for model construction and evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.

Results

Three hundred twenty-eight of 407 (80.6%) patients achieved successful recanalization and 182 patients (44.7%) were functional independent. NIHSS at onset, modified cerebral infarction thrombolysis grade, atrial fibrillation, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, hypertension were identified as prognostic factors by the intersection of three algorithms to construct the baseline model. Compared to daytime SBP and 24-h SBP models, the AUC of baseline + nighttime SBP showed the highest AUC in all algorithms. The XGboost model performed the best among all the algorithms. ROC results showed an AUC of 0.841 in the development set and an AUC of 0.752 in the validation set for the baseline plus nighttime SBP model, with a brier score of 0.198.

Conclusion

This study firstly explored the association between circadian BP patterns with functional outcome for AIS. Nighttime SBP may provide more clinical information regarding the prognosis of patients with AIS after EVT.

Blood pressure targets for acute ischemic stroke patients following endovascular thrombectomy: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this meta-analysis was to explore the impact of different blood pressure levels following endovascular therapy on clinical outcomes, including safety and efficacy in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, covering studies published before February 1, 2023. Our primary outcomes were 90-day mRs 0-2 score, 90-day mortality, incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage(sICH), and hemicraniectomy.

RESULTS

The incidence of 90-day mRs= 2 score was no significant difference between different blood pressure values (OR=1.37, 95 % CI [0.82, 2.29], p = 0.23) with heterogeneity (I2 =85 %, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that when the blood pressure targets were SBP< 140 mmHg (OR=1.73, 95 % CI [1.04, 2.90], p = 0.04) with heterogeneity (I2 =37 %, p = 0.20), and SBP< 130 mmHg (OR=1.58, 95 % CI [0.53, 4.70], p = 0.41) with heterogeneity (I2 =80 %, p = 0.02), there were statistic differences in the incidence of 90-day modified mRs 0-2 score. Regarding 90-day mortality, there was no significant difference between different blood pressure values (OR=0.75, 95 % CI [0.47, 1.21], p = 0.24; I2 =69 %, p = 0.007). As for the incidence of sICH, the difference was not statistically significant (OR = 0.82, 95 % CI [0.61, 1.09], p = 0.17; I2 =24 %, p = 0.26). However, subgroup analysis was performed due to different blood pressure values, and it was found that when the blood pressure targets were SBP＜140 mmHg (OR=0.49, 95 % CI [0.28, 0.87], p = 0.02) and SBP＜120 mmHg (OR = 0.84, 95 % CI [0.58, 1.23], p = 0.37), there were statistic differences in the incidence of sICH with SBP＜140 mmHg. Furthermore, SBP＜140 mmHg was associated with a lower incidence of hemicraniectomy (OR = 0.30, 95 % CI [0.15, 0.58], p＜0.001). PROSPERO Register Number: CRD42022376706 CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis findings indicate that intensive treatment is advantageous for achieving successful reperfusion in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT). For different blood pressure targets (SBP < 140mmhg, SBP < 130mmhg, SBP < 120mmhg), with a reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) to less than 140 mmHg appearing to confer the greatest benefit. Furthermore, this study provides a significant blood pressure target that could inform the design of future multicentre, open-label, blinded-endpoint, randomized controlled trials.

The Management of Hypertensive Emergencies-Is There a "Magical" Prescription for All?

Hypertensive emergencies (HE) represent high cardiovascular risk situations defined by a severe increase in blood pressure (BP) associated with acute, hypertension mediated organ damage (A-HMOD) to the heart, brain, retina, kidneys, and large arteries. Blood pressure values alone do not accurately predict the presence of HE; therefore, the search for A-HMOD should be the first step in the management of acute severe hypertension. A rapid therapeutic intervention is mandatory in order to limit and promote regression of end-organ damage, minimize the risk of complications, and improve patient outcomes. Drug therapy for HE, target BP, and the speed of BP decrease are all dictated by the type of A-HMOD, specific drug pharmacokinetics, adverse drug effects, and comorbidities. Therefore, a tailored approach is warranted. However, there is currently a lack of solid evidence for the appropriate treatment strategies for most HE. This article reviews current pharmacological strategies while providing a stepwise, evidence based approach for the management of HE.

Blood Pressure Trajectory Groups and Outcome After Endovascular Thrombectomy: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Elevated blood pressure after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic transformation and poor functional outcomes. However, the optimal hemodynamic management after EVT remains unknown, and the blood pressure course in the acute phase of ischemic stroke has not been well characterized. This study aimed to identify patient subgroups with distinct blood pressure trajectories after EVT and study their association with radiographic and functional outcomes.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion ischemic stroke who underwent EVT. Repeated time-stamped blood pressure data were recorded for the first 72 hours after thrombectomy. Latent variable mixture modeling was used to separate subjects into five groups with distinct postprocedural systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectories. The primary outcome was functional status, measured on the modified Rankin Scale 90 days after stroke. Secondary outcomes included hemorrhagic transformation, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and death.

RESULTS

Two thousand two hundred sixty-eight patients (mean age [±SD] 69±15, mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale 15±7) were included in the analysis. Five distinct SBP trajectories were observed: low (18%), moderate (37%), moderate-to-high (20%), high-to-moderate (18%), and high (6%). SBP trajectory group was independently associated with functional outcome at 90 days (P<0.0001) after adjusting for potential confounders. Patients with high and high-to-moderate SBP trajectories had significantly greater odds of an unfavorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio, 3.5 [95% CI, 1.8-6.7], P=0.0003 and adjusted odds ratio, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.5-3.2], P<0.0001, respectively). Subjects in the high-to-moderate group had an increased risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.82 [95% CI, 1-3.2]; P=0.04). No significant association was found between trajectory group and hemorrhagic transformation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with acute ischemic stroke demonstrate distinct SBP trajectories during the first 72 hours after EVT that have differing associations with functional outcome. These findings may help identify potential candidates for future blood pressure modulation trials.

CE: Hypertensive Emergencies: A Review

ABSTRACT

While acute blood pressure elevations are commonly seen in the ED, not all require emergency treatment. True hypertensive emergencies are characterized by a rapid elevation in blood pressure to a level above 180/120 mmHg and are associated with acute target organ damage, which requires immediate hospitalization for close hemodynamic monitoring and IV pharmacotherapy. Recognizing the clinical signs and symptoms of hypertensive emergency, which may vary widely depending on the target organ involved, is critical. High blood pressure levels that produce no signs or symptoms of target organ damage may be treated without hospitalization through an increase in or reestablishment of previously prescribed oral antihypertensive medication. However, all patients presenting with blood pressure this high should undergo evaluation to confirm or rule out impending target organ damage, which differentiates hypertensive emergency from other hypertensive crises and is vital in facilitating appropriate emergency treatment. Drug therapy for hypertensive emergency is influenced by end-organ involvement, pharmacokinetics, potential adverse drug effects, and patient comorbidities. Frequent nursing intervention and close monitoring are crucial to recuperation. Here, the authors define the spectrum of uncontrolled hypertension; discuss the importance of distinguishing hypertensive emergencies from hypertensive urgencies; and describe the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management of hypertensive emergencies.

Risk Factors Control and Early Recurrent Cerebral Infarction in Patients with Symptomatic Intracranial Atherosclerotic Disease

BACKGROUND

The risk of early recurrent cerebral infarction (RCI) is high in patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic disease (IAD). We sought to determine the relationship between risk factor control and early RCI risk among patients with symptomatic IAD.

METHODS

We analyzed participants with symptomatic IAD in the multi-center prospective observational MYRIAD study. Risk factor control was assessed at 6-8-week follow-up. Optimal risk factor control was defined by target systolic blood pressure, being non-smoker, target physical activity, and antiplatelet and antilipidemic therapy compliance. Age-adjusted associations were calculated between risk factor control and RCI determined by MRI-evident new infarcts in the territory of the stenotic vessel at 6-8 weeks from the index event.

RESULTS

Among 82 participants with clinical and brain MRI information available 6-8 weeks after the index event (mean age 63.5 ±12.5 years, 62.2% men), RCI occurred in 21 (25.6%) cases. At 6-8-week follow-up, 37.8% had target systolic blood pressure, 92.7% were non-smokers, 51.2% had target physical activity, and 98.8% and 86.6% were compliant with antiplatelet and antilipidemic therapy, respectively. Optimal risk factor control increased from 4.9% at baseline to 19.5% at 6-8-week follow-up (p=0.01). None of the participants with optimal risk factor control at follow-up had RCI (0% vs. 31.8%, p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Only one-fifth of MYRIAD participants had optimal risk factor control during early follow-up. Approximately half and two-thirds had physical inactivity and uncontrolled systolic blood pressure, respectively. These risk factors may represent important therapeutic targets to prevent early RCI in patients with symptomatic IAD.

Spontaneous systolic blood pressure drop early after mechanical thrombectomy predicts dramatic neurological recovery in ischaemic stroke patients

Introduction

Spontaneous blood pressure drop within the first 24 h has been reported following arterial recanalisation in ischaemic stroke patients. We aimed to assess if spontaneous blood pressure drop within the first hour after mechanical thrombectomy is a marker of early neurological recovery.

Patients and methods

Retrospective observational single-centre study including ischaemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy. Blood pressure parameters from admission, mechanical thrombectomy start, mechanical thrombectomy end and hourly within 24 h after mechanical thrombectomy were reviewed. Primary outcome was early dramatic neurological recovery (8-point-reduction in NIHSS or NIHSS ≤ 2 at 24 h). Secondary outcome was functional independence at 90 days (mRankin 0-2).

Results

We included 458 patients in our analysis. Two-hundred (43.7%) patients achieved dramatic neurological recovery following mechanical thrombectomy. One hour after mechanical thrombectomy end, median systolic blood pressure was significantly different between outcome groups (129 vs. 138 mmHg, p = 0.005) and a higher drop in median systolic blood pressure was seen in the dramatic neurological recovery group (15 vs. 9 mmHg). Optimal cut-off for predicting dramatic neurological recovery was a systolic blood pressure drop of 10.5 mmHg (sensitivity 0.54, specificity 0.55, AUC 0.55). On multivariate analysis, spontaneous systolic blood pressure drop was associated with higher odds of achieving dramatic neurological recovery (OR for 10 mmHg blood pressure drop 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.29, p = 0.04). No significative association between any blood pressure parameter drop and functional independence at 90 days was found.

Discussion

We hypothesised that spontaneous systolic blood pressure drop is a marker of successful reperfusion and, therefore, a marker of improvement of cerebral autoregulation due to the reduced final ischaemic core.

Conclusion

Spontaneous systolic blood pressure drop after mechanical thrombectomy is an early predictor of dramatic neurological recovery.

Blood Pressure Management Following Large Vessel Occlusion Strokes: A Narrative Review

Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and mechanical thrombectomy comprise the two major treatments for acute ischemic stroke. Tissue plasminogen activator has been used for more than two decades and guidelines for hemodynamic management following tissue plasminogen activator administration are well established. However, mechanical thrombectomy is a relatively newer therapy and there is a paucity of evidence regarding hemodynamic management following large vessel occlusion strokes. The important tenets guiding the pathophysiology of large vessel occlusion strokes include understanding of cerebral autoregulation, collateral circulation, and blood pressure variability. In this narrative review, we discuss the current American Heart Association-American Stroke Association guidelines for the early management of acute ischemic stroke during different phases of the illness, encountered at different sections of a hospital including the emergency room, the neuro-interventional suite, and the intensive care unit. There is emerging evidence with regard to post-recanalization blood pressure management following large vessel occlusion strokes. Future research directions will include rea-ltime blood pressure variability assessments, identifying the extent of impaired autoregulation, and providing guidelines related to range and personalized blood pressure trajectories for patients following large vessel occlusion strokes.