Elevated diastolic but not systolic blood pressure increases mortality risk in hypertensive but not normotensive patients with acute ischemic stroke

Sex differences in clinical risk factors in obese ischemic stroke patients with a history of smoking

Clinical risk factors associated obesity and smoking, as well as their combined effect, are not fully understood. This study aims to determine sex differences in risk factors in a population of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients who are obese and with a history of previous or current smoking.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of risk factors in male and female AIS patients with baseline data of obesity and current or previous history of smoking, smoking, and obesity alone was determined. The primary predictor and outcome are risk factors associated with male and female AIS patients. Baseline risk factors were analyzed using a multivariate regression analysis to determine specific risk factors linked with the combined effect of obesity and current or previous history of smoking''.

RESULTS

Male obese AIS patients who are current or previous smokers were more likely to be older patients(OR = 1.024, 95% CI, 1.022-1.047, P = 0.033) that present with coronary artery disease (OR = 1.806, 95% CI, 1.028-3.174, P = 0.040), a history of alcohol use (OR = 2.873, 95% CI, 1.349-6.166, P = 0.006), elevated serum creatinine (OR = 4.724, 95% CI, 2.171-10.281, P < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (OR = 1.029, 95% CI, 1.011-1.047, P < 0.002). Females were more associated with depression (OR = 0.432, 95% CI, 0.244-0.764, P = 0.004), previous TIA (OR = 0.319, 95% CI, 0.142-0.714, P < 0.005), and higher levels of HDL (OR = 0.938, 95% CI, 0.915-0.962, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results reveal sex differences in risk factors in obese AIS patients with a current or past history of smoking. This finding emphasizes the need to develop management strategies to improve the care of obese AIS patients who are either current or former smokers.

Sex Differences in Severity and Risk Factors for Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Hyperlipidemia

Objective

This study aims to determine sex differences in poststroke hypertriglyceridemia (serum triglyceride levels ⩾ 200 mg/dl) and high stroke severity in ischemic stroke patients.

Method

Our study analyzed data from 392 males and 373 females with hypertriglyceridemia. Stroke severity on admission was measured using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) with a value ⩽7 indicating a more favorable post-stroke prognosis while a score of >7 indicates poorer post-stroke outcomes. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographic and risk factors. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each clinical risk factor were used to predict the increasing odds of an association of a specific clinical baseline risk factor with the male or female AIS with hypertriglyceridemia.

Results

In the adjusted analysis, male patients with hypertriglyceridemia, diastolic blood pressure (OR = 1.100, 95% CI, 1.034-1.171, P = .002), and Ischemic stroke mortality (OR = 6.474, 95% CI, 3.262-12.847, P < .001) were significantly associated with increased stroke severity. In female patients with hypertriglyceridemia, age (OR = 0.920, 95% CI, 0.866-0.978, P = .008) was associated with reduced stroke severity, while ischemic stroke mortality score (OR = 37.477, 95% CI, 9.636-145.756, P < .001) was associated with increased stroke severity.

Conclusion

Increased ischemic stroke mortality risk score was associated with increased severity in both male and female AIS patients with hypertriglyceridemia. Our findings provide information about sex differences in specific risk factors that can be managed to improve the care of male and female ischemic stroke patients with hypertriglyceridemia.

Machine learning-based prognostication of mortality in stroke patients

Objectives

Predicting stroke mortality is crucial for personalized care. This study aims to design and evaluate a machine learning model to predict one-year mortality after a stroke.

Materials and methods

Data from the National Multiethnic Stroke Registry was utilized. Eight machine learning (ML) models were trained and evaluated using various metrics. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was used to identify the influential predictors.

Results

The final analysis included 9840 patients diagnosed with stroke were included in the study. The XGBoost algorithm exhibited optimal performance with high accuracy (94.5%) and AUC (87.3%). Core predictors encompassed National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission, age, hospital length of stay, mode of arrival, heart rate, and blood pressure. Increased NIHSS, age, and longer stay correlated with higher mortality. Ambulance arrival and lower diastolic blood pressure and lower body mass index predicted poorer outcomes.

Conclusions

This model's predictive capacity emphasizes the significance of NIHSS, age, hospital stay, arrival mode, heart rate, blood pressure, and BMI in stroke mortality prediction. Specific findings suggest avenues for data quality enhancement, registry expansion, and real-world validation. The study underscores machine learning's potential for early mortality prediction, improving risk assessment, and personalized care. The potential transformation of care delivery through robust ML predictive tools for Stroke outcomes could revolutionize patient care, allowing for personalized plans and improved preventive strategies for stroke patients. However, it is imperative to conduct prospective validation to evaluate its practical clinical effectiveness and ensure its successful adoption across various healthcare environments.

Predicting 90-Day Prognosis in Ischemic Stroke Patients Post Thrombolysis Using Machine Learning

(1) Objective: This study aimed to construct a machine learning model for predicting the prognosis of ischemic stroke patients who underwent thrombolysis, assessed through the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 90 days after discharge. (2) Methods: Data were sourced from Qatar's stroke registry covering January 2014 to June 2022. A total of 723 patients with ischemic stroke who had received thrombolysis were included. Clinical variables were examined, encompassing demographics, stroke severity indices, comorbidities, laboratory results, admission vital signs, and hospital-acquired complications. The predictive capabilities of five distinct machine learning models were rigorously evaluated using a comprehensive set of metrics. The SHAP analysis was deployed to uncover the most influential predictors. (3) Results: The Support Vector Machine (SVM) model emerged as the standout performer, achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72. Key determinants of patient outcomes included stroke severity at admission; admission systolic and diastolic blood pressure; baseline comorbidities, notably hypertension (HTN) and coronary artery disease (CAD); stroke subtype, particularly strokes of undetermined origin (SUO); and hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (UTIs). (4) Conclusions: Machine learning can improve early prognosis prediction in ischemic stroke, especially after thrombolysis. The SVM model is a promising tool for empowering clinicians to create individualized treatment plans. Despite limitations, this study contributes to our knowledge and encourages future research to integrate more comprehensive data. Ultimately, it offers a pathway to improve personalized stroke care and enhance the quality of life for stroke survivors.

Blood pressure excursion on admission and intravenous thrombolysis in ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Blood pressure (BP) excursion on admission was common in patients with acute ischemic stroke, but its influence on thrombolysis effect was not fully evaluated.

METHODS

Patients with acute ischemic stroke who received thrombolysis without subsequent thrombectomy were included. Admission BP excursion was defined as higher than 185/110 mmHg. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between admission BP excursion and poor outcome as well as hemorrhage rates and mortality. Poor outcome was defined as a 90-day modified Rankin Scale score 3-6. Subgroup analysis was performed according to stroke severity, which was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, and hypertension status.

RESULTS

A total of 633 patients were enrolled and 240 participants (37.9%) had admission BP excursion. Admission BP excursion was associated with poor outcome [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval 0.42-0.99, P  = 0.046]. No significant difference was found regarding hemorrhage rates or mortality between patients with and without admission BP excursion. In subgroup analysis, admission BP excursion was related to poor outcome in patients with NIHSS score at least 7 (adjusted OR 1.89, 95% confidence interval 1.03-3.45, P  = 0.038), but not in patients with NIHSS score less than 7 ( P for interaction <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Admission BP excursion above the guideline thresholds did not increase postthrombolysis hemorrhage risk or mortality, but was associated with poor outcome, especially in patients with severe stroke.

Untreated hypertension and prognosis paradox in acute ischemic stroke

INTRODUCTION

This study is to explore the long-term functional outcome of antihypertensive medication-naïve, untreated hypertension (HTN) patients with acute ischemic stroke compared to those with no prior HTN and those with treated HTN.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed a prospectively collected stroke registry of all patients with acute ischemic stroke consecutively admitted to Incheon St. Mary's Hospital. Patients who received reperfusion therapy were excluded. Long-term functional outcomes were assessed at a 3-month follow-up visit using the modified Rankin Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 1044 patients was enrolled. Compared to patients with no or treated HTN, those with untreated HTN had higher odds for more favorable outcomes (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.7 [95% CI: 1.0-2.7, p = 0.050*] and 1.7 [95% CI: 1.0-2.8, p = 0.047*], respectively) when the stroke was large vessel atherosclerosis (LAA)/cardioembolic (CE) with large vessel occlusion/stenosis. However, no such association was observed when there was no large vessel occlusion or stenosis, in total patients, or if the index stroke was related to SVO. In untreated HTN patients with LAA/CE and large vessel occlusion/stenosis compared to patients in the lowest mean arterial pressure quartile (< 96.7 mmHg), patients in the second and third highest quartiles had higher odds of favorable outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with untreated HTN had significantly more favorable outcomes at 3 months after ischemic stroke compared to those with no or treated HTN when the stroke was LAA/CE with large vessel occlusion/stenosis. Untreated HTN patients also showed an association between higher MAP and favorable outcomes.

Evaluation of Blood Biomarkers and Parameters for the Prediction of Stroke Survivors' Functional Outcome upon Discharge Utilizing Explainable Machine Learning

Despite therapeutic advancements, stroke remains a leading cause of death and long-term disability. The quality of current stroke prognostic models varies considerably, whereas prediction models of post-stroke disability and mortality are restricted by the sample size, the range of clinical and risk factors and the clinical applicability in general. Accurate prognostication can ease post-stroke discharge planning and help healthcare practitioners individualize aggressive treatment or palliative care, based on projected life expectancy and clinical course. In this study, we aimed to develop an explainable machine learning methodology to predict functional outcomes of stroke patients at discharge, using the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) as a binary classification problem. We identified 35 parameters from the admission, the first 72 h, as well as the medical history of stroke patients, and used them to train the model. We divided the patients into two classes in two approaches: "Independent" vs. "Non-Independent" and "Non-Disability" vs. "Disability". Using various classifiers, we found that the best models in both approaches had an upward trend, with respect to the selected biomarkers, and achieved a maximum accuracy of 88.57% and 89.29%, respectively. The common features in both approaches included: age, hemispheric stroke localization, stroke localization based on blood supply, development of respiratory infection, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) upon admission and systolic blood pressure levels upon admission. Intubation and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels upon admission are additional features for the first approach and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) levels upon admission for the second. Our results suggest that the said factors may be important predictors of functional outcomes in stroke patients.

Stroke Severity in Ischemic Stroke Patients with a History of Diastolic Blood Pressure Treated in a Telestroke Network

Background: The relationship between diastolic blood pressure (DBP), risk factors, and stroke severity in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated in a telestroke network is not fully understood. The present study aims to determine the effect of risk factors on stroke severity in AIS patients with a history of elevated DBP. Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data on stroke severity for AIS patients treated between January 2014 and June 2016 treated in the PRISMA Health telestroke network. Data on the severity of stroke on admission were evaluated using NIHSS scores ≤7 for reduced, and >7 for increased, stroke severity. DBP was stratified as ≤80 mmHg for reduced DBP and >80 mmHg for elevated DBP. The study’s primary outcomes were risk factors associated with improving neurologic functions or reduced stroke severity and deteriorating neurologic functions or increased stroke severity. The associations between risk factors and stroke severity for AIS with elevated DBP were determined using multi-level logistic and regression models. Results: In the adjusted analysis, AIS patients with a DBP ≤ 80 mmHg, obesity (OR = 0.388, 95% Cl, 0.182−0.828, p = 0.014) was associated with reduced stroke severity, while an increased heart rate (OR = 1.025, 95% Cl, 1.001−1.050, p = 0.042) was associated with higher stroke severity. For AIS patients with a DBP > 80 mmHg, hypertension (OR = 3.453, 95% Cl, 1.137−10.491, p = 0.029), history of smoking (OR = 2.55, 95% Cl, 1.06−6.132, p = 0.037), and heart rate (OR = 1.036, 95% Cl, 1.009−1.064, p = 0.009) were associated with higher stroke severity. Caucasians (OR = 0.294, 95% Cl, 0.090−0.964, p = 0.002) and obesity (OR = 0.455, 95% Cl, 0.207−1.002, p = 0.05) were more likely to be associated with reduced stroke severity. Conclusions: Our findings reveal specific risk factors that can be managed to improve the care of AIS patients with elevated DBP treated in the telestroke network.

The Relationship Between Admission Blood Pressure and Clinical Outcomes for Acute Basilar Artery Occlusion

Background and Purpose

Optimal blood pressure management of patients with basilar artery occlusion (BAO) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between admission blood pressure and clinical outcomes following acute BAO.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed data from a prospective, nationwide cohort study of 829 patients with acute BAO and posterior circulation stroke. Baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were recorded on admission. The primary outcome was neurological functional disability based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 90 days. Secondary outcomes included successful reperfusion, mortality within 90 days, and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score change. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations of SBP and DBP with outcomes.

Results

We include 829 patients with posterior circulation stroke and BAO between January 2014 and May 2019. Multivariate logistic regression showed high SBP and DBP correlated with unfavorable outcomes. The favorable prognosis (mRS ≤ 3) rates of the low-to-normal and the hypertension groups were 34.8 and 23.9%, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that an SBP > 140 mm Hg was associated with a poor functional outcome [adjusted OR (aOR), 1.509; 95% CI, 1.130–2.015] and mortality at 90 days (aOR, 1.447; 95% CI, 1.055–1.985), and predicted a lower probability of successful reperfusion (aOR, 0.550; 95% CI, 0.389–0.778). The risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and the NIHSS score at 24 h were not significantly different between the high SBP group and the low-to-normal blood pressure group. And the results for DBP were similar.

Conclusion

Among patients with acute BAO, higher systolic or DBP at admission was associated with poor stroke outcomes and had a lower probability of successful reperfusion, with an increased risk of mortality. Trail Registration: [http://www.chictr.org.cn], [ChiCTR1800014759].

Asymptomatic acute ischemic lesions in intracerebral hemorrhage: Its frequency, MRI features, and risk factors

BACKGROUND

Asymptomatic acute ischemic lesions (AIL) may be coincidentally found on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) obtained during the acute phase of intracerebral hemorrhage, but its clinical significance has yet to be determined. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of asymptomatic AIL, its characteristic features of brain MRI and risk factors in patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical information of 108 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage who underwent brain MRIs within 30 days of hospitalization between April 2013 and January 2018. We determined the frequency of asymptomatic AIL, its brain MRI features, and risk factors.

RESULTS

AIL was found in 26 of 108 patients; symptomatic in 2 and asymptomatic in 24 (22.2%). Asymptomatic AIL were small, multiple, mainly distributed to the white matter in the anterior circulation (22/24, 91.7%), and occasionally seen in deep watershed areas (15/24, 62.5%). Only 2 patients had severe major vessel stenosis. Asymptomatic AIL was associated with high mean blood pressure (BP) on admission (> 145 mmHg), excessive drug-induced reduction in mean BP (≥ 55 mmHg), and large hemorrhage (> 31 mL in volume).

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic AIL were found in 22.2% of patients with intracerebral hemorrhage within 30 days of hospitalization. Asymptomatic AIL were often small, multiple and occasionally developed in deep watershed areas despite the absence of major vessel stenosis. High mean BP on admission, excessive drug-induced BP reduction, and larger hemorrhage may be a risk factor for development of asymptomatic AIL.

Effects of vascular compression on the rostral ventrolateral medulla for blood pressure variability in stroke patients

BACKGROUNDS

Vascular compression of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) has been associated with hypertension or blood pressure (BP) variability. For acute ischemic stroke patients, increased BP variability may cause poor functional outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that RVLM compression was associated with increased BP variability or stroke outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients.

METHODS

Acute ischemic stroke patients (n = 622) with 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring during the subacute phase of stroke (median 9 days from onset) were retrospectively studied. Variability in BP was evaluated with the SD and coefficient of variation of SBP and DBP. The morning surge was also evaluated. The presence of RVLM compression was evaluated using time-of-flight three-dimensional MRI. A poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 at 3 months.

RESULTS

Patients with RVLM compression (n = 213) had significantly higher 24-h SBP mean, 24-h SBP SD, 24-h SBP coefficient of variation, 24-h DBP mean, 24-h DBP SD, and 24-h DBP coefficient of variation values and a higher prevalence of morning surge than those without (n = 409). Multiple regression analysis revealed that RVLM compression was associated with increased SBP variability, DBP variability, and morning surge. Despite the significant association between RVLM compression and BP variability, RVLM compression was not associated with poor stroke outcome.

CONCLUSION

Although RVLM compression was closely associated with BP variability in the subacute ischemic stroke phase, an effect of RVLM compression on stroke outcome was not observed.

Diastolic, but not systolic, blood pressure at admission is associated with aortic-related adverse events in type B dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair

BACKGROUND

Hypertension is the most important risk factor for aortic dissection. We aimed to assess the association of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at admission with aortic-related adverse events (ARAE) after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

METHODS

All patients (n = 269) admitted with type B aortic dissection (BAD) for TEVAR were included. ARAE at 3, 24, and 60 months were evaluated as outcomes. Cox proportional regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

No variables were found to be predictors of 3-month ARAE by multiple analysis. Independent predictors of 24-month ARAE were DBP at admission (hazard ratio [HR] per 10 mm Hg decrement, 1.318; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.059-1.641; p = 0.013), cerebrovascular accident (HR 1.965; 95% CI 1.097-3.522; p = 0.023) and obesity (HR 2.922; 95% CI 1.096-7.795; p = 0.032). DBP at admission (HR per 10 mm Hg decrement, 1.276; 95% CI 1.038-1.569; p = 0.021) was also a predictor of 60-month ARAE. In the non-chronic group (n = 223), DBP at admission was evaluated as an independent predictor of 3-month (HR per 10 mm Hg decrement, 1.809; 95% CI 1.084-3.018; p = 0.023), 24-month (HR per 10 mm Hg decrement, 1.344; 95% CI 1.070-1.688; p = 0.011) and 60-month (HR per 10 mm Hg decrement, 1.338; 95% CI 1.065-1.682; p = 0.013) ARAE. In the chronic group (n = 46), no variables were found to be independent predictors of 3-month, 24-month, or 60-month ARAE.

CONCLUSIONS

DBP at admission can predict ARAE in patients with BAD after TEVAR, whereas SBP was not associated with ARAE. The relationship between DBP at admission and outcomes appears to be more prominent in non-chronic patients.

Non-cardioembolic stroke/transient ischaemic attack in Asians and non-Asians: A post-hoc analysis of the PERFORM study

Introduction

We aimed to compare the characteristics and vascular outcomes between Asian and non-Asian patients with non-cardioembolic stroke/transient ischaemic attack receiving antiplatelet monotherapy and to identify population-specific predictors for recurrent events.

Patients and methods

We conducted a post-hoc analysis of data from the PERFORM study, in which 19,100 patients (mean age, 67.2 years; male, 63%; 2178 Asian and 16,922 non-Asian patients) with non-cardioembolic ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack were randomised to aspirin or terutroban and followed for two years. The primary outcome was a composite of major adverse cardiovascular events (non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke and cardiovascular death).

Results

There was no difference in major adverse cardiovascular events risk between Asian and non-Asian populations (11.1% vs. 10.5%; p = 0.39). However, Asian patients were at significantly higher risk of intracranial haemorrhage (2.4% vs. 1.3%; hazard ratio (HR) 1.87; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-2.60; p < 0.001) and major bleeding (5.4% vs. 4.1%; HR 1.30; 95% CI 1.04-1.61; p = 0.02). Stroke risk was significantly higher in Asian than in non-Asian populations among patients with lacunar stroke (7.4% vs. 4.5%; p = 0.02). In multivariable analysis, diastolic blood pressure (HR per 5 mm Hg 1.08; 95% CI 1.01-1.16; p = 0.03) and diabetes (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.22-1.52; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of major adverse cardiovascular events for Asian and non-Asian patients, respectively.Conclusion: Compared with non-Asian patients, Asian patients had significantly higher risk of haemorrhagic events when given antiplatelet monotherapy for secondary prevention after non-cardioembolic stroke/transient ischaemic attack. Lacunar stroke and elevated diastolic blood pressure were more associated with recurrence risk in Asian patients.

Asking the Patient or Measuring Blood Pressure in the Emergency Department: Which One is Best?

Blood pressure (BP) is obtained at the emergency department (ED) in the vast majority of patients; irrespective of chief complaint, and elevated BP, above the threshold for hypertension, is a common observation. In this review, we address the predictive value of measured BP in the ED compared to that of a history of hypertension in patients with chief complaints related to cardiovascular disease. In chest pain patients, a high BP at the ED is associated to a good prognosis, whereas the history of hypertension is associated to a poor prognosis. In heart failure, a high admission BP is consistently linked to a good prognosis, whereas the clinical value of history of hypertension in the ED is unknown. In stroke, there is a U-shaped relation between admission BP and outcome. A history of hypertension is common among stroke patients but does not seem to provide any predictive value in the ED.

Human Urinary kallidinogenase promotes good recovery in ischemic stroke patients with level 3 hypertension

AIM

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Human Urinary kallidinogenase (HUK) in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with level 3 hypertension.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, from January 2015 to June 2016, 150 consecutive AIS patients were registered in our database. Among them, 47 with level 3 hypertension received either HUK treatment (HUK group, 22 cases) or basic treatment (control group, 25 cases). Basic treatment was administrated on all patients. 0.15 PNA unit of HUK injection plus 100 ml saline in intravenous infusion was performed in the HUK group, with once a day for 14 consecutive days. The modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores in two groups were analyzed 3 months after the treatment.

RESULTS

No difference was found in the NIHSS scores, age, gender, and comorbidities between two groups before treatment (p > .05). While after treatment, 3-month mRS score was significantly lower in the HUK group (2.1 ± 1.4 vs. 3.1 ± 1.3, p = .012) and good recovery rate (3-month mRS score ≤2) in the HUK group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

HUK is able to promote long-term recovery for AIS patients with level 3 hypertension remarkably.

Predictive Significance of Day-to-Day Blood Pressure Variability in Acute Ischemic Stroke for 12-Month Functional Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on the association between blood pressure (BP) variability in acute ischemic stroke and functional outcomes have yielded conflicting results. We aimed to investigate the predictive significance of day-to-day BP variability during the 7 days following stroke onset for functional outcomes at 12 months.

METHODS

A total of 229 patients (male 68.8%, mean age 66.7 ± 13.0 years) within 24 hours after onset were prospectively studied. The first 24 hours and day-to-day BP variability, including the SD, coefficient variation (CV), average real variation, and ΔBP (difference between the maximum and minimum BP), were derived and compared to functional outcomes. The functional outcomes were accessed using the baseline severity-adjusted analysis at 12 months post-stroke.

RESULTS

The patients with poor outcomes at 12 months had significantly higher morning systolic BP (SBP; 1-3 days after onset) than those with good outcomes. The day-to-day SBP variability parameters (1-7 days) such as SD, CV, and Δ SBP were significantly higher in the patients with poor outcomes than in those with good outcomes (17.0 ± 6.0 vs. 14.8 ± 5.3 mm Hg, 11.8 ± 3.9 vs. 10.6 ± 3.5, 48.3 ± 17.7 vs. 39.9 ± 15.5 mm Hg, respectively; P < 0.05). After adjustment for demographic and clinical features, day-to-day Δ SBP was associated with poorer functional outcomes at 12 months (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.547, 1.097-2.181). Even after adjusting for the mean SBP, Δ SBP was independently associated with 12-month poor functional outcomes (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: 1.577, 1.095-2.272).

CONCLUSIONS

Day-to-day SBP variability in acute ischemic stroke was associated with poor functional outcomes at 12 months.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION

Trial Number NCT02675972.

No Association Observed Between Blood Pressure Variability During the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke and In-Hospital Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Recent data suggest that blood pressure (BP) variability confers increased cardiovascular risk independently of BP. We aimed to evaluate the association between BP variability during the acute phase of ischemic stroke and the in-hospital outcome.

METHODS

We prospectively studied 608 consecutive patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke (39.5% males, age: 79.1±6.6 years). Variability in BP was assessed with the SD and with the coefficient of variation of systolic (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) during the first 2 and the first 3 days of hospitalization. The outcome was assessed with dependency rates at discharge and with in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Patients who were dependent at discharge did not differ from patients who were independent in any index of BP variability. Independent predictors of dependency at discharge were age (relative risk (RR) 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09-1.25, P < 0.001), history of prior ischemic stroke (RR 2.08, 95% CI 1.02-4.24, P = 0.04), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at admission (RR 1.64, 95% CI 1.44-1.86, P < 0.001). Patients who died during hospitalization did not differ in any index of BP variability from patients who were discharged. DBP at admission was independently and directly associated with in-hospital mortality (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03-1.09, P < 0.001). Other independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were history of atrial fibrillation (RR 3.30, 95% CI 1.46-7.49, P = 0.004) and NIHSS at admission (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.13-1.23, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data do not support the hypothesis of an association between BP variability and in-hospital outcomes among patients admitted for ischemic stroke.

Temporal profiles of blood pressure, circulating nitric oxide, and adrenomedullin as predictors of clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients

Stroke remains an important health and social challenge. The present study investigated whether blood pressure (BP) parameters and circulating levels of nitric oxide metabolites (NOx) and adrenomedullin (AM) may predict clinical outcomes of stroke. Patients (n=76) diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke were admitted to the stroke unit and clinical history data and monitored parameters were recorded. Blood plasma was collected at days 1, 2, and 7 to measure NOx and AM levels. Infarct volume, neurological severity [on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)], and functional prognosis (on the Rankin scale) were measured as clinical outcomes. Patients with higher BP had more severe symptoms (NIHSS >3; P<0.01) and BP variability predicted neurological severity and growth of infarct volume. NOx values were significantly lower in stroke patients than in healthy controls (P<0.01). An increase in NOx levels from day 1 to day 2 was beneficial for the patients as measured by NIHSS at 7 days and 3 months, and by Rankin at 3 months [odds ratio (OR), 0.91] whereas a steep increase from day 2 to day 7 was detrimental and associated with an increase in infarct volume (OR, 35.3). AM levels were significantly higher in patients at day 1 and 2 than in healthy individuals (P<0.01) and these levels returned to normal at day 7. Patients with high AM levels at day 2 had significantly higher NIHSS scores measured at day 1 (P<0.05) and 7 (P<0.01). A receiving operating characteristic curve analysis identified that AM levels at day 2 of >522.13 pg/ml predicted increased neurological severity at day 7 (area under the curve=0.721). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that AM levels at day 2 predicted increased neurological severity at 7 days and at 3 months. BP parameters and changing levels for NOx and AM predicted long-term clinical outcomes as measured by infarct volume, neurological severity scale, and functional prognosis.