Prognostic Value of Blood Pressure Variability for Patients With Acute or Subacute Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies

Continuous Blood Pressure Indices During the First 72 Hours and Functional Outcome in Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Management of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is challenged by limited therapeutic options and a complex relationship between blood pressure (BP) dynamics, especially BP variability (BPV) and ICH outcome.

METHODS

In an exploratory analysis of prospectively collected data on consecutive patients with nontraumatic ICH between 2015 and 2020, continuous BP accessed via an arterial line extracted from the Intellispace Critical Care and Anesthesia information system (Philips Healthcare) was analyzed over the first 72 h post admission. Arterial lines were used as part of standard clinical practice in the intensive care, ensuring high fidelity and real-time data essential for acute care settings. BPV was assessed through successive variation (SV), standard deviation (SD), and coefficient of variation using all available BP measurements. Multivariate regression models were applied to evaluate the association between BPV indices and functional outcome at 3 months.

RESULTS

Among 261 patients (mean age 69.6 ± 15.2 years, 47.9% female, median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score 6 [interquartile range 2-12]) analyzed, lower systolic BP upon admission (< 140 mm Hg) and lower systolic BPV were significantly associated with favorable outcome, whereas higher diastolic BPV correlated with improved outcomes. In the multivariate analysis, diastolic BPV (SD, SV) within the first 72 h post admission emerged as an independent predictor of good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score < 3; odds ratio 1.123, 95% confidence interval CI 1.008-1.184, p = 0.035), whereas systolic BPV (SD) showed a negative association. Patients with better outcomes also exhibited distinct clinical characteristics, including younger age, lower median NIHSS scores, and less prevalence of anticoagulation therapy upon admission.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows the prognostic value of BPV in the acute phase of ICH. Lower systolic BPV (SD) and higher diastolic BPV (SD, SV) were associated with better functional outcomes, challenging traditional BP management strategies. These findings might help to tailor a personalized BP management in ICH.

Blood Pressure Management in Intracerebral Haemorrhage: when, how much, and for how long?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

When compared to ischaemic stroke, there have been limited advances in acute management of intracerebral haemorrhage. Blood pressure control in the acute period is an intervention commonly implemented and recommended in guidelines, as elevated systolic blood pressure is common and associated with haematoma expansion, poor functional outcomes, and mortality. This review addresses the uncertainty around the optimal blood pressure intervention, specifically timing and length of intervention, intensity of blood pressure reduction and agent used.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent pivotal trials have shown that acute blood pressure intervention, to a systolic target of 140mmHg, does appear to be beneficial in ICH, particularly when bundled with other therapies such as neurosurgery in selected cases, access to critical care units, blood glucose control, temperature management and reversal of coagulopathy. Systolic blood pressure should be lowered acutely in intracerebral haemorrhage to a target of approximately 140mmHg, and that this intervention is generally safe in the ICH population.

Blood Pressure Variability in Acute Stroke: A Narrative Review

The management of blood pressure variability (BPV) in acute stroke presents a complex challenge with profound implications for patient outcomes. This narrative review examines the role of BPV across various stages of acute stroke care, highlighting its impact on treatment strategies and prognostic considerations. In the prehospital setting, while guidelines lack specific recommendations for BP management, emerging evidence suggests a potential link between BPV and outcomes. Among ischaemic stroke patients who are ineligible for reperfusion therapies, BPV independently influences functional outcomes, emphasising the need for individualised approaches to BP control. During intravenous thrombolysis and endovascular therapy, the intricate interplay between BP levels, recanalisation status, and BPV is evident. Striking a balance between aggressive BP lowering and avoiding hypoperfusion-related complications is essential. Intracerebral haemorrhage management is further complicated by BPV, which emerges as a predictor of mortality and disability, necessitating nuanced BP management strategies. Finally, among patients with acute subarachnoid haemorrhage, increased BPV may be correlated with a rebleeding risk and worse outcomes, emphasizing the need for BPV monitoring in this population. Integration of BPV assessment into clinical practice and research protocols is crucial for refining treatment strategies that are tailored to individual patient needs. Future studies should explore novel interventions targeting BPV modulation to optimise stroke care outcomes.

Prediction of factors influencing hemorrhagic stroke death with brain herniation in teaching hospitals

<b>Objectives: </b>The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the predictors of mortality in the cases of hemorrhagic stroke with brain herniation of hospitalized patients.<br /> <b>Methods: </b>In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed 1,330 cases of hemorrhagic stroke with brain herniation from January 2015 to October 2020, and used logistic regression to identify the cause of death of hemorrhagic stroke with brain herniation.<br /> <b>Results: </b>A total of 1,330 stroke patients with brain herniation were identified. The mean age was 63.40±61.00 years and 56.50% of them were male. A total of 78.80% of the observed patients were discharged directly after recovery, 2.00% were discharged at the personal/family request, and number of patients who died after being treated 19.20% died (30.90% died after being treated for &lt;48 hours, and 69.10% died after being treated for ³48 hours). Patients who were ³65 years old had more tendency to die than those who were younger, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) 6,859-26,486; p=0.001). The higher the systolic and diastolic blood pressure was, the greater the probability of dying after hospitalization (odds ratio [OR] 2.340, CI 1.334-4.104, p=0.022, OR 2.110, CI 1.042-4.273, p=0.026), the lower Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score at admission (&lt;5), the more tendency for a patient to die (OR 1.376, CI 0.816–2.320, p=0.038) would be.<br /> <b>Conclusions: </b>Patient’s age ³65 years, high systolic blood pressure, high diastolic blood pressure, and GCS score &lt;5 are predictors associated with the mortality of hemorrhagic stroke with brain herniation. The implications of these findings, if confirmed in prospective studies, would raise important policy considerations both in hospitals and at the overall health level, particularly regarding post-acute care.

The effect of blood pressure variability on the prognosis of patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage: Possible mechanism

Background

Antihypertensive therapy in the acute phase of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can reduce hematoma expansion. Numerous studies have demonstrated that blood pressure variability secondary to antihypertensive therapy has adverse effects on neurological outcomes, but the conclusions are diverse, and the mechanism of this occurrence is unknown. The aim of this research was to analyze the impact of blood pressure variability after antihypertensive treatment on the prognosis of patients with acute ICH, along with the possible mechanism.

Materials and methods

A total of 120 patients within 20 h of onset of ICH were divided into a good prognosis group (mRS ≤ 2 points) and a poor prognosis group (mRS ≥ 3 points) according to their 90-day mRS scores. The basic patient information, NIHSS score, GCS score, mRS score at 90 days after admission, head CT examination at admission and 24 h and CTP examination at 24 h were collected from some patients. The blood pressure values of patients were collected within 24 h, and multiple blood pressure variation (BPV) parameters within 1 and 24 h were calculated.

Results

(1) After excluding confounding factors such as age, whether the hematoma ruptured into the ventricle, confounding signs, amount of bleeding, edema around the hematoma, NIHSS on admission, operation or non-operation, and 24-h hematoma increment, the fourth quartile systolic blood pressure (SBP) maximum and minimum difference within 1 h [OR: 5.069, CI (1.036-24.813) P = 0.045] and coefficient of continuous variation (SV) within 24 h [OR: 2.912 CI (1.818-71.728) P = 0.009] were still independent factors affecting the 90-day mRS in ICH patients. (2) There was a negative correlation between SBP SV and CBF in terms of the difference between the contralateral side and the perihematomal region at 24 h (Rs = -0.692, P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Blood pressure variability after antihypertensive therapy in acute ICH is one of the influencing factors for 90-day mRS in patients. A 1-h dramatic drop in SBP and 24-h SBP SV may affect the long-term prognosis of patients by reducing whole cerebral perfusion.

Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Prognosis in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

To investigate whether cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) markers and the total CSVD burden are associated with functional outcome, mortality, stroke recurrence, and hematoma expansion in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

Following a previously registered protocol (PROSPERO protocol: CRD42021287743), we systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE to identify relevant literature up to November 2021. Cohort studies that examined the association between CSVD markers (white matter hyperintensity [WMH], lacune, enlarged perivascular space [EPVS], cerebral microbleed [CMB], and brain atrophy) or CSVD burden and prognosis in patients with ICH were included. The pooled estimates were calculated using random effects models.

RESULTS

Forty-one studies with 19,752 ICH patients were pooled in the meta-analysis. WMH (OR=1.50, 95% CI=1.32 to 1.70), lacune (OR=1.32, 95% CI=1.18 to 1.49), CMB (OR=2.60, 95% CI=1.13 to 5.97) and brain atrophy (OR=2.22, 95% CI=1.48 to 3.31) were associated with worse functional outcome. CSVD markers concerning increased risk of mortality were WMH (OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.38 to 1.79) and brain atrophy (OR=1.84, 95% CI=1.11 to 3.04), while concerning increased risk of stroke recurrence were WMH (OR=1.62, 95% CI=1.28 to 2.04) and lacune (OR=3.00, 95% CI=1.68 to 5.37). EPVS was not related to prognosis. There was a lack of association between CSVD markers and hematoma expansion. CSVD burden increased the risk of worse functional outcome, mortality, and stroke recurrence by 57%, 150%, and 44%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with spontaneous ICH, WMH, lacune, CMB, brain atrophy, and the total CSVD burden are associated with substantially increased risk of worse functional outcome, mortality, or stroke recurrence.

Cerebral Hemorrhage: Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Future Directions

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating form of stroke with high morbidity and mortality. This review article focuses on the epidemiology, cause, mechanisms of injury, current treatment strategies, and future research directions of ICH. Incidence of hemorrhagic stroke has increased worldwide over the past 40 years, with shifts in the cause over time as hypertension management has improved and anticoagulant use has increased. Preclinical and clinical trials have elucidated the underlying ICH cause and mechanisms of injury from ICH including the complex interaction between edema, inflammation, iron-induced injury, and oxidative stress. Several trials have investigated optimal medical and surgical management of ICH without clear improvement in survival and functional outcomes. Ongoing research into novel approaches for ICH management provide hope for reducing the devastating effect of this disease in the future. Areas of promise in ICH therapy include prognostic biomarkers and primary prevention based on disease pathobiology, ultra-early hemostatic therapy, minimally invasive surgery, and perihematomal protection against inflammatory brain injury.