Timeline of blood pressure changes after intra-arterial therapy for acute ischemic stroke based on recanalization status

Blood Pressure Fluctuation During 72 Hours After Endovascular Therapy and Prognosis in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

PURPOSE

Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between fluctuations in different blood pressure (BP) components within 72 hours following endovascular therapy (EVT) and the prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

METHODS

This prospective multicenter study included 283 AIS patients who underwent EVT and had available BP data. The primary outcome was the ordinal modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score evaluated at 90 days. The secondary outcome was a combination of death and major disability, defined as an mRS score of 3 to 6 within 3 months.

RESULTS

After adjusting for imbalanced variables, the highest tertile of systolic blood pressure (SBP) fluctuation had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.747 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.031-2.961; p for trend=0.035) for the primary outcome and 1.889 (95% CI=1.015-3.516; p for trend=0.039) for the secondary outcome, respectively. Fluctuations in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (OR=1.914, 95% CI=1.134-3.230, p for trend=0.015) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (OR=1.759, 95% CI=1.026-3.015, p for trend=0.039) were only associated with the primary outcome. The multivariate-adjusted restricted cubic spline analyses supported these findings. Furthermore, the fluctuations in both SBP and MAP exhibited the significant discriminatory capability in predicting the prognosis, comparable to their mean values.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed that larger fluctuations in SBP, DBP, and MAP within 72 hours after EVT were associated with a higher risk of poor clinical outcomes within 3 months in AIS patients. Controlling BP fluctuations may be valuable for improving the prognosis in patients undergoing EVT.

CLINICAL IMPACT

How will this change clinical practice?It provides physicians a new approach to directly monitor BP fluctuations over an extended observation period in AIS patients after EVT in routine clinical practice.What does it mean for the clinicians?These results underscore the importance of giving equal attention to controlling long-term BP fluctuations, in addition to managing mean BP, as a means to improve the prognosis of AIS patients after EVT.What is the innovation behind the study?This study systematically evaluated the association between fluctuations in different blood pressure components and clinical outcomes in AIS patients over an extended period following EVT.

Neurocritical Care for Patients With Ischemic Stroke

OBJECTIVE

Management of stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO) has undergone unprecedented change in the past decade. Effective treatment with thrombectomy has galvanized the field and led to advancements in all aspects of care. This article provides a comprehensive examination of neurologic intensive care unit (ICU) management of patients with stroke due to LVO. The role of the neurocritical care team in stroke systems of care and the importance of prompt diagnosis, initiation of treatment, and continued monitoring of patients with stroke due to LVO is highlighted.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

The management of complications commonly associated with stroke due to LVO, including malignant cerebral edema and respiratory failure, are addressed, stressing the importance of early identification and aggressive treatment in mitigating negative effects on patients' prognoses. In the realm of medical management, this article discusses various medical therapies, including antithrombotic therapy, blood pressure management, and glucose control, outlining evidence-based strategies for optimizing patient outcomes. It further emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to provide a comprehensive care model. Lastly, the critical aspect of family communication and prognostication in the neurologic ICU is addressed.

ESSENTIAL POINTS

This article emphasizes the multidimensional aspects of neurocritical care in treating patients with stroke due to LVO.

Blood Pressure Trajectories and Outcomes After Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

Data on systolic blood pressure (SBP) trajectories in the first 24 hours after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) in acute ischemic stroke are limited. We sought to identify these trajectories and their relationship to outcomes.

METHODS

We combined individual-level data from 5 studies of patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent EVT and had individual blood pressure values after the end of the procedure. We used group-based trajectory analysis to identify the number and shape of SBP trajectories post-EVT. We used mixed effects regression models to identify associations between trajectory groups and outcomes adjusting for potential confounders and reported the respective adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and common odds ratios.

RESULTS

There were 2640 total patients with acute ischemic stroke included in the analysis. The most parsimonious model identified 4 distinct SBP trajectories, that is, general directional patterns after repeated SBP measurements: high, moderate-high, moderate, and low. Patients in the higher blood pressure trajectory groups were older, had a higher prevalence of vascular risk factors, presented with more severe stroke syndromes, and were less likely to achieve successful recanalization after the EVT. In the adjusted analyses, only patients in the high-SBP trajectory were found to have significantly higher odds of early neurological deterioration (aOR, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.20-2.82]), intracranial hemorrhage (aOR, 1.84 [95% CI, 1.31-2.59]), mortality (aOR, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.21-2.53), death or disability (aOR, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.15-2.31]), and worse functional outcomes (adjusted common odds ratio,1.92 [95% CI, 1.47-2.50]).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients follow distinct SBP trajectories in the first 24 hours after an EVT. Persistently elevated SBP after the procedure is associated with unfavorable short-term and long-term outcomes.

Current and Emerging Endovascular and Neurocritical Care Management Strategies in Large-Core Ischemic Stroke

The volume of infarcted tissue in patients with ischemic stroke is consistently associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Initial studies of endovascular thrombectomy for large-vessel occlusion excluded patients with established large-core infarcts, even when large volumes of salvageable brain tissue were present, due to the high risk of hemorrhagic transformation and reperfusion injury. However, recent retrospective and prospective studies have shown improved outcomes with endovascular thrombectomy, and several clinical trials were recently published to evaluate the efficacy of endovascular management of patients presenting with large-core infarcts. With or without thrombectomy, patients with large-core infarcts remain at high risk of in-hospital complications such as hemorrhagic transformation, malignant cerebral edema, seizures, and others. Expert neurocritical care management is necessary to optimize blood pressure control, mitigate secondary brain injury, manage cerebral edema and elevated intracranial pressure, and implement various neuroprotective measures. Herein, we present an overview of the current and emerging evidence pertaining to endovascular treatment for large-core infarcts, recent advances in neurocritical care strategies, and their impact on optimizing patient outcomes.

Intensive vs Conventional Blood Pressure Lowering After Endovascular Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: The OPTIMAL-BP Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Optimal blood pressure (BP) control after successful reperfusion with endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for patients with acute ischemic stroke is unclear.

Objective

To determine whether intensive BP management during the first 24 hours after successful reperfusion leads to better clinical outcomes than conventional BP management in patients who underwent EVT.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Multicenter, randomized, open-label trial with a blinded end-point evaluation, conducted across 19 stroke centers in South Korea from June 2020 to November 2022 (final follow-up, March 8, 2023). It included 306 patients with large vessel occlusion acute ischemic stroke treated with EVT and with a modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b or greater (partial or complete reperfusion).

Interventions

Participants were randomly assigned to receive intensive BP management (systolic BP target <140 mm Hg; n = 155) or conventional management (systolic BP target 140-180 mm Hg; n = 150) for 24 hours after enrollment.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was functional independence at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2). The primary safety outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage within 36 hours and death related to the index stroke within 3 months.

Results

The trial was terminated early based on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring board, which noted safety concerns. Among 306 randomized patients, 305 were confirmed eligible and 302 (99.0%) completed the trial (mean age, 73.0 years; 122 women [40.4%]). The intensive management group had a lower proportion achieving functional independence (39.4%) than the conventional management group (54.4%), with a significant risk difference (-15.1% [95% CI, -26.2% to -3.9%]) and adjusted odds ratio (0.56 [95% CI, 0.33-0.96]; P = .03). Rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage were 9.0% in the intensive group and 8.1% in the conventional group (risk difference, 1.0% [95% CI, -5.3% to 7.3%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.48-2.53]; P = .82). Death related to the index stroke within 3 months occurred in 7.7% of the intensive group and 5.4% of the conventional group (risk difference, 2.3% [95% CI, -3.3% to 7.9%]; adjusted odds ratio, 1.73 [95% CI, 0.61-4.92]; P = .31).

Conclusions and Relevance

Among patients who achieved successful reperfusion with EVT for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion, intensive BP management for 24 hours led to a lower likelihood of functional independence at 3 months compared with conventional BP management. These results suggest that intensive BP management should be avoided after successful EVT in acute ischemic stroke.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04205305.

Association between systolic blood pressure parameters and unexplained early neurological deterioration (UnND) in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with mechanical thrombectomy

Background:

Neurological deterioration (ND) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in anterior circulation is an important complication associated with a poor outcome. Moreover, evident causes of ND may remain unexplained (UnND).

Objective:

We sought to evaluate the association of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) parameters before MT, during MT, and during a 24-h period after MT with UnND.

Methods:

We analyzed 382 MT-treated AIS patients in two stroke centers from 2017 to 2019. The patients with unsuccessful recanalization and/or with symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after MT were excluded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the SBP parameters that predict UnND.

Results:

There were 5.9% patients with UnND within 24 h after MT among patients with successful recanalization what comprises 4.9% of all patients who had undergone MT. SBP > 180 mmHg on admission (odds ratio (OR): 4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–10, p = 0.004) and a drop of SBP below100 mmHg during MT (OR: 4.7, 95% CI: 1.3–17, p = 0.019) were associated with UnND occurrence within 7 days without a significant association with UnND within 24 h. UnND within 7 days was predicted by the episodes of SBP exceeding the level of SBP observed before the groin puncture and occurring over the first 2 h following recanalization (OR: 5, 95% CI: 1.3–19, p = 0.021), an increase of SBP of more than 20% within 2–24 h after MT (OR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.1–10, p = 0.035), and a drop of SBP below 100 mmHg after MT (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1–9, p = 0.039).

Conclusion:

The association between the SBP parameters and UnND depends on the treatment period and the time of UnND occurrence. The J/U resembling relationship between SBP and UnEND was established during a 24-h period after MT.

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.

Association between systolic blood pressure course and outcomes after stroke thrombectomy

Background

Systolic blood pressure (SBP) after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for large artery occlusive stroke is dynamic, requiring adaptable early prediction tools for improving outcomes. We investigated if post-EVT SBP course was associated with outcomes.

Methods

EVT-treated patients who had a stroke at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, were included in the study during 12 February 2018–11 February 2020. SBP was recorded during the first 24 hours after EVT. Primary outcome was functional independence defined by a Modified Rankin Scale score of 0–2 at 3 months. Secondary outcomes were death by 3 months, symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage and any intracranial haemorrhage. Patients with favourable outcomes were used as a reference SBP course in mixed linear effects models and compared with SBP courses of patients with unfavourable outcomes using the empirical best linear unbiased predictor, measuring deviations from the reference SBP course using the random effects. We tested model predictive stability for SBP measurements of only 18, 12 or 6 hours after EVT.

Results

374 patients were registered, with mean age 71, median NIHSS score of 15, and 53.2% men. Deviating from a linear SBP course starting at 130 mm Hg and decreasing to 123 mm Hg at 24 hours after EVT was associated with lower chances of functional independence (adjusted OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.88, for reaching either 99 or 147 mm Hg at 24 hours after EVT). All SBP course models for the remaining outcomes did not show statistical significance. Functional independence models showed stable predictive values for all time periods.

Conclusion

Deviating from a linear SBP course was associated with lower chances of 3-month functional independence.

Blood Pressure in the First 6 Hours Following Endovascular Treatment for Ischemic Stroke Is Associated With Outcome

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background and Purpose:

Optimal blood pressure (BP) management in the acute phase of ischemic stroke remains an unresolved issue. It is uncertain whether guidelines for BP management during and after intravenous alteplase can be extrapolated to endovascular treatment (EVT) for stroke due to large artery occlusion in the anterior circulation. We evaluated the associations between systolic BP (SBP) in the first 6 hours following EVT and functional outcome as well as symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage.

Methods:

Patients of 8 MR CLEAN (Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands) Registry centers, with available data on SBP in the 6 hours following EVT, were analyzed. We evaluated maximum, minimum, and mean SBP. Study outcomes were functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale) at 90 days and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. We used multivariable ordinal and binary regression analysis to adjust for important prognostic factors and studied possible effect modification by successful reperfusion.

Results:

Post-EVT SBP data were available for 1161/1796 patients. Higher maximum SBP (per 10 mm Hg increments) was associated with worse functional outcome (adjusted common odds ratio, 0.93 [95% CI, 0.88–0.98]) and a higher rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio, 1.17 [95% CI, 1.02–1.36]). The association between minimum SBP and functional outcome was nonlinear with an inflection point at 124 mm Hg. Minimum SBP lower and higher than the inflection point were associated with worse functional outcomes (adjusted common odds ratio, 0.85 per 10 mm Hg decrements [95% CI, 0.76–0.95] and adjusted common odds ratio, 0.81 per 10 mm Hg increments [95% CI, 0.71–0.92]). No association between mean SBP and functional outcome was observed. Successful reperfusion did not modify the relation of SBP with any of the outcomes.

Conclusions:

Maximum SBP in the first 6 hours following EVT is positively associated with worse functional outcome and an increased risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Both lower and higher minimum SBP are associated with worse outcomes. A randomized trial to evaluate whether modifying post-intervention SBP results in better outcomes after EVT for ischemic stroke seems justified.

European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines on blood pressure management in acute ischaemic stroke and intracerebral haemorrhage

The optimal blood pressure (BP) management in acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) and acute intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) remains controversial. These European Stroke Organisation (ESO) guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations to assist physicians in their clinical decisions regarding BP management in acute stroke.The guidelines were developed according to the ESO standard operating procedure and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. The working group identified relevant clinical questions, performed systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the literature, assessed the quality of the available evidence, and made specific recommendations. Expert consensus statements were provided where insufficient evidence was available to provide recommendations based on the GRADE approach. Despite several large randomised-controlled clinical trials, quality of evidence is generally low due to inconsistent results of the effect of blood pressure lowering in AIS. We recommend early and modest blood pressure control (avoiding blood pressure levels >180/105 mm Hg) in AIS patients undergoing reperfusion therapies. There is more high-quality randomised evidence for BP lowering in acute ICH, where intensive blood pressure lowering is recommended rapidly after hospital presentation with the intent to improve recovery by reducing haematoma expansion. These guidelines provide further recommendations on blood pressure thresholds and for specific patient subgroups. There is ongoing uncertainty regarding the most appropriate blood pressure management in AIS and ICH. Future randomised-controlled clinical trials are needed to inform decision making on thresholds, timing and strategy of blood pressure lowering in different acute stroke patient subgroups.

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.

Management of Elevated Blood Pressure After Stroke Thrombectomy for Anterior Circulation

Thrombectomy is superior to intravenous thrombolysis for patients with large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke, but nearly half of the patients still experience poor functional outcomes. Elevated blood pressure (BP) is widely observed in acute ischemic stroke, and BP may be one of the modifiable parameters that can potentially influence the outcomes; however, only observational studies exist to support current guidelines, and the recommended range for BP after thrombectomy is too wide to meet the clinical requirement. Randomized controlled trials are therefore needed to better understand the relationship between BP and outcomes after thrombectomy. In this review, we introduce the current management of BP after thrombectomy and several aspects of postthrombectomy BP management that should be resolved in future clinical trials.

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.

Blood Pressure Management Following Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Review of Primary Literature

Elevated blood pressure is common in patients with acute ischemic stroke. While this may occur secondary to the body's own response to preserve cerebral blood flow, elevated blood pressure may also increase the risk of hemorrhagic transformation. Current guidelines recommend various blood pressure goals based upon multiple factors, including thresholds specific to certain treatment interventions. Despite these guidelines, there is limited evidence to support specific blood pressure targets, and variability in clinical practice is common. The purpose of this review was to discuss blood pressure management in adult patients with acute ischemic stroke, focusing on appropriate targets in the setting of alteplase administration, mechanical thrombectomy, and hemorrhagic transformation.

Association of Blood Pressure With Outcomes in Acute Stroke Thrombectomy

Limited data exist evaluating the effect of blood pressure (BP) on clinical outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated with mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We sought to evaluate the association of BP levels on clinical outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion treated with MT. Studies were identified that reported the association of systolic BP (SBP) or diastolic BP levels before, during, or after MT on the outcomes of patients with acute ischemic stroke treated with MT. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses of studies reporting odds ratios (OR_adj) per 10 mm Hg BP increment were performed. Our analysis included 25 studies comprising 6474 patients. Higher pre-MT mean SBP (P=0.008) and post-MT maximum SBP (P=0.009) levels were observed in patients who died within 3 months. Patients with 3-month functional independence were noted to have lower pre-MT (P<0.001) and post-MT maximum SBP levels (P<0.001). In adjusted analyses, increasing post-MT maximum SBP and diastolic BP levels were associated with 3-month mortality (OR_adj, 1.19 [95% CI,1.00-1.43]; I²=78%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.001) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (OR_adj, 1.65 [95% CI, 1.11-2.44]; I²=0%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.80), respectively. Increasing pre- and post-MT mean SBP levels were associated with lower odds of 3-month functional independence (OR_adj, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.77-0.96]; I²=18%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.30) and (OR_adj, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72-0.89]; I²=0%, P value for Cochran Q test: 0.51), respectively. In conclusion, elevated BP levels before and after MT are associated with adverse outcomes among patients with acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion.

Blood Pressure After Endovascular Thrombectomy: Modeling for Outcomes Based on Recanalization Status

Background and Purpose- The optimal level for blood pressure after endovascular thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke is not well established. We sought to evaluate the association of post-endovascular thrombectomy systolic blood pressure (SBP) levels with clinical outcomes. Methods- We included endovascular thrombectomy-treated patients registered from 2014 to 2017 in the Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke International Thrombectomy Registry. The mean 24-hour SBP after endovascular thrombectomy treatment was analyzed both as a continuous variable and in intervals. The primary outcome was 3-month functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score of 0-2). The secondary outcomes were symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) and 3-month mortality. The SBP interval with the highest proportion of functional independence was chosen as reference. All analyses were performed for successful or unsuccessful recanalization (modified Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia score ≥2b or <2b, respectively). The results were adjusted for known confounders in logistic regression models. Results- In the multivariable analyses, a higher SBP value as a continuous variable was associated unfavorably with all outcomes in patients with successful recanalization (n=2920) and with more SICH in patients with unsuccessful recanalization (n=711). SBP interval ≥160 mm Hg was associated with less functional independence (adjusted odds ratio, 0.28 [95% CIs, 0.15-0.53]) and more SICH (adjusted odds ratio, 6.82 [95% CIs, 1.53-38.09]) compared with reference 100 to 119 mm Hg in patients with successful recanalization. SBP ≥160 mm Hg was associated with more SICH (adjusted odds ratio, 6.62 [95% CIs, 1.07-51.05]) compared with reference 120 to 139 mm Hg in patients with unsuccessful recanalization. Conclusions- Higher SBP values were associated with less functional independence at 3 months in patients with successful recanalization and with more SICH regardless of recanalization status.

Is spontaneous normalization of systolic blood pressure within 24 hours after ischemic stroke onset related with favorable outcomes?

Background

In acute ischemic stroke, blood pressure (BP) tends to rise initially and fall to a baseline level within 24–48 hours. Previous studies reported several different effects of BPs during acute ischemic stroke on clinical outcomes, which was partly due to the different time intervals from stroke onset to BP measurement.

Methods

All patients with acute ischemic stroke (onset ≤3 hours) who lived independently before the stroke, were consecutively enrolled for a 62-month period. BPs at 0, 12, and 24 hours after admission were collected. A favorable outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2 at discharge. For different standards of BP management, patients were grouped and analyzed according to intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment and favorable outcome.

Results

Among the 446 enrolled patients, 227 patients underwent IV tPA treatment and 216 had mRS score 0–2 at discharge. Patients with favorable outcomes had lower initial NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores, less frequent progressive neurological deficits, and lower systolic BP (SBP) 12 and 24 hours after admission than patients with unfavorable outcomes, regardless of whether they underwent tPA treatment or not (p <0.05). The BP decreased over a period of 24 hours after admission. In logistic regression analysis, the independent variables associated with favorable outcome were the initial NIHSS score, a progressive neurological deficit, a previous stroke, and the SBP 24 hours after admission in the patients who underwent tPA treatment and the initial NIHSS score and a progressive neurological deficit in the patients who did not undergo tPA treatment (p <0.05).

Conclusions

The SBPs at 12 and 24 hours after admission were lower in acute stroke patients with favorable outcomes than in the other patients, regardless of whether the patients underwent tPA therapy and the SBP at 24 hours was an independent predictor of favorable outcomes among the patients who underwent tPA treatment.

Management of Blood Pressure After Acute Ischemic Stroke

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present manuscript examines the significance of blood pressure elevation in patients with acute ischemic stroke, the physiologic principles worthy of consideration during its treatment, and the recent empirical evidence that should guide management protocols. It also provides a sound and practical approach to treatment along the time continuum, with particular relevance to reperfusion strategies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The existing evidence shows that both insufficient and excessive blood pressures are detrimental to the outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke. This "U-shaped" relation, however, relates to measurements at the time of presentation, and clinical studies lack detail and specificity relative to differential measurements along the time continuum, particularly prior to and following reperfusion. Extrapolating from recent series, it is possible to construct treatment protocols balanced for effectiveness and safety. The management of blood pressure after acute ischemic stroke is an important, complex, and challenging aspect of care, requiring a thorough understanding of cerebrovascular physiology. Along the time continuum, the therapeutic priorities start with the preservation of penumbral tissue prior to reperfusion and then follow with the limitation of the damaging effects of excessive blood pressure readings after reperfusion, optimizing the chances of improved outcomes.

Impact of blood pressure levels within first 24 hours after mechanical thrombectomy on clinical outcome in acute ischemic stroke patients

INTRODUCTION

Despite early management and technical success of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS), not all patients reach a good clinical outcome. Different factors may have an impact and we aimed to evaluate blood pressure (BP) levels in the first 24 hours after MT.

METHODS

Consecutive AIS patients treated with MT were enrolled in the retrospective bi-center study. Neurological deficit was assessed with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and functional outcome after 3 months with modified Rankin scale (mRS) with a score 0-2 for good outcome. The presence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH) was assessed according to the SITS-MOST criteria.

RESULTS

Of 703 treated patients, completed BP levels were collected in 690 patients (350 males, mean age 71±13 years) with median of admission NIHSS 17 points. Patients with mRS 0-2 had a lower median of systolic BP (SBP) compared with those with poor outcome (131 vs 140 mm Hg, P<0.0001). The rate of SICH did not differ between the patients with a median of SBP <140 mm Hg and ≥140 mm Hg. (5.1% vs 5.1%, P=0.980). Multivariate regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounders showed a median of distolic BP (P=0.024, OR: 0.977, 95% CI: 0.957 to 0.997) as a predictor of good functional outcome after MT, and a median of maximal SBP (P=0.038; OR: 0.990, 95% CI: 0.981 to 0.999) in the patients with achieved recanalization.

CONCLUSION

Lowering of BP within the first 24 hours after MT may have a positive impact on clinical outcome in treated patients.

Hybrid Surgery for Nontaper or Nonstump Lesions in Symptomatic Subacute or Chronic Internal Carotid Occlusion: A Better Solution

BACKGROUND

Internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) causes transient ischemic attack and cerebral infarction. ICAO management remains clinically challenging. We discuss a hybrid treatment combining carotid endarterectomy and endovascular intervention (E-I) for patients with nontaper or nonstump lesions of symptomatic ICAO.

METHODS

We treated 32 patients with consecutive nontaper or nonstump ICAO with neurological symptoms with hybrid treatment or E-I. We analyzed the epidemiology, symptoms, angiographic morphology, technical success rate, and perioperative complications.

RESULTS

Of the 32 patients, 17 were treated with hybrid surgery and 15, E-I. The demographic data and lesion characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. The overall recanalization success rate was 71.9%. The rate for hybrid surgery was better than that for E-I (88.2% vs. 53.3%). The postoperative cerebral hyperperfusion rate showed no difference between the 2 groups (11.8% vs. 6.7%). Ipsilateral cerebral perfusion improved after treatment. The mean transition time and time to peak were greater than normal (normal values, <6 seconds and <8 seconds, respectively). Both increased significantly after treatment (mean transition time, 11.30 seconds vs. 7.25 seconds; time to peak, 19.30 seconds vs. 15.50 seconds). The incidence of perioperative complications from hybrid surgery was less than that with E-I (5.9% vs. 40.0%). Recurrent cerebrovascular events (5.9% vs. 13.3%) and the 3-month modified Rankin scale score (2.76 ± 0.66 vs. 2.93 ± 0.70) did not differ between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Recanalization of nontaper or nonstump ICAO with hybrid treatment was more successful than that with E-I, with fewer perioperative complications. The carotid endarterectomy procedure enables easier wire crossing across the occlusion and reduces potential technology-related complications by requiring a shorter lesion and fewer dissections and minimizing the effect of calcification.

Higher Blood Pressure during Endovascular Thrombectomy in Anterior Circulation Stroke Is Associated with Better Outcomes

Background and Purpose

Reports investigating the relationship between in-procedure blood pressure (BP) and outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) due to anterior circulation stroke are sparse and contradictory.

Methods

Consecutive EVT-treated adults (modern stent retrievers, BP managed in line with the recommendations, general anesthesia, invasive BP measurements) were evaluated for associations of the rate of in-procedure systolic BP (SBP) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) excursions to >120%/<80% of the reference values (serial measurements at anesthesia induction) and of the reference BP/weighted in-procedure mean BP with post-procedure imaging outcomes (ischemic lesion volume [ILV], hemorrhages) and 3-month functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS], score 0 to 2 vs. 3 to 6).

Results

Overall 164 patients (70.7% pharmacological reperfusion, 80.5% with good collaterals, 73.8% with successful reperfusion) were evaluated for ILV (range, 0 to 581 cm³) and hemorrhages (incidence 17.7%). Higher rate of in-procedure SBP/MAP excursions to >120% was independently associated with lower ILV, while higher in-procedure mean SBP/MAP was associated with lower odds of hemorrhages. mRS 0-2 was achieved in 75/155 (48.4%) evaluated patients (nine had missing mRS data). Higher rate of SBP/MAP excursions to >120% and higher reference SBP/MAP were independently associated with higher odds of mRS 0-2, while higher ILV was associated with lower odds of mRS 0-2. Rate of SBP/MAP excursions to <80% was not associated with any outcome.

Conclusions

In the EVT-treated patients with BP managed within the recommended limits, a better functional outcome might be achieved by targeting in-procedure BP that exceeds the preprocedure values by more than 20%.

Current understanding of chronic total occlusion of the internal carotid artery

At present, there is limited understanding of chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the internal carotid artery (ICA). Therefore, the present report collected related cases from PubMed and reviewed the literature. Cerebral vessels may form collateral circulation immediately or gradually following CTO of the ICA. The natural history of CTO of the ICA includes a variety of outcomes, all of which are biased toward a non-benign progressive process and are characterized by insufficient cerebral perfusion, embolus detachment and cognitive dysfunction. The majority of cases of CTO of the ICA require treatment. In early studies, the results of external-ICA bypass were unsatisfactory, while recanalization is now considered the only viable option. The current treatment indications mainly depend on the degree of injury to the cerebrovascular reserve and the extent to which the oxygen extraction fraction is increased. The length, height and duration of ICA occlusion are also relevant, though more frequently, the condition depends on multiple factors. Endovascular interventional recanalization, carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and hybrid surgery may be conducted in a select group of patients. As novel materials are developed, the success rate of simple recanalization may gradually increase; however, hybrid surgery may be more representative of the current trend, as advanced CEA can remove carotid atherosclerosis plaques, thus reducing the technological demands of the subsequent interventional recanalization. There are many complications that may result from recanalization following CTO of the ICA, including hyperperfusion and technical errors; therefore, the operation must be conducted carefully. If the recanalization is successful, it typically results in a stable improvement of patient condition in the long term. However, despite these conclusions, more studies are required in the future to further improve current understanding of CTO of the ICA.

Blood Pressure and Penumbral Sustenance in Stroke from Large Vessel Occlusion

The global burden of stroke remains high, and of the various subtypes of stroke, large vessel occlusions (LVOs) account for the largest proportion of stroke-related death and disability. Several randomized controlled trials in 2015 changed the landscape of stroke care worldwide, with endovascular thrombectomy (ET) now the standard of care for all eligible patients. With the proven success of this therapy, there is a renewed focus on penumbral sustenance. In this review, we describe the ischemic penumbra, collateral circulation, autoregulation, and imaging assessment of the penumbra. Blood pressure goals in acute stroke remain controversial, and we review the current data and suggest an approach for induced hypertension in the acute treatment of patients with LVOs. Finally, in addition to reperfusion and enhanced perfusion, efforts focused on developing therapeutic targets that afford neuroprotection and augment neural repair will gain increasing importance. ET has revolutionized stroke care, and future emphasis will be placed on promoting penumbral sustenance, which will increase patient eligibility for this highly effective therapy and reduce overall stroke-related death and disability.