Response of blood pressure and blood glucose to treatment with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke: evidence from the virtual international stroke trials archive

Kerr, D.M., Fulton, R.L., Higgins, P., Bath, P.M.W., Shuaib, A., Lyden, P. and Lees, K.R. (2012) Response of blood pressure and blood glucose to treatment with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke: evidence from the virtual international stroke trials archive. Stroke, 43(2), pp. 399-404. (doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.111.627059)

Abstract

<b>BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:</b> Elevations in blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose are common during stroke and may represent a stress response secondary to the acute neurological deficit. If so, they should settle more completely in recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rtPA)-treated patients in association with improved neurological status.<p></p> <b>METHODS:</b> We performed a controlled comparison of 24-hour declines in BP and glucose in rtPA-treated and control patients from the Virtual Stroke International Stroke Trial Archive (VISTA) database. Twenty-four-hour falls in BP and glucose were compared using multiple regression to account for baseline imbalances. The logarithmic transformation of glucose was used and 24-hour differences expressed as ratios of 24 hours to admission geometric means. Two-way analysis of variance was used to test for interaction between rtPA and early improvement for 24-hour falls in BP and blood glucose.<p></p> <b>RESULTS:</b> BP analysis included 5406 patients (rtPA=41%) and glucose analysis 4288 (rtPA=37%). rtPA-treated patients were younger, less likely to have a history of hypertension or diabetes, and had more severe strokes on admission. BP and glucose were lower at baseline in rtPA-treated patients than control subjects. On regression, rtPA predicted significantly greater 24-hour falls in systolic BP (β=3.9; 95% CI, 2.8-5.0), diastolic BP (β=3.1; 95% CI, 2.4-3.9), and glucose (β=0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99). rtPA did not interact with early neurological improvement for 24-hour falls in systolic BP (P=0.72), diastolic BP (P=0.79), or blood glucose (P=0.51).<p></p> <b>CONCLUSIONS:</b> A stress response does not appear to be the principal cause of elevations in BP and glucose during stroke.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Macisaac, Dr Rachael and Kerr, Dr Daniel and Lees, Professor Kennedy and Higgins, Dr Peter
• Authors: Kerr, D.M., Fulton, R.L., Higgins, P., Bath, P.M.W., Shuaib, A., Lyden, P., and Lees, K.R.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Stroke
• ISSN: 0039-2499
• ISSN (Online): 1524-4628
• Published Online: 10 November 2011