Maximum Systolic Blood Pressure Research Articles

Quantitative sensory testing and norepinephrine levels in REM sleep behaviour disorder – a clue to early peripheral autonomic and sensory dysfunction?

IntroductionStudies have reported autonomic impairment in patients with idiopathic REM sleep behaviour disorder (iRBD), which is considered a prodromal stage of alpha-synucleinopathies. It is still debated whether central or peripheral pathologies are first manifestations of alpha-synucleinopathies. This study aimed to characterize autonomic and somatosensory function in iRBD patients.MethodsThis cross-sectional prospective case–control study included 17 iRBD patients (mean age 66.3 ± 9.2 years) and 16 healthy controls (HCs, 66.6 ± 11.3 years). Quantitative sensory testing, neurological and neuropsychological assessments, norepinephrine blood plasma levels, tilt table examination with orthostatic blood pressure, and heart rate variability were carried out. Longitudinal data of 10 iRBD patients, including neurological, neuropsychological, and tilt table examination, were assessed.ResultsiRBD patients more frequently presented with orthostatic dysfunction than HCs (70.6% vs. 6.3%, p < 0.0001). Supine norepinephrine plasma levels were normal, but lower in iRBD (249.59 ± 99.78 pg/ml iRBD, 354.13 ± 116.38 pg/ml HCs, p < 0.05). Quantitative sensory testing revealed impaired cold (CDT) and vibration detection thresholds (VDT) on the foot in iRBD (CDT foot iRBD − 1.24 ± 0.31, HCs − 9.89E-17 ± 0.25, VDT iRBD − 1.11 ± 0.47, HCs − 1.46E-16 ± 0.25, p < 0.05). Cold detection thresholds differed between the foot and hand among iRBD patients (foot − 1.24 ± 0.31, hand − 0.56 ± 0.25, p < 0.05). Longitudinal data revealed an increase in maximum systolic and diastolic orthostatic blood pressure changes and a decrease in the Valsalva ratio in the follow-up group (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study revealed autonomic dysfunction with somatosensory impairment, and decreased norepinephrine levels in iRBD, which may serve as a possible prodromal marker for developing alpha-synucleinopathy.

Remote outpatient follow-up of patients with arterial hypertenson: the role of a nurse

Highlights. Telehealth remote monitoring for patients with arterial hypertension has been developed and implemented. A nurse coaching approach has been reported.Aim. To develop and implement the technology of remote dispensary observation of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) using telemedicine, in which the main performer is a clinic nurse.Methods. The research object is patients with AH who are under dispensary observation at the territorial polyclinic. The study included 183 patients aged 53±12.5 years, of which 64.5% were women. The duration of observation is from 30 to 90 days. The effectiveness was evaluated on the basis of the achievement of target values of blood pressure (BP), number of visits to the doctor for hypertension decompensation, patient compliance. The program used data processing technology applying telemedicine devices for automatic BP measurement.Results. In 75.5% of cases, there was a decrease in the average level of systolic and diastolic BP in comparison with the initial levels. A decrease in the maximum systolic BP and in the frequency of decompensation episodes of BP above 160 mm Hg was recorded in 15.8% of patients. Achievement of the target BP level was identified in 64.2% of patients, in 11.3% there was a positive dynamic in the clinical condition without achieving the target figures, in 24.5% of cases, no dynamics was found. The majority of patients (84.2%) preferred remote forms of counseling while maintaining a stable level of indicators. Among 15.8% of patients, the number of visits to a doctor decreased from 2.0 to 0.75 visits per month. High adherence to preventive measures was observed in 88.7% of cases; 100% of patients in the observation group confirmed the use of prescribed antihypertensive drugs.Conclusion. The original technology of remote dispensary observation of patients with AH using telemedicine devices enhances the continuity in “doctor-nurse-patient” interactions, which contributes to the improvement of medical efficiency by increasing the proportion of patients in the dispensary group who have reached the target level of BP and increase the patients' adherence to preventive measures. Telemedicine technologies reduce the number of scheduled and urgent patient visits to a polyclinic, which is relevant in the context of the shortage of medical personnel and the transition to remote consultation due to the restrictions caused by the epidemic threat [17].

Novel insights into stroke risk beyond resting and maximal bicycle exercise systolic blood pressure.

Previous research has shown an association between moderate workload exercise blood pressure (BP) and coronary disease, whereas maximal exercise BP is associated with stroke. We aimed to investigate the association between the increase in BP during maximal exercise and the long-term risk of stroke in healthy, middle-aged men. Two thousand and fourteen men were included in the Oslo Ischemia Study in the 1970s. In the present study, we examined baseline data of the 1392 participants who remained healthy and performed bicycle exercise tests both at baseline and 7 years later. Cox proportional hazard was used to assess the risk of stroke in participants divided into quartiles based on the difference between resting and maximal workload SBP (ΔSBP) at baseline, adjusting for resting BP, age, smoking, serum cholesterol and physical fitness. Follow-up was until the first ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke through 35 years. There were 195 incident strokes; 174 (89%) were ischemic. In univariate analyses, there were significant positive correlations between age, resting SBP, resting DBP and SBP at moderate and maximal workload, and risk of stroke. In the multivariate analysis, there was a 2.6-fold (P < 0.0001) increase in risk of stroke in ΔSBP quartile 4 (ΔSBP > 99 mmHg) compared with ΔSBP quartile 2 (ΔSBP 73-85 mmHg), which had the lowest risk of stroke. ΔSBP quartile 1 had a 1.7-fold (P = 0.02) increased risk compared with quartile 2, suggesting a J-shaped association to stroke risk. Stroke risk increased with increasing difference between resting and maximal exercise SBP, independent of BP at rest, suggesting that an exaggerated BP response to physical exercise may be an independent predictor of stroke.

Factors associated with postpartum readmission for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Postpartum readmission has negative implications for patients and health systems. Previous studies suggest that up to 5% of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy experience postpartum readmission. Studies examining factors associated with postpartum readmission for hypertension have had small sample sizes and conflicting results. This study aimed to characterize the incidence of and risk factors for postpartum readmission for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among a cohort of women with preexisting hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. This was a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women with known hypertensive disorders of pregnancy who delivered live births in a large managed care organization in 2018. The primary outcome was hospital readmission for a hypertensive diagnosis or stroke within 42 days after delivery. The primary exposure of interest was persistent postpartum hypertension, defined as a maximum systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg or maximum diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mm Hg within 24 hours before discharge from delivery hospitalization. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using bivariate analysis. Risk factors independently associated with postpartum readmission were identified using multivariable logistic regression. Of 42,022 women who delivered in 2018, 7151 had hypertensive disorders of pregnancy-an incidence of 17%. The rate of postpartum readmission among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy was 4.43% (317 of 7151). The following risk factors were associated with increased odds of postpartum readmission in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: systolic blood pressure of ≥140 mm Hg within 24 hours before discharge (adjusted odds ratio, 2.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.71-3.07), diastolic blood pressure of ≥90 mm Hg within 24 hours before discharge (adjusted odds ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.73), maternal age of ≥30 years (30-34: adjusted odds ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-2.19; 35-39: adjusted odds ratio, 2.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.70-3.28; ≥40: adjusted odds ratio, 2.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.95-4.46), receipt of magnesium sulfate (adjusted odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.94), and receipt of inpatient rapid-acting antihypertensive medication (adjusted odds ratio, 1.46; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-1.93). In addition, 1 blood pressure of ≥140/90 mm Hg within 24 hours before discharge increased the odds of readmission (adjusted odds ratio, 1.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.37-2.87). Furthermore, 2 or more elevated blood pressure values further increased the odds (adjusted odds ratio, 3.14; 95% confidence interval, 2.33-4.24). Median postpartum day of readmission was day 5 (interquartile range=3). Hospital readmission for postpartum hypertension was associated with persistent postpartum hypertension (blood pressure of ≥140/90 mm Hg), increasing maternal age, and more severe antepartum hypertension. Women with these characteristics may be targeted in future quality initiatives to mitigate readmission.

Effect of bariatric surgery on blood pressure and workload-indexed pressure during submaximal and maximal exercise

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Obesity is a disease characterized by an increase of resting blood pressure and by an increased risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular events. Exaggerated blood pressure during exercise increases risk of cardiovascular events independently from the baseline blood pressure levels. Purpose to evaluate the blood pressure response and the Workload-indexed blood pressure, during a cardio-pulmonary exercise test (CPET) before and after bariatric surgery (BS). Methods 257 patients with severe obesity performed maximal incremental CPET one month before and six months after BS under the same experimental protocol. The systolic blood pressure was measured at rest (SBPrest), at the submaximal effort (SBPsubmax) at the same exercise intensity (3 METs), at the exercise peak (SBP max) and lastly in the recovery phase (SBPrec). The submaximal and maximal Workload-indexed Sistolic Blood Pressure (W-SBPsubmax and W-SBPmax, respectively) were calculated with the formula: ΔBP/ΔMETs. Diastolic blood pressure was analysed at rest (DBPrest) and during the recovery phase (DBPrec). Results Age was on average 45 ± 10.3 years, BMI before BS was equal to 43.9 ± 6.4 Kg/m2 and 73.5% were females. After BS, there was a significant weight loss (-25.9 ± 6.2%). SBPrest and DBPrest decrease significantly after BS (ΔSBP: -10.2 ± 15.8 and -5.2 ± 11.6 mmHg; p &amp;lt;0.001, respectively), also when considering percentage variation of pre BS values (ΔSBP%: -7.4 ±12.3% and -5.9 ± 15.9%; p&amp;lt; 0.001, respectively). Submaximal and maximal systolic blood pressure showed significant reduction after BS both as ΔSBP (-15.0 ± 19.7 mmHg and -10.3 ± 25.1mmHg; p &amp;lt; 0.001, respectively) and ΔSBP% (-9.6 ± 13.0% and -5.0 ± 14.0%; p &amp;lt; 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, W-SBP decreased significantly during submaximal exercise (-3.0 ± 12.2 mmHg/METs; p 0.001) and at peak of exercise (-2.1 ± 4.8 mmHg/METs; p &amp;lt; 0.001). Lastly, also systolic and diastolic blood pressure during the recovery phase showed a significant reduction (-7.5 ± 7.0 mmHg and -3.3 ± 6.0 mmHg; p &amp;lt; 0.001). A Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a significant but weak correlation between ΔSBP%submax and % of weight loss (rho = 0.138; p = 0.027). Conclusions After BS, a marked reduction of all blood pressure values was detectable in all phases of CPET. W-SBPsubmax and W-SBPmax, as expression of load independent pressure response, decreased significantly. The reduction in the submaximal blood pressure was significantly but only weakly correlated with changes in body weight, suggesting its substantial independence from weight loss. These findings also support a potential role of CPET in detecting, high risk patients and adequate treatment effectiveness in patients with severe obesity. Abstract Figure. Exercise SBP before and after BS

UPLC-MS-Based Serum Metabolomics Reveals Potential Biomarkers of Ang II-Induced Hypertension in Mice.

Hypertension is caused by polygenic inheritance and the interaction of various environmental factors. Abnormal function of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is closely associated with changes in blood pressure. As an essential factor in the RAAS, angiotensin II (Ang II) contributes to vasoconstriction and inflammatory responses. However, the effects of overproduction of Ang II on the whole body-metabolism have been unclear. In this study, we established a hypertensive mouse model by micro-osmotic pump perfusion of Ang II, and the maximum systolic blood pressure reached 140 mmHg after 2 weeks. By ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, the metabolites in the serum of hypertensive model and control mice were analyzed. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) in both positive and negative ionization modes showed clear separation of the two groups. Perfusion of Ang II induced perturbations of multiple metabolic pathways in mice, such as steroid hormone biosynthesis and galactose metabolism. Tandem mass spectrometry revealed 40 metabolite markers with potential diagnostic value for hypertension. Our data indicate that non-targeted metabolomics can reveal biochemical pathways associated with Ang II-induced hypertension. Although researches about the clinical use of these metabolites as potential biomarkers in hypertension is still needed, the current study improves the understanding of systemic metabolic response to sustained release of Ang II in hypertensive mice, providing a new panel of biomarkers that may be used to predict blood pressure fluctuations in the early stages of hypertension.

Safety and Cost-Effectiveness of Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block With Sedation in Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement.

AimsTo investigate the safety and cost-effectiveness of interscalene brachial plexus block/regional anaesthesia (ISB-RA) in patients undergoing reverse total shoulder replacement.Patients and methodsThis retrospective study included 15 patients with symptomatic rotator cuff arthropathy who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) under ISB-RA without general anaesthesia in the beach chair position from 2010 to 2018. The mean patient age was 77 years (range 59-82 years). Patients had associated medical comorbidities: American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 2-4. Assessed parameters were: duration of anaesthesia, intra-operative systolic blood pressure variation, sedation and vasopressor use, duration of post-operative recovery, recovery scores, length of stay, and complications. A robust cost analysis was also performed.ResultsThe mean (range) duration of anaesthesia was 38.66 (20-60) min. Maximum and minimum intra-operative systolic blood pressure ranges were 130-210 and 75-145 mmHg, respectively (mean [range] drop, 74.13 [33-125] mmHg). Mean (range) propofol dose was 1.74 (1-3.0) mg/kg/h. The Median (interquartile range) post-operative recovery time was 30 (20-50) min. The mean (range) postoperative recovery score (local scale, range 5-28 where lower values are superior) was 5.2 (5-8). The mean (range) length of stay was 8 (1-20 days); the two included patients with ASA grade 2 were both discharged within 24 hours. One patient with predisposing history developed pneumonia; however, there were no complications related to ISB-RA. The mean (range) cost per patient was £101.36 (£59.80-£132.20).ConclusionsOur data demonstrate that rTSA under ISB-RA is safe, comfortable, and cost-effective. Notably, patients with ASA grade 2 who underwent rTSA under ISB-RA had a reduced length of stay and were discharged within 24 hours.Clinical relevance rTSA under ISB-RA is potentially a safe, cost-effective, and viable alternative for patients with multiple comorbidities.

Systemic arterial blood pressure and intracerebral hemorrhage after mechanical thrombectomy in anterior cerebral circulation

The relationship between systemic arterial blood pressure (BP) and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) after mechanical thrombectomy (MT) of the cerebral artery remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of...

Abstract P511: Optimal Blood Pressure Targets Following Successful Revascularization With Mechanical Thrombectomy

Background/Objective: Blood pressure parameters for patients undergoing mechanical thrombectomy (MT) are not clearly defined. Prior studies have shown that higher maximum and mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) is associated with adverse outcomes. Our study sought to investigate the relationship of blood pressure on clinical outcomes after successful revascularization and determine optimal thresholds for BP parameters that correlated with a poor functional outcome. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of 88 consecutive patients who received successful MT at one comprehensive stroke center. Systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure values were recorded for each patient over a 48-hour period, as well as patient age and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Outcome measures included modified Rankin Score (mRS), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), and mortality at time of discharge and 90 days. Both univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify associations between the BP covariates and functional outcomes. Results: A higher SBP standard deviation (SD) of &gt;14mmHg (OR=1.150) and wider SBP range &gt;64mmHg (OR=1.037) from the mean in the first 48 hours after successful MT were associated with poor MRS at 90 days. A SBP SD&gt;14 was also associated with mortality at 90 days. A higher age (OR=1.052) and NIHSS (OR=1.096) were also associated with a poor MRS at 90 days. A higher DBP mean (OR=1.045) was associated with a higher rate of hemorrhagic transformation (HT). Conclusions: A higher SBP variability within the first 48 hours after successful MT is associated with a higher likelihood of poor 90-day functional outcome and mortality, and a higher mean DBP is associated with a higher rate of HT.

Blood pressure management after endovascular therapy

Questions on whether high blood pressure should be lowered, by how much, and for how long in patients with large vessel occlusion after endovascular therapy remain unresolved in the management of acute stroke. Observational data indicate that haemorrhagic transformation occurs in up to 46% of patients, with variable contributions to functional outcome.1 The association of high blood pressure with increased risk of intraparenchymal haemorrhage after reperfusion favours the use of lower blood pressures targets (systolic blood pressure goal of <140 mm Hg),2 although evidence comes from studies with differing inclusion criteria and definitions of haemorrhagic complications, modest differences in mean and maximum systolic blood pressure between good and poor outcome groups, and underpowered hypothesis-generating designs.

Adverse Outcomes Associated With Higher Mean Blood Pressure and Greater Blood Pressure Variability Immediately After Successful Embolectomy in Those With Acute Ischemic Stroke, and the Influence of Pretreatment Collateral Circulation Status.

BackgroundTo investigate whether collateral status could modify the associations between post‐thrombectomy blood pressure (BP) measures and outcomes.Methods and ResultsPatients with anterior‐circulation large‐vessel‐occlusion successfully recanalized in a multicenter endovascular thrombectomy registry were enrolled. Pretreatment collateral status was graded and dichotomized (good/poor) in angiography. Maximum, minimum, and mean systolic BP (SBP) and BP variability (assessed by the SD, coefficient of variation) during the initial 24 hours after endovascular thrombectomy were obtained. The primary outcome was unfavorable 90‐day outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 3–6). Secondary outcomes included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and 90‐day mortality. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of BP parameters over the outcomes were obtained in all patients and in patients with good/poor collaterals. Among 596 patients (mean age 66 years; 59.9% males), 302 (50.7%) patients had unfavorable 90‐day outcome. In multivariable analyses, higher mean SBP (aOR, 1.59 per 10 mm Hg increment; 95% CI, 1.26–2.02; P<0.001), mean SBP >140 mm Hg (versus ≤120 mm Hg; aOR, 4.27; 95% CI, 1.66–10.97; P=0.002), and higher SBP SD (aOR, 1.08 per 1‐SD increment; 95% CI, 1.01–1.16; P=0.02) were respectively associated with unfavorable 90‐day outcome in patients with poor collateral but not in those with good collateral. A marginal interaction between SBP coefficient of variation tertiles and collaterals on 90‐day functional outcome (P for interaction, 0.09) was observed. A significant interaction between SBP coefficient of variation tertiles and collaterals on 90‐day mortality (P for interaction, 0.03) was observed.ConclusionsHigher postprocedural BP is associated with 90‐day unfavorable outcomes after successful endovascular thrombectomy in patients with poor collateral.RegistrationURL: https://www.chictr.org.cn; Unique identifier: ChiCTR1900022154.

Correlation Between the 6-Min Walk Test and Exercise Tolerance Test in Cardiac Rehabilitation After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Cross-sectional Study.

IntroductionExercise capacity and quality of life are the main outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Exercise capacity is one of the important prognostic and diagnostic measures acquired by the exercise tolerance test (ETT). The 6-min walk test (6MWT), as a functional walking test, is another tool for assessing exercise capacity.MethodsEighty postoperative coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) participants admitted to three CR units were recruited for this cross-sectional and multicenter study, based on convenient non-probability sampling. All participants performed an ETT and two repeated 6MWTs. Maximum heart rate (HR), maximum blood pressure (BP), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and peak metabolic equivalents of tasks (MET) during the tests and also the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) were the outcome measures.ResultsThe mean age of all participants was 62.13 (7.12) years and 80% were male. Pearson correlation showed that maximum HR (r(78) = 0.67, P < 0.001) and maximum systolic BP (r(78) = 0.57, P < 0.001) during the 6MWT correlated moderately with those achieved during ETT. Maximum HR in the 6MWT corresponded to 86% of that achieved during ETT. The 6MWD showed a strong positive correlation with peak MET estimated during ETT as a measure of exercise capacity (r = 0.77, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe results from this study suggest that the 6MWT is a valid tool for assessing functional capacity for prescribing exercise in a group of postoperative CABG participants admitted to CR units. This finding is helpful for healthcare professionals and for patients, as the test is easy to administer and also well tolerated by patients.Trial Registration NumberPHT-9923.

Transport, In Vivo Antihypertensive Effect, and Pharmacokinetics of an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory Peptide LVLPGE

The angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptide LVLPGE provides outstanding antihypertensive effects in vivo, with a maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP) drop of 39 mmHg at a dose of 10 mg/kg. We evaluated the gastrointestinal digestion, transport, and in vivo antihypertensive effects of LVLPGE at different doses. LVLPGE was resistant to gastrointestinal enzymes with a stability of 97.8% and a permeability Papp of (5.09 ± 0.94) × 10-7 cm/s. LVLPGE was mainly transported through the Caco-2 cell monolayer by the peptide transporter PepT 1 and passive-mediated transport. LVLPGE at doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg had a positive antihypertensive effect in vivo; 30 mg/kg had a more significant effect than 50 mg/kg. After oral administration, the pharmacokinetics of LVLPGE showed that the Cmax was 4.65 ng/mL at 2 min. The blood pressure-lowering effect increased as the concentration of LVLPGE increased in the plasma of spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHRs).

The Use of Artificial Hypoxia in Endurance Training in Patients after Myocardial Infarction.

The presence of a well-developed collateral circulation in the area of the artery responsible for the infarction improves the prognosis of patients and leads to a smaller area of infarction. One of the factors influencing the formation of collateral circulation is hypoxia, which induces angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, which in turn cause the formation of new vessels. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of endurance training conducted under normobaric hypoxia in patients after myocardial infarction at the level of exercise tolerance and hemodynamic parameters of the left ventricle. Thirty-five patients aged 43–74 (60.48 ± 4.36) years who underwent angioplasty with stent implantation were examined. The program included 21 training units lasting about 90 min. A statistically significant improvement in exercise tolerance assessed with the cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was observed: test duration (p < 0.001), distance covered (p < 0.001), HRmax (p = 0.039), maximal systolic blood pressure (SBPmax) (p = 0.044), peak minute ventilation (VE) (p = 0.004) and breathing frequency (BF) (p = 0.044). Favorable changes in left ventricular hemodynamic parameters were found for left ventricular end-diastolic dimension LVEDD (p = 0.002), left ventricular end-systolic dimension LVESD (p = 0.015), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.021), lateral e’ (p < 0.001), septal e’ (p = 0.001), and E/A (p = 0.047). Endurance training conducted in hypoxic conditions has a positive effect on exercise tolerance and the hemodynamic indicators of the left ventricle.

Blood Pressure Management Before, During, and After Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke.

There is an absence of specific evidence or guideline recommendations on blood pressure management for large vessel occlusion stroke patients. Until randomized data are available, the periprocedural blood pressure management of patients undergoing endovascular thrombectomy can be viewed in two phases relative to the achievement of recanalization. In the hyperacute phase, prior to recanalization, hypotension should be avoided to maintain adequate penumbral perfusion. The American Heart Association guidelines should be followed for the upper end of prethrombectomy blood pressure: ≤185/110 mm Hg, unless post-tissue plasminogen activator administration when the goal is <180/105 mm Hg. After successful recanalization (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction [TICI]: 2b-3), we recommend a target of a maximum systolic blood pressure of < 160 mm Hg, while the persistently occluded patients (TICI < 2b) may require more permissive goals up to <180/105 mm Hg. Future research should focus on generating randomized data on optimal blood pressure management both before and after endovascular thrombectomy, to optimize patient outcomes for these divergent clinical scenarios.

Role of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring in Predicting Adverse Maternofetal Events in Pregnancy

Abstract Aims To correlate the relationship between the ambulatory blood pressure parameters and the occurrence of the antenatal and postnatal adverse maternofetal events in pregnancy. Methods Observational study designed for 50 pregnant patients who had an appointment to the obstetrics with abnormal blood pressure (BP) measurements and for whom ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) was studied between January 2019 and June 2019. Data about age, personal history, obstetrics, family, body mass index (BMI), weight gain in pregnancy, values of blood pressure in the appointment, values recorded in ABPM, delivery and newborn, pregnancy and postpartum events, and follow-up of woman and child. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with Minitab 17.0 for Windows. Results Patients demographic data, clinical history, and laboratory results, including the ABPM parameters, were compiled. Antenatal complications occurred in 22 patients (44%), and postpartum complications were found in 41 patients (82%) whose ABPM values were deranged. Antenatal complications were studied using the binary logistic regression analysis for calculating the role each factor played in the development of hypertension. In the sample studied, mean age was 24.980 with a standard deviation of 4.876 (p = 0.003; minimum age of 19 years and maximum age of 38 years), mean weight of patient was 63.71 with a standard deviation of 63.71 (p = 0.001), mean gravida was 1.780 with a standard deviation of 0.910 (p = 0.034), mean gestation weeks at presentation was 33.000 weeks with a standard deviation of 4.086 (p = 0.041), mean birth weight was 2.226 with a standard deviation of 0.797 (p = 0.000), mean maximum diastole was 109.22 with a standard deviation of 16.53 (p = 0.002), mean day maximum systole was 187.2 with a standard deviation of 203.5 (p = 0.009), mean day minimum diastole was 63.50 with a standard deviation of 12.99 (p = 0.013), all of which had statistical significance. It is found that the nighttime diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and daytime maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP) were the best predictors of adverse events. Among antenatal complications (ANC), the most common complication is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), noted in (n = 19, 86.36%) preterm delivery (n = 17, 77.27%) among the 17 babies who were delivered preterm; 12 (70.5%) needed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care of which 4 (25%) babies died because of prematurity; intrauterine death (IUD) was noted in 7 (31.81%) patients and eclampsia was seen in 5 (22.72%). Nondippers proðle had a worse survival rate at follow-up until delivery compared with those with a dipper proðle. Postnatal complications were seen in 41 patients; among them, 13 patients (31.7%) had abnormal fundus examination, 15 patients (36.58%) required usage of antihypertensive beyond first postpartum, 9 patients (21.95%) required blood transfusion for severe bleeding in the form of postpartum hemorrhage. Binary logistic regression for systolic dippers versus nondippers shows statistical significance in age (p = 0.023), weight (p = 0.038), and para (p = 0.045) (Table 3). Binary logistic regression for diastolic dippers versus nondippers shows statistical significance in age (p = 0.039), weight (p = 0.020), birth weight (p = 0.010), maximum heart rate (p = 0.043), and ANC (p = 0.007) Adverse events occurred most commonly in nondippers. Systole nondippers is noted in (n = 41, 82%). Dippers is noted in (n = 9, 18%), Diastole nondippers is noted in (n = 39, 78%) Dippers is noted in (n = 11, 22%). Conclusion ABPM recorded blood pressure is very precise. ABPM is the advised method for both diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring of hypertensive pregnancy diseases, mainly in situations like whitecoat hypertension, masked hypertension, nocturnal hypertension, and nondipping profile. In patients with high-risk pregnancy, elderly primigravida, and precious pregnancy, who have a high-risk of developing pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) and related complications, early use of ABPM predicts adverse maternofetal events, which when intervened at an earlier date can prevent antenatal and postnatal complications.

Differentiation of psychogenic nonepileptic attacks from status epilepticus among patients intubated for convulsive activity

Background and objectivePatients with psychogenic nonepileptic attacks (PNEA) sometimes receive aggressive treatment leading to intubation. This study aimed to identify patient characteristics that can help differentiate PNEA from status epilepticus (SE). MethodsWe retrospectively identified patients with a final diagnosis of PNEA or SE, who were intubated for emergent convulsive symptoms and underwent continuous electroencephalography (cEEG) between 2012 and 2017. Patients who had acute brain injury or progressive brain disease as the cause of SE were excluded. We compared clinical features and laboratory values between the two groups, and identified risk factors for PNEA-related convulsive activity. ResultsOver a six-year period, 24 of 148 consecutive patients (16%) intubated for convulsive activity had a final diagnosis of PNEA rather than SE. Compared to patients intubated for SE, intubated PNEA patients more likely were <50 years of age, female, white, had a history of a psychiatric disorder, had no history of an intracranial abnormality, and had a maximum systolic blood pressure <140 mm Hg (all P < 0.001). Patients with 0–2 of these six risk factors had a 0% (0/88) likelihood of having PNEA, those with 3–4 had a 15% (6/39) chance of having PNEA, and those with 5–6 had an 86% (18/21) chance of having PNEA. Sensitivity for PNEA among those with 5–6 risk factors was 75% (95% CI: 53–89%) and specificity was 98% (95% CI: 93–99%). ConclusionsIn the absence of a clear precipitating brain injury, approximately one in six patients intubated for emergent convulsive symptoms had PNEA rather than SE. Although PNEA cannot be diagnosed only by the presence of these risk factors, these simple characteristics could raise clinical suspicion for PNEA in the appropriate setting. Urgent neurological consultation may prevent unnecessary intubation of this at-risk patient population.

Relation of maximal systolic blood pressure during exercise testing to the risk of sudden cardiac death in men with and without cardiovascular disease.

Relation of maximal systolic blood pressure during exercise testing to the risk of sudden cardiac death in men with and without cardiovascular disease.

Glycopenia - induced sympathoadrenal activation in diabetes mellitus and uncontrolled arterial hypertension: an observational study

BackgroundAim of this study is to investigate a possible association of hypoglycemic episodes and arterial hypertension. We hypothesize that hospitalized insulin-treated diabetes patients with hypertensive crisis have more hypoglycemic episodes than their counterparts without hypertensive crisis on admission.MethodsIn a prospective, observational cohort study, 65 insulin-treated diabetes patients (type 1, type 2, type 3c) were included in Group 1, when a hypertensive crisis was present, as control patients in Group 2 without hypertensive crisis or hypoglycemia, in Group 3, when a symptomatic hypoglycemia was present on admission. All patients were subjected to open-label continuous glucose monitoring, 24-h blood-pressure- and Holter electrocardiogram recordings, and to laboratory tests including plasma catecholamines.Results53 patients, thereof 19 Group-1, 19 Group-2, 15 Group-3 patients, completed this study. Group-1 patients had the highest maximum systolic blood pressure, a higher daily cumulative insulin dose at admission, a higher body-mass index, and a higher plasma norepinephrine than control patients of Group 2. Group-3 patients had more documented hypoglycemic episodes (0.8 ± 0.5 per 24 h) than Group-2 patients (0.2 ± 0.3 per 24 h), however, they were not different to the ones in Group-1 patients (0.4 ± 0.4 per 24 h). Plasma norepinephrine and mean arterial blood pressure were higher Group-1 and Group-3 patients than in control patients of Group 2. At discharge, the daily cumulative insulin dose was reduced in Group-1 (− 18.4 ± 24.9 units) and in Group-3 patients (− 18.6 ± 22.7 units), but remained unchanged in Group-2 control patients (− 2.9 ± 15.6 units).ConclusionsAn association between hypoglycemic events and uncontrolled hypertension was found in this study.

The gender-related peculiarities of the effects of telmisartan-based combined antihypertensive therapy on the dynamics of 24-hours profile of blood pressure

Objective — to evaluate the gender-related peculiarities of the effects of telmisartan-based combined antihypertensive therapy on the dynamics of 24-hours profile of blood pressure in patients with arterial hypertension depending on gender.Materials and methods. The study included 50 patients with arterial hypertension (AH), who received antihypertensive therapy and had uncontrolled arterial pressure as per the results of 24-hours ambulatory BP monitoring (DABPM). Among them were 23 men, average age (60.1 ± 2.7) years and 27 women, average age (64.4 ± 2.2) years. DABPM was performed to all patients before treatment and after 12 weeks of therapy. Prior to the study enrolment, all patients received combined antihypertensive therapy. After DABPM completion, the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blocker used before enrolment was replaced by telmisartan in a dose of 40 — 80 mg.Results. It has been established that the average daily level of systolic blood pressure (SBP) after 12 weeks of therapy decreased significantly in men by 4.4 mm Hg and in women by 6.3 mm Hg. The average daily level of diastolic blood pressure (DBP) decreased in men by 7.1 mm Hg, in women — by 6.7 mm Hg. A decrease in the maximum SBP in the morning by 22.8 mm Hg in men and 23.4 mm Hg in women was determined. The maximal DBP in the morning decreased in men by 14.9 mm Hg, in women — by 19.1 mm Hg. The morning SBP index in men decreased by 41.5 %, in women — by 41.8 %, the morning DBP index — by 44.0 % and 33.7 %, respectively.Conclusions. After 12 weeks of telmisartan therapy, there was a significant decrease in mean daily SBP and DBP in men and women. Significant decrease in SBP and DBP in the active period was determined only in men, and decrease in SBP and DBP in the passive period was more pronounced in women. The positive effects of telmisartan therapy have been revealed in both men and women in terms of significant reduction of the maximal morning SBP and DBP, more than 40 % decrease of the morning SBP and DBP indices and the value of the morning SBP and DBP rise.