J Emerg Med
-
Review Case Reports
Does early intensive lowering of blood pressure reduce hematoma volume and improve clinical outcome after acute cerebral hemorrhage?
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a poorly understood condition with devastating results. Despite the personal and social impact of ICH, modern medicine can offer little hope. Surgery is the longest-standing therapy, but with no demonstrated evidence of positive effect. Reduction of the early hypertension seen with ICH is believed to limit hematoma growth and improve clinical outcome. The effectiveness and safety of an early, aggressive blood-pressure-lowering strategy for ICH patients has only recently been examined in randomized controlled trials. ⋯ There is currently insufficient evidence to support the routine practice of lowering blood pressure of patients suffering an acute intracerebral hemorrhage.