Optimal blood pressure levels in patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis for AIS.

Aim. We wished to define the most optimal blood pressure ranges in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) undergoing intravenous thrombolysis treatment. Methods. The study comprised 626 patients with AIS who underwent the treatment with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either conservative blood pressure lowering regimen (N.=302, target systolic blood pressure of 151-185 mmHg) or intensive blood pressure lowering regimen (N.=324, target systolic blood pressure of 141-150 nun Hg). The outcomes were occurrence of intracranial hemorrhages and survival after 3 months post-treatment. Results. Patients who received intensive blood pressure lowering regimen showed significantly lower rates of intracranial hemorrhage and mortality. Also, these patients demonstrated a trend to better overall condition. Conclusion. Intensive blood pressure lowering regimen warrants a safe and effective intravenous thrombolysis in patients with AIS, and the targeted systolic blood pressure levels should be within 141-150 mmHg.