Continuous nicardipine infusion to control blood pressure after evacuationof acute cerebral hemorrhage

Purpose: To explore the long-term effects of the calcium antagonist, nicard ipine, on cerebral hemodynamic in patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage, we investigated the effects of nicardipine infusion on intracranial pressur e (ICP), middle cerebral arterial blood flow velocity (Vmca), and computed tomographical (CT) findings of bleeding and edema. Methods: Twenty-two patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage were infused wi th nicardipine for > 72 hr to decrease blood pressure. Blood pressure, hear t rate, conscious level, Vmca, pulsatility index (PI, using transcranial Do ppler), ICP, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) and platelet counts were mon itored. CT examination was also performed to detect the changes of bleeding (hematoma) and/or brain edema. Results: Blood pressure decreased (20 to 30% from control, P < 0.05) withou t any changes in heart rate. Platelet count did not change neither did Vmca and PI change on either the intact or injured side. The ICP decreased 24 h r after the end of infusion from 30 +/- 12 mmHg to 20 +/- 9 mmHg (P = 0.036 ) but was still higher than normal. The CPP decreased at 24 hr (75 +/- 14 m mHg, P = 0.026) and 72 hr (73 +/- 15 mmHg, P = 0.024) from the baseline (99 +/- 17 mmHg). Conscious level improved but not significantly and CT findin gs did not show any exacerbation in bleeding or edema. Conclusion: In patients with acute cerebral hemorrhage, nicardipine infusio n to decrease blood pressure by 20 to 30% had no effect on Vmca, ICP cerebr al bleeding and edema, but decreased CPP.