A pilot study of drug-induced hypertension for treatment of acute stroke

The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether the use of induced hyp ertension in acute stroke is feasible and associated with neurologic improv ement. Phenylephrine was used to raise the systolic blood pressure in patie nts with acute stroke by 20%, not to exceed 200 mmHg. Of 13 patients treate d, 7 improved by 2 points on the NIH Stroke Scale. No systemic or neurologi c complications were seen. The authors conclude that induced hypertension i n acute stroke is feasible and likely safe and can improve the neurologic e xamination in some patients.