A calcium channel or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker regime to reduced blood pressure variability in acute ischaemic stroke (CAARBS): A feasibility trial

Davison, William J., Appiah, Karen, Robinson, Thompson G., Mcgurgan, Iain J., Rothwell, Peter M. and Potter, John F. (2020) A calcium channel or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker regime to reduced blood pressure variability in acute ischaemic stroke (CAARBS): A feasibility trial. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 413. ISSN 0022-510X

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Abstract

Background: Trials of lowering blood pressure in patients with acute ischaemic stroke not undergoing thrombolysis have not demonstrated improved outcomes with intervention. Rather than absolute levels, it may be that blood pressure variability is important. However, there are no prospective randomised trials investigating the benefit of reducing blood pressure variability in this patient group. Aims: The primary aim of this trial was to determine the feasibility of recruitment to a randomised trial investigating the effect of different antihypertensive medications on blood pressure variability. Methods: CAARBS was a multi-centre, open-label, randomised parallel group controlled feasibility trial. Adults with a first mild-moderate ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack, requiring antihypertensive therapy for secondary prevention, were randomised to a calcium channel blocker or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker. Blood pressure and variability were measured at baseline, three weeks, and three months. Compliance with measurements and treatment was monitored. Results: Fourteen patients were recruited to the trial (0.6% of those screened), nine of whom completed follow-up. The majority of patients screened (98.1%) were ineligible. Compliance with the intervention was good, as were measurement completion rates (88.9% or higher in all cases except ambulatory measurements). No major adverse events were recorded. Conclusions: Recruitment to the trial was difficult due to patient ineligibility, suggesting that the current protocol is unlikely to be successful if scaled for a definitive trial. However, the intervention was safe, and compliance was good, suggesting a future trial with modified eligibility criteria could be successful. Trial registration: ISRCTN10853487.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: blood pressure variability,hypertension,stroke,neurology,clinical neurology ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2800/2808
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health
Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Nutrition and Preventive Medicine
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 26 Feb 2020 08:12
Last Modified: 22 Oct 2022 05:53
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/74312
DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.116753

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