Pulse pressure--independent predictor of poor early outcome and mortality following ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND

Pulse pressure (PP) in acute stroke may be related to the outcome. The link between PP in the first week following ischemic stroke and early outcome was assessed.

METHODS

We calculated mean PPs during the first 7 days after stroke onset in 1,677 patients. Poor outcome at hospital discharge was defined as a modified Rankin scale score of 3 or more points or death. Logistic regression was developed to evaluate PP as an independent predictor of early outcome.

RESULTS

For patients with poor outcomes the mean PP during the first week was higher than that for patients with non-poor outcomes. A logistic regression model confirmed that elevated mean PP was independently associated with poor outcome at discharge and 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

Elevated PP during the acute phase of ischemic stroke is an independent predictor of poor early outcome at hospital discharge and 30-day mortality.