[Arterial hypertension in the acute phase of cerebral infarction. Survey on the current practice in a university hospital].
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate current practice in a university hospital on management of high blood-pressure in patients in the acute phase of brain infarction (BI).


METHODS
A case report of a lucid patient admitted 8 hours after onset of a BI with normal CT and high blood pressure (BP = 186/110 mmHg) was presented to staff members and resident physicians (departments of neurology and neurosurgery excluded). Responders were asked to decide as to the best therapeutic option: no treatment/reduction/elevation of BP.


RESULTS
27 of 44 responders (61%) considered BP reduction as the best treatment option. The same trend was observed among residents (16/27: 60%) and staff members (11/17: 65%); among surgeons (6/12: 50%) and clinicians (20/30: 67%).


CONCLUSIONS
BP reduction in the hyperacute phase of BI may be harmful. This basic concept of BI management has not been adequately assimilated by physicians of our university hospital, including those recently graduated. The results of this study signal to the urgent need of a wide diffusion of current concepts on pathophysiology and treatment of BI. Organization of stroke units may contribute to better patient management, medical education and research.
André
C
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Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho (HUCFF), Brasil.
D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
Hipertensão arterial na fase aguda do infarto cerebral. Inquérito sobre a prática corrente em um hospital universitário.