Blood pressure management in emergency department patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION Despite the well documented importance of blood pressure management in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH), little is known about whether emergency departments (EDs) are able to achieve close monitoring and precise management. Our study characterizes ED monitoring and management of blood pressure in sICH patients. METHODS This is a retrospective study of adults with sICH and elevated intracranial pressure. Patients who were admitted from any referring ED to our CCRU from 1 August 2013 to 30 September 2015 were included. We graphically assessed the association between average minutes between blood pressure measurements and average minutes between administration of antihypertensives. We also performed logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with close blood pressure monitoring and the achievement of goal blood pressure in patients with sICH who presented with hypertension. RESULTS Of 115 patients, 73 presented to the ED with SBP above 160 mmHg. Length of stay in the ED was significantly associated with a longer period between blood pressure measurements. Longer periods between blood pressure measurements were a significant determinant of failure to achieve blood pressure goal in sICH patients. Longer periods between blood pressure measurements were significantly associated with longer periods between administration of antihypertensives. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that blood pressure monitoring is related to the frequency of blood pressure interventions and achievement of adequate blood pressure control in patients with sICH. There is significant variability in EDs' achievement of the recommended close blood pressure monitoring and management in patients with sICH.