Ultra-Early Blood Pressure Control in Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Abstract

Acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains one of the most devastating neurological emergencies, with blood pressure (BP) management in the early hours playing a pivotal role in determining patient outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that ultra-early BP control-intervening within minutes to 2 hours of symptom onset-has the potential to reduce secondary brain injury and improve survival. Yet, despite this evidence, current clinical practice is often inconsistent, and there is no universally agreed-upon approach for managing BP in the acute phase of ICH. We advocate for ultra-early BP intervention as a standard of care in ICH, as it offers a clear opportunity to mitigate damage and to enhance recovery. We contend that current BP management protocols are often too conservative and fail to recognize the critical importance of acting swiftly. The first few hours represent a unique window in which targeted interventions, such as continuous infusion intravenous antihypertensives, may limit hematoma expansion and stabilize cerebral perfusion pressure. However, achieving optimal outcomes requires more than just aggressive treatment-it demands a tailored approach to BP control, accounting for individual patient factors, evolving clinical conditions, and operational aspects of care. We advocate for a paradigm shift toward prioritizing ultra-early intervention, supported by clear, evidence-based protocols and real-time decision-making.