Variability in Key Physiological Parameters in Neurocritical Stroke Patients: A Multicenter Observational Study

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Initiative of German NeuroIntensive Trial Engagement (IGNITE) - (Author)
  • Omar Alhaj Omar - , University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (Author)
  • Patrick Schramm - , Department of Neurology, University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (Author)
  • Tobias Frühwald - , University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (Author)
  • Stefan T Gerner - , University Hospital at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Kilian Froehlich - , University Hospital at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (Author)
  • Tobias Braun - , Lahn-Dill-Clinics - Clinic Wetzlar (Author)
  • Martin Juenemann - , University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (Author)
  • Heidrun H Kraemer - , University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (Author)
  • Hagen B Huttner - , Department of Neurology, University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (Author)
  • Anne Mrochen - , University Hospital Gießen and Marburg (Author)

Abstract

Background: Effective management of key physiological parameters, such as blood pressure, temperature, blood glucose, and gas exchange, is central to neurocritical care. However, the clinical impact of variability within guideline target ranges after an acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, or subarachnoid hemorrhage remains unclear. Methods: In this multicenter observational study of nine German neurocritical care units, we analyzed in-range measurements over 96 h. Of 524 screened patients, 281 met the predefined criteria for sufficient in-range data. Variability in systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, body temperature, blood glucose, partial arterial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide was quantified using the coefficient of variation. Associations between in-range variability of each physiological parameter and clinical outcomes including duration of mechanical ventilation, NIHSS score at discharge, and in-hospital mortality were evaluated using multivariable regression models. Results: Variability for all parameters peaked in the first 24 h and then remained largely stable; blood glucose showed a secondary rise after ~60 h. Greater in-range blood glucose variability was associated with in-hospital mortality in hemorrhagic stroke (adjusted OR 1.08; 95% CI 1.00-1.17; p = 0.04), while no other parameter's variability was associated with the evaluated outcomes. Conclusions: Overall, in-range variability had limited short-term prognostic value, supporting current guideline-based management.

Details

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of clinical medicine
Volume15
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2026
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMedCentral PMC13073070
Scopus 105037596845

Keywords