Blood pressure variability and early neurological deterioration according to the chronic kidney disease risk categories in minor ischemic stroke patients.

Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases blood pressure variability (BPV) and affects stroke outcomes. However, the effect of BPV on early neurological deterioration (END) may be different according to the renal function.

Methods: We enrolled ischemic stroke patients with a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale of ≤5. END was defined as worsening of ≥1 point in motor power or ≥2 points in total score. BPV was calculated with BP measured during the first 5 days and presented as standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CoV). Renal function was classified using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classification of CKD. Variables were compared between those with (KDIGO classification: moderate- to very-high-risk) and without renal impairment (KDIGO classification: low-risk) and factors associated with END were investigated.

Results: Among the 290 patients (136 [46.9%] renal impairment), END was observed in 59 (20.3%) patients. BPV parameters and the risk of END increased as renal function was impaired. Renal function and systolic BP (SBP) mean, SD, CoV, and diastolic BP (DBP) mean, SD were independently associated with END. We found no association between BPV parameters and END in normal renal function patients; however, among impaired renal function patients, SBP SD (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-1.32, P<0.001) and CoV (1.30 [1.12-1.50], P<0.001) were associated with END.

Conclusions: The association between END and BPV parameters differs according to renal function in minor ischemic stroke; BPV was associated with END in patients with renal impairment, but less in those with normal renal function.