China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke II (CATIS-2): rationale and design

Liping Liu1,2, Yilong Wang1,2, Xuewei Xie1,2

  • 1Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Insights

Early blood pressure lowering in acute ischemic stroke patients may improve outcomes. The CATIS-2 trial investigates if immediate antihypertensive treatment reduces disability and mortality compared to delayed therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Elevated blood pressure (BP) in acute ischemic stroke is linked to poor functional outcomes.
  • The optimal timing for initiating antihypertensive therapy in these patients remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of early versus delayed antihypertensive treatment in acute ischemic stroke.
  • To assess the impact on the composite endpoint of major disability and mortality at 3 months.

Main Methods:

  • The China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke II (CATIS-2) is a multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded-endpoints trial.
  • Early treatment group: immediate antihypertensive therapy aiming for 10-20% systolic BP reduction in 24 hours and <140/90 mm Hg within 5 days.
  • Delayed treatment group: antihypertensive medication withheld for 7 days, then initiated to achieve <140/90 mm Hg.

Main Results:

  • Primary outcome: composite of death and major disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3) at 3 months post-randomization.
  • Systolic blood pressure targets were defined for both early and delayed treatment groups.

Conclusions:

  • The CATIS-2 trial will test hypotheses regarding early BP lowering and functional outcomes in acute ischemic stroke.
  • Findings aim to inform clinical guidelines for BP management in this patient population.
Abstract

Keywords:
stroke