Intensive Versus Standard Systolic Blood Pressure Targets Following Successful Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute...

Blood pressure management following successful reperfusion with endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion remains debated. This meta-analysis aimed to determine whether intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) management improves clinical outcomes compared with a standard approach after endovascular thrombectomy.

We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science through October 2025 for relevant randomized controlled trials comparing intensive (SBP target <140 mm Hg) versus standard (SBP target <180 mm Hg) management. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score, 0-2) and any intracranial hemorrhage, respectively. We performed frequentist and Bayesian random-effects meta-analyses, supplemented by trial sequential analysis.

Six randomized controlled trials comprising 1972 patients were included. In frequentist analysis, intensive SBP management was associated with a significantly reduced likelihood of achieving functional independence (risk ratio, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.73-0.93]). Bayesian analysis confirmed this harmful effect (posterior median risk ratio, 0.83 [95% credible interval, 0.7-1.02]), with a posterior probability of benefit of only 3.2%. Furthermore, ordinal shift analysis indicated that intensive SBP management was associated with a significant shift toward worse functional outcomes across the full modified Rankin Scale score distribution (common odds ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.10-1.44]), a finding supported by a low posterior probability of benefit of 2.1%. No significant differences were observed in the risk of any intracranial hemorrhage (risk ratio, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.96-1.16]). The corresponding Bayesian analysis yielded a posterior risk ratio estimate of 1.05 (95% credible interval, 0.90-1.21) for any intracranial hemorrhage, with a posterior probability of benefit of 23%. Trial sequential analysis indicated that the cumulative evidence reached the boundary for harm and futility for the primary efficacy and safety outcomes, respectively.

In patients with acute ischemic stroke following successful endovascular thrombectomy, intensive SBP management was associated with worse functional outcomes and provided no clear safety benefit. These findings support a standard, guideline-based SBP management strategy over an intensive approach.