DOES PRE-STROKE INHIBITION OF THE RENIN- ANGIOTENSIN SYSTEM REDUCE STROKE SEVERITY?

摘要

Background: There is evidence that angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) can decrease the risk of stroke. However, it is unclear whether ACEI use prior to stroke provides an additional neuroprotective effect resulting in reduced severity and improved survival.Aim: To assess whether pre-stroke use of ACEIs and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is associated with reduced stroke severity and reduced 28-day mortality.Methods: We ascertained all strokes occurring in a geographically defined population in Melbourne, Australia during a 24-month period from May 1997. Pre-stroke use of ACEIs and ARBs was obtained from medical records. Stroke severity was dichotomized according to a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <8 (less severe) and >8 (severe).