Using a blood biomarker for early identification of a stroke caused by intracerebral haemorrhage.
High blood pressure’s effect on haemorrhagic stroke outcomes
Intracerebral haemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), a severe and often untreatable type of stroke, affects millions globally each year. High blood pressure, present in over 60% of these stroke patients, worsens the likelihood of death and disability by causing hematoma growth and neurological decline. Early Blood Pressure control, ideally within 2 hours of symptom onset, improves outcomes. This was confirmed in the INTERACT4 study, conducted in ambulances throughout China. Yet despite the benefits, the study also showed harms to people with ischaemic stroke (caused by a blocked artery) as paramedics were not able to differentiate between stroke subtypes. This study will test the feasibility of using a blood-based biomarker to diagnose intracerebral haemorrhage in the ambulance.
What does the research aim to do and how?
This project aims to test the feasibility of using a blood-based biomarker device, LVOne lateral flow assay, performed by the paramedics on site to differentiate between a haemorrhagic or ischaemic stroke. The project team will conduct training sessions with paramedics, to ensure streamlined processes. The team will also trial the reliability of device readings compared with subsequent hospital imaging results for intracerebral haemorrhage. This study will inform a planned larger clinical trial to test the efficacy of an intravenous blood pressure lowering medication, called urapidil, to patients identified as having an intracerebral haemorrhage in the ambulance.