Journal of the neurological sciences
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Perihematomal edema and secondary brain injury may influence the clinical course after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The role of blood pressure (BP) in edema formation in ICH has not been studied sufficiently. We hypothesize that impaired blood pressure regulation (as measured by baroreflex sensitivity) leading to excessive BP fluctuations may enhance perilesional edema. The aims of our study were therefore to explore the effects of impaired baroreflex on edema in acute ICH and to evaluate the effects of perihematomal edema on early neurologic deterioration. ⋯ We found an independent association between decreased baroreflex sensitivity with increased blood pressure fluctuations and relative perihematomal edema in ICH. Moreover, independent effects of relative edema on early neurologic deterioration have been observed.