Reevaluating Early Blood Pressure Targets in Acute Spinal Cord Injury: Insights from a Multicenter Randomized Trial

Highlight

• Augmented mean arterial pressure (>85-90 mm Hg) did not improve 6-month motor or sensory neurologic recovery after acute spinal cord injury compared to conventional targets (>65-70 mm Hg).
• Higher blood pressure targets were associated with increased organ dysfunction, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and more respiratory complications.
• The study raises critical questions about the routine practice of aggressive blood pressure augmentation in spinal cord injury care.
• Further research is needed to identify subpopulations who might benefit and to elucidate mechanisms behind adverse effects.

Study Background and Disease Burden