Introduction: Several studies suggest that the control of blood pressure (BP), blood glucose level, body temperature, and oxygen saturation, when analyzed separately, is related with successful acute stroke outcome. However, in a biological system these parameters are interrelated and could influence the process. Recent studies highlight the importance of the appropriate maintenance of these variables that are involved in homeostasis in patients with stroke and the influence they have on outcome.
Methods: A review was conducted of published studies which analyzed the influence of control of these physiological variables in acute stroke, whether in isolation or combinations, and we have contributed our own data derived from observational studies.
Results: The maintenance of homeostasis forms the basis of acute stroke treatment, in what is termed nonpharmacological neuroprotection. Stroke units (SU) are the ideal environment for this therapeutic approach since their favorable influence on the correct management of BP, body temperature, oxygen saturation, and blood glucose in the progress of stroke patients have been proved.
Conclusions: The proper management of physiological variables (homeostasis) such as BP, body temperature, blood glucose, and oxygen saturation is the basis of acute stroke treatment, and SU are the key to this approach.
2005 S. Karger AG, Basel