A Comparison of Nicardipine and Labetalol for Blood Pressure Control in Intensive Care Patients After Hemorrhagic Stroke Brain Surgery

Hemorrhagic stroke patients undergoing craniotomy are at increased risk of postoperative blood pressure elevation and hemodynamic instability, which may contribute to secondary brain injury, intracranial bleeding, and other postoperative complications. Appropriate blood pressure management in the intensive care unit (ICU) is therefore a critical component of postoperative care in this population.

Nicardipine and labetalol are intravenous antihypertensive agents commonly used for blood pressure control in neurocritical care settings. Both medications are recommended in current clinical practice; however, their hemodynamic profiles, including onset of action, stability of blood pressure control, and adverse effect patterns, differ. Evidence directly comparing these agents in the postoperative period following craniotomy for hemorrhagic stroke remains limited.

This study is a double-blind randomized clinical trial conducted in adult patients admitted to the ICU after craniotomy for hemorrhagic stroke. Eligible participants are randomly assigned to receive either intravenous nicardipine or intravenous labetalol according to a standardized treatment protocol. Hemodynamic monitoring, including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate, is performed continuously using an arterial catheter as part of routine ICU management.

The primary objective of the study is to compare the effectiveness of nicardipine and labetalol in achieving and maintaining target systolic blood pressure during the first 24 hours of postoperative ICU care. Secondary objectives include comparison of time to reach target blood pressure, blood pressure variability, and the incidence of predefined adverse events such as bradycardia, hypotension, and tachycardia.

The findings of this study are expected to provide clinically relevant information regarding the comparative performance of nicardipine and labetalol for postoperative hemodynamic control in patients with hemorrhagic stroke, and to inform evidence-based blood pressure management strategies in neurocritical care practice.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients (≥18 years old).
• Diagnosed with hemorrhagic stroke.
• Undergoing craniotomy for hemorrhagic stroke.
• Admitted to the intensive care unit after surgery.
• Require intravenous antihypertensive therapy for postoperative blood pressure control.
• Invasive arterial blood pressure monitoring in place.
• Written informed consent obtained from the patient or legally authorized representative.

Exclusion criteria

• Known hypersensitivity or contraindication to nicardipine or labetalol.
• Severe bradycardia, advanced atrioventricular block, or uncontrolled heart failure.
• History of bronchial asthma or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• Hemodynamic instability requiring vasopressor support at enrollment.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Participation in another interventional clinical study during the study period.