Angiotensin II

Blood pressure medication, specifically angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), may help prevent post-stroke epilepsy (PSE), according to a study presented at the American Epilepsy Society meeting. ARB drugs were found to significantly reduce the risk of PSE compared to other blood pressure medications. Researchers suggest personalized medicine is crucial in managing blood pressure for stroke patients.

Angiotensin II, a synthetic vasopressor, effectively treats vasodilatory shock in the ATHOS-3 trial, achieving target mean arterial pressure. While no significant mortality differences were observed, post hoc analyses suggest survival benefits for high renin vasodilatory shock subgroups. Safety profiles showed no increase in serious adverse events, but a nonsignificant higher rate of deep vein thrombosis in the angiotensin II group. FDA approval includes warnings for thrombotic events, with reported differences in thromboembolic event rates between FDA and ATHOS-3 trial data. A systematic review by Caragata et al. found insufficient evidence to confirm or refute a consistent association between angiotensin II therapy and increased thromboembolic risk, highlighting the need for standardized diagnostic criteria and further research on early angiotensin II initiation.