Efficacy and safety of Clevidipine for blood pressure control after carotid endarterectomy: a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background Strict postoperative blood pressure (BP) control within a narrow range is crucial after Carotid Endarterectomy (CEA) to minimize risks like stroke and hyperperfusion syndrome. Our institution targets a systolic BP (sBP) of 130–145 mmHg post-CEA. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of clevidipine versus standard intravenous antihypertensive treatment (labetalol ± urapidil) in maintaining this target range. Materials and Methods This single-center, prospective cohort study included consecutive patients (> 18 years) undergoing CEA at Hospital Universitari de Girona Dr J Trueta, Girona, Spain, between August 2018 and October 2021. Patients received either clevidipine or non-clevidipine treatment (labetalol ± urapidil) based on physician preference. The primary outcome was the Area Under the Curve for sBP outside the target range (AUC-sBP), normalized per hour (mmHg x min/h), during the first six postoperative hours. Data were analyzed using non-parametric tests and adjusted linear regression. Results Data from 97 patients (44 clevidipine, 53 non-clevidipine [38 labetalol only, 15 labetalol + urapidil]) were analyzed. The clevidipine group had higher baseline sBP (144 ± 15 vs 140 ± 7 mmHg, SMD -0.34) and more comorbidities. Clevidipine use was associated with a significantly lower AUC-sBP compared to the non-clevidipine group (median [IQR]: 120 [92–150] vs 240 [240–300] mmHg x min/h, p < 0.00001). This association remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and preoperative sBP (coef. -220 mmHg x min/h [95% CI -293 to -146], p = 0.0001). Mean cumulative clevidipine dose was 58 ± 86 mg over 14 ± 10 h. No significant differences were observed in secondary outcomes or pre-specified adverse events between groups. Conclusion In this cohort, clevidipine treatment was associated with significantly better adherence to the target sBP range during the first six hours post-CEA compared to standard therapy with labetalol ± urapidil, without an observed increase in adverse effects.