RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Ischaemic Lesions in Acute Intracerebral Haemorrhage

This study is investigating why and how the brain's blood flow can be affected after a type of stroke caused by a burst blood vessel, called an intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). When someone has this type of stroke, doctors often lower their blood pressure to stop the bleeding. However, this lowering of blood pressure might sometimes reduce blood flow to other parts of the brain, potentially leading to new blockages. The research will also look at how fast breathing might affect brain blood flow. Participants will have simple brain blood flow assessments using a special ultrasound (called TCD) shortly after being admitted to hospital and again a few days later, plus an MRI brain scan. The goal is to see if reduced blood flow is indeed causing these new blockages after a brain bleed.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Jun 2024

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2029

Intracerebral Haemorrhage

What is this study about?

When someone has a certain type of stroke, where a blood vessel in the brain bursts and causes bleeding (called an intracerebral haemorrhage or ICH), doctors often act quickly to lower their blood pressure. This is done to try and stop the bleeding from getting worse. While this is a common and important step, there's a concern that lowering blood pressure too much, or in a specific way, might reduce the blood flow to other parts of the brain. If blood flow is too low, it could potentially lead to new problems, like blockages in other brain vessels.

This research aims to understand these effects better. We want to find out if reducing blood pressure to stop the initial bleed can sometimes accidentally cause new blockages because the brain isn't getting enough blood flow. We'll also be looking at how rapid breathing might affect blood flow in the brain. By understanding these connections, doctors can hopefully improve how they treat this type of stroke in the future, aiming to stop the bleeding without causing new issues.

Ultimately, this study is about making treatments for brain bleeds safer and more effective. It's an important step in figuring out the best ways to care for people who have experienced this serious type of stroke.

Key takeaways

Studies how blood flow in the brain is affected after a bleeding stroke.
Investigates if lowering blood pressure for bleeding might cause new blockages.
Uses safe brain blood flow tests (TCD) and MRI scans.
Aims to improve future care for patients with bleeding strokes.
Does not involve new medications, only assessments.
Participation can be stopped at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you would need to have been diagnosed with a bleeding stroke (intracerebral haemorrhage) using a CT scan of your brain within 48 hours of your symptoms starting. If you woke up with the stroke, the time of onset will be considered the last time you were known to be well. You must be 18 years old or older, and can be male or female.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join the study. For example, if you cannot have an MRI scan for medical reasons, or if you wouldn't be able to stay still for the scan (for instance, if you are very unstable or have a very low level of consciousness). Also, if you need to be put to sleep (anaesthesia) for any medical procedures, you wouldn't be able to participate. Finally, anyone under the age of 18 cannot join this study.

Quick self-check

Have I had a bleeding stroke (intracerebral haemorrhage)?
Was my stroke diagnosed on a CT scan within 48 hours of symptoms?
Am I 18 years old or older?
Am I able to have an MRI scan (e.g., no problematic metal implants)?
Am I generally stable enough to lie still for scans and assessments?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will have a simple brain blood flow assessment called a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) within 48 hours of being admitted to the hospital. This involves using a small device, similar to an ultrasound, placed on your head to measure blood flow in your brain vessels. You will have a second TCD assessment roughly 4 to 7 days after your stroke. In addition to these, you will also have an MRI scan of your brain more than 7 days after your stroke. The study does not involve any new medications, only these assessments. The total duration of your active involvement with the study's assessments will be over about a week to ten days.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may not directly benefit you, but the information we gather will be very valuable for improving the care of future patients who have had a similar type of stroke. The TCD assessments are safe and non-invasive, similar to a standard ultrasound. MRI scans are generally safe, but there are certain metal implants or conditions that can make them unsafe; these will be checked carefully beforehand. You can choose to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this decision will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Leicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an intracerebral haemorrhage?

It's a type of stroke caused by a blood vessel bursting inside the brain, leading to bleeding.

What is a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) assessment?

It's a simple, non-invasive test that uses sound waves to measure blood flow in the brain, similar to an ultrasound.

Will I take any new medicines in this study?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It only involves observations and scans.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The main assessments for the study will take place over approximately one to one and a half weeks after your stroke.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, and your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Jatinder Minhas, SFHEA

jm591@leicester.ac.uk +44 116 252 3299 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.