Point/counterpoint: We should not take the direction of blood pressure change into consideration for dynamic cerebral autoregulation quantification

Over the past years, a wide range of studies have provided evidence of asymmetry in the response of static and dynamic cerebral autoregulation (CA) during increasing and decreasing pressure challenges. The main message is that CA is stronger during transient increases of arterial blood pressure rather than decreases. Here we do not argue against the presence of CA asymmetry but we seek to raise questions regarding the measurement of the effect and whether this effect needs to be taken into account, especially in clinical settings.

Automated summary

Studies have shown evidence of asymmetry in the response of cerebral autoregulation (CA) to increasing and decreasing pressure challenges. CA appears to be stronger during transient increases in arterial blood pressure and weaker during decreases. The measurement of this effect and its relevance in clinical settings remain questionable.