Haemostatic therapies for acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage

Haemostatic therapies for stroke due to acute, spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Outcome after acute spontaneous (non-traumatic) intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is influenced by haematoma volume. ICH expansion occurs in about 20% of people with acute ICH. Early haemostatic therapy might improve outcome by limiting ICH expansion. This is an update of a Cochrane Review first published in 2006, and last updated in 2018.

OBJECTIVES

To examine 1. the effects of individual classes of haemostatic therapies, compared with placebo or open control, in adults with acute spontaneous ICH, and 2. the effects of each class of haemostatic therapy according to the use and type of antithrombotic drug before ICH onset.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Stroke Trials Register, CENTRAL (2022, Issue 8), MEDLINE Ovid, and Embase Ovid on 12 September 2022. To identify further published, ongoing, and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs), we scanned bibliographies of relevant articles and searched international registers of RCTs in September 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included RCTs of any haemostatic intervention (i.e. procoagulant treatments such as clotting factor concentrates, antifibrinolytic drugs, platelet transfusion, or agents to reverse the action of antithrombotic drugs) for acute spontaneous ICH, compared with placebo, open control, or an active comparator.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcome was death/dependence (modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 4 to 6) by day 90. Secondary outcomes were ICH expansion on brain imaging after 24 hours, all serious adverse events, thromboembolic adverse events, death from any cause, quality of life, mood, cognitive function, Barthel Index score, and death or dependence measured on the Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale by day 90.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 20 RCTs involving 4652 participants: nine RCTs of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) versus placebo/open control (1549 participants), eight RCTs of antifibrinolytic drugs versus placebo/open control (2866 participants), one RCT of platelet transfusion versus open control (190 participants), and two RCTs of prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC) versus fresh frozen plasma (FFP) (47 participants). Four (20%) RCTs were at low risk of bias in all criteria. For rFVIIa versus placebo/open control for spontaneous ICH with or without surgery there was little to no difference in death/dependence by day 90 (risk ratio (RR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74 to 1.05; 7 RCTs, 1454 participants; low-certainty evidence). We found little to no difference in ICH expansion between groups (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.16; 4 RCTs, 220 participants; low-certainty evidence). There was little to no difference in all serious adverse events and death from any cause between groups (all serious adverse events: RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.30 to 2.22; 2 RCTs, 87 participants; very low-certainty evidence; death from any cause: RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.08; 8 RCTs, 1544 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). For antifibrinolytic drugs versus placebo/open control for spontaneous ICH, there was no difference in death/dependence by day 90 (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.07; 5 RCTs, 2683 participants; high-certainty evidence). We found a slight reduction in ICH expansion with antifibrinolytic drugs for spontaneous ICH compared to placebo/open control (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.96; 8 RCTs, 2866 participants; high-certainty evidence). There was little to no difference in all serious adverse events and death from any cause between groups (all serious adverse events: RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.39; 4 RCTs, 2599 participants; high-certainty evidence; death from any cause: RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.18; 8 RCTs, 2866 participants; high-certainty evidence). There was little to no difference in quality of life, mood, or cognitive function (quality of life: mean difference (MD) 0, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.03; 2 RCTs, 2349 participants; mood: MD 0.30, 95% CI -1.98 to 2.57; 2 RCTs, 2349 participants; cognitive function: MD -0.37, 95% CI -1.40 to 0.66; 1 RCTs, 2325 participants; all high-certainty evidence). Platelet transfusion likely increases death/dependence by day 90 compared to open control for antiplatelet-associated ICH (RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.61; 1 RCT, 190 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). We found little to no difference in ICH expansion between groups (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.92; 1 RCT, 153 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There was little to no difference in all serious adverse events and death from any cause between groups (all serious adverse events: RR 1.46, 95% CI 0.98 to 2.16; 1 RCT, 190 participants; death from any cause: RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.28; 1 RCT, 190 participants; both moderate-certainty evidence). For PCC versus FFP for anticoagulant-associated ICH, the evidence was very uncertain about the effect on death/dependence by day 90, ICH expansion, all serious adverse events, and death from any cause between groups (death/dependence by day 90: RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.90; 1 RCT, 37 participants; ICH expansion: RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.22; 1 RCT, 36 participants; all serious adverse events: RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.02 to 3.74; 1 RCT, 5 participants; death from any cause: RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.56; 2 RCTs, 42 participants; all very low-certainty evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In this updated Cochrane Review including 20 RCTs involving 4652 participants, rFVIIa likely results in little to no difference in reducing death or dependence after spontaneous ICH with or without surgery; antifibrinolytic drugs result in little to no difference in reducing death or dependence after spontaneous ICH, but result in a slight reduction in ICH expansion within 24 hours; platelet transfusion likely increases death or dependence after antiplatelet-associated ICH; and the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of PCC compared to FFP on death or dependence after anticoagulant-associated ICH. Thirteen RCTs are ongoing and are likely to increase the certainty of the estimates of treatment effect.

Clinical characteristics of spontaneous intracranial basal ganglia hemorrhage and risk factors for hematoma expansion in the plateaus of China

Background and purpose

The clinical features of intracranial cerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and the risk factors for hematoma expansion (HE) have been extensively studied. However, few studies have been performed in patients who live on a plateau. The natural habituation and genetic adaptation have resulted in differences in disease characteristics. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences and consistency of clinical and imaging characteristics of patients in the plateaus of China compared with the plains, and to analyze the risk factors for HE of intracranial hemorrhage in the plateau patients.

Methods

From January 2020 to August 2022, we undertook a retrospective analysis of 479 patients with first-episode spontaneous intracranial basal ganglia hemorrhage in Tianjin and Xining City. The clinical and radiologic data during hospitalization were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyzes were used to assess the risk factors for HE.

Results

HE occurred in 31 plateau (36.0%) and 53 plain (24.2%) ICH patients, and HE was more likely to occur in the plateau patients compared with the plain (p = 0.037). The NCCT images of plateau patients also showed heterogeneity of hematoma imaging signs, and the incidence of blend signs (23.3% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.043) and black hole signs (24.4% vs. 13.2%, p = 0.018) was significantly higher than in the plain. Baseline hematoma volume, black hole sign, island sign, blend sign, and PLT and HB level were associated with HE in the plateau. Baseline hematoma volume and the heterogeneity of hematoma imaging signs were independent predictors of HE in both the plain and plateau.

Conclusion

Compared with the plain, ICH patients in the plateau were more prone to HE. The patients showed the same heterogeneous signs on the NCCT images as in the plain, and also had predictive value for HE.

Effects of blood pressure and tranexamic acid in spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage: a secondary analysis of a large randomised controlled trial

Background

Tranexamic acid reduced haematoma expansion and early death, but did not improve functional outcome in the tranexamic acid for hyperacute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage-2 (TICH-2) trial. In a predefined subgroup, there was a statistically significant interaction between prerandomisation baseline systolic blood pressure (SBP) and the effect of tranexamic acid on functional outcome (p=0.019).

Methods

TICH-2 was an international prospective double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial evaluating intravenous tranexamic acid in patients with acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Prerandomisation baseline SBP was split into predefined ≤170 and >170 mm Hg groups. The primary outcome at day 90 was the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), a measure of dependency, analysed using ordinal logistic regression. Haematoma expansion was defined as an increase in haematoma volume of >33% or >6 mL from baseline to 24 hours. Data are OR or common OR (cOR) with 95% CIs, with significance at p<0.05.

Results

Of 2325 participants in TICH-2, 1152 had baseline SBP≤170 mm Hg and were older, had larger lobar haematomas and were randomised later than 1173 with baseline SBP>170 mm Hg. Tranexamic acid was associated with a favourable shift in mRS at day 90 in those with baseline SBP≤170 mm Hg (cOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.91, p=0.005), but not in those with baseline SBP>170 mm Hg (cOR 1.05, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.30, p=0.63). In those with baseline SBP≤170 mm Hg, tranexamic acid reduced haematoma expansion (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.82, p=0.001), but not in those with baseline SBP>170 mm Hg (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.35, p=0.90).

Conclusions

Tranexamic acid was associated with improved clinical and radiological outcomes in ICH patients with baseline SBP≤170 mm Hg. Further research is needed to establish whether certain subgroups may benefit from tranexamic acid in acute ICH.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN93732214.

The Potential of NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Therapeutic Target in Neurological Diseases

NLRP3 (NLRP3: NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3) inflammasome is the best-described inflammasome that plays a crucial role in the innate immune system and a wide range of diseases. The intimate association of NLRP3 with neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and strokes, further emphasizes its prominence as a clinical target for pharmacological intervention. However, after decades of exploration, the mechanism of NLRP3 activation remains indefinite. This review highlights recent advances and gaps in our insights into the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Furthermore, we present several emerging pharmacological approaches of clinical translational potential targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in neurological diseases. More importantly, despite small-molecule inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome, we have focused explicitly on Chinese herbal medicine and botanical ingredients, which may be splendid therapeutics by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome for central nervous system disorders. We expect that we can contribute new perspectives to the treatment of neurological diseases.

Intracerebral haemorrhage

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is a dramatic condition caused by the rupture of a cerebral vessel and the entry of blood into the brain parenchyma. ICH is a major contributor to stroke-related mortality and dependency: only half of patients survive for 1 year after ICH, and patients who survive have sequelae that affect their quality of life. The incidence of ICH has increased in the past few decades with shifts in the underlying vessel disease over time as vascular prevention has improved and use of antithrombotic agents has increased. The pathophysiology of ICH is complex and encompasses mechanical mass effect, haematoma expansion and secondary injury. Identifying the causes of ICH and predicting the vital and functional outcome of patients and their long-term vascular risk have improved in the past decade; however, no specific treatment is available for ICH. ICH remains a medical emergency, with prevention of haematoma expansion as the key therapeutic target. After discharge, secondary prevention and management of vascular risk factors in patients remains challenging and is based on an individual benefit-risk balance evaluation.

Activation of Nrf2 to Optimise Immune Responses to Intracerebral Haemorrhage

Haemorrhage into the brain parenchyma can be devastating. This manifests as spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) after head trauma, and in the context of vascular dementia. Randomised controlled trials have not reliably shown that haemostatic treatments aimed at limiting ICH haematoma expansion and surgical approaches to reducing haematoma volume are effective. Consequently, treatments to modulate the pathophysiological responses to ICH, which may cause secondary brain injury, are appealing. Following ICH, microglia and monocyte derived cells are recruited to the peri-haematomal environment where they phagocytose haematoma breakdown products and secrete inflammatory cytokines, which may trigger both protective and harmful responses. The transcription factor Nrf2, is activated by oxidative stress, is highly expressed by central nervous system microglia and macroglia. When active, Nrf2 induces a transcriptional programme characterised by increased expression of antioxidant, haem and heavy metal detoxification and proteostasis genes, as well as suppression of proinflammatory factors. Therefore, Nrf2 activation may facilitate adaptive-protective immune cell responses to ICH by boosting resistance to oxidative stress and heavy metal toxicity, whilst limiting harmful inflammatory signalling, which can contribute to further blood brain barrier dysfunction and cerebral oedema. In this review, we consider the responses of immune cells to ICH and how these might be modulated by Nrf2 activation. Finally, we propose potential therapeutic strategies to harness Nrf2 to improve the outcomes of patients with ICH.

The Efficacy of Mannitol Combined with 6-Aminocaproic Acid in the Treatment of Patients with Cerebral Hemorrhage and Its Impact on Immune Function

Objective

To determine the efficacy of Mannitol combined with 6-aminocaproic acid in the treatment of patients with cerebral hemorrhage, as well as its impact on the immune system.

Methods

The study subjects consisted of 122 patients with early intracerebral hemorrhage treated in our hospital from April 2019 to April 2022. Based on the different admission times, the participants were randomly divided into the control group and the study group in a ratio of 1:1. 6-Aminocaproic acid was used to treat patients in the control group, while Mannitol along with 6-aminocaproic acid was used to treat patients in the study group. Short form-36 health survey (SF-36) scores, hematoma volume changes, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, clinical efficacy, and changes in the immune function in patients from the two groups were analyzed and compared.

Results

The total efficacy of treatment in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (x 2 = 9,375, P < 0.001). Patients in the study group had significantly higher scores in social function, mental health, physical function, and physiological function compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, there was a significant reduction in NIHSS scores in patients from both groups, but a greater reduction was seen in patients from the study group (P < 0.05). After 2 weeks of treatment, the volume of cerebral edema was significantly smaller in patients from the study group than in those from the control group (P < 0.05). Before treatment, there was no significant difference in the number of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes between patients in the two groups. However, after treatment, patients in the study group had higher numbers of CD4+ T lymphocytes and lower numbers of CD8+ T lymphocytes compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The combination of Mannitol and 6-aminocaproic acid appears to be very efficacious in the treatment of cerebral hemorrhage. It improves immune function, reduces neurological damage, and minimizes the volume of cerebral edema.

Association Between Preonset Anti-hypertensive Treatment and Intracerebral Hemorrhage Mortality: A Cohort Study From CHEERY

Introduction

Hypertension is the most prevalent risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). In this study, we investigated whether preonset anti-hypertensive therapy could affect the outcomes of ICH.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 3,460 consecutive patients with acute first-ever ICH from 31 recruitment sites were enrolled into the Chinese cerebral hemorrhage: mechanism and intervention (CHERRY) study from December 1, 2018 to November 30, 2020, and 2,140 (61.8%) with hypertension history were entered into the analysis.

Results

Only 586 patients (27.4%) with hypertension history currently received anti-hypertensive therapy, and which was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) on admission (SBP, p = 0.008; DBP, p = 0.017), less hematoma volume (9.8 vs. 11%, p = 0.006), and lower all-cause mortality at 3 months (15.3 vs. 19.8%, OR = 0.728, p = 0.016). In multivariable analysis, adjusting for age, gender, residence, ischemic stroke history, admission SBP and DBP, and current use of antihypertension were significantly associated with lower adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality at discharge (adjusted HR, 0.497, p = 0.012), 30 days (adjusted HR, 0.712, p = 0.015), and 90 days (adjusted HR, 0.766, p = 0.030). However, after adjusting the variable of hematoma volume, the mortality between the two groups was not significantly different.

Conclusions

Preonset anti-hypertensive therapy was associated with lower mortality of ICH, which somewhat depended on hematoma volume.

A predictive nomogram for intracerebral hematoma expansion based on non-contrast computed tomography and clinical features

PURPOSE

To develop and validate a new nomogram utilizing non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) signs and clinical factors for predicting hematoma expansion (HE) in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

HE was defined as > 6 mL or 33% increase in baseline hematoma volume. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of HE. The discriminatory performance of the proposed model was evaluated via receiver operation characteristic (ROC) analysis, and the predictive accuracy was assessed by a calibration curve. The nomogram was established by R programming language. The decision curve analysis and clinical impact curve were drawn according to the related risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 506 patients with spontaneous ICH were recruited in the development cohort, and 103 patients were registered as the external validation cohort. Among the development cohort, 132 (26.09%) experienced HE. Glasgow coma scale (GCS) (P < 0.001), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (P < 0.001), blend sign (P < 0.001), swirl sign (P < 0.001), and hypodensities (P = 0.003) were significant predictors of HE, by which were used to establish the nomogram. The model demonstrated good performance with high area under the curve both in the development (AUC = 0.908; 95% confidence interval, 0.880-0.936) and the external validation (AUC = 0.844; 95% confidence interval, 0.760-0.908) cohort. The calibration curve illustrated a high accuracy for HE prediction.

CONCLUSION

The nomogram derived from NCCT markers and clinical factors outperformed the NCCT signs-only model in predicting HE for patients with ICH, thus providing an effective and noninvasive tool for the risk stratification of HE.

Tranexamic Acid for Acute Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: The role of tranexamic acid (TXA) in preventing hematoma expansion (HE) in patients with acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains unclear. We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of TXA in acute spontaneous ICH with a particular focus on subgroups.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were retrieved from CENTRAL, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, PubMed, and WHO ICTRP. The primary outcome measurement was HE. The secondary outcome measurements included 3-month poor functional outcome (PFO), 3-month mortality, and major thromboembolic events (MTE). We conducted subgroup analysis according to the CT markers of HE (standard-risk population and high-risk population) and the time from onset to randomization (>4.5 and ≤4.5 h).

Results: We identified seven studies (representing five RCTs) involving 2,650 participants. Compared with placebo, TXA may reduce HE on subsequent imaging (odd ratio [OR] 0.825; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.692–0.984; p = 0.033; I² = 0%; GRADE: moderate certainty). TXA and placebo arms did not differ in the rates of 3-month PFO, 3-month mortality, and MTE. Subgroup analysis indicated that TXA reduced the risk of HE in the high-risk population with CT markers of HE (OR 0.646; 95% CI 0.503–0.829; p = 0.001; I² = 0 %) and in patients who were treated within 4.5 h of symptom onset (OR 0.823; 95% CI 0.690–0.980; p = 0.029; I² = 0%), but this protective effect was not observed in the standard-risk population and patients who were treated over 4.5 h of symptom onset.

Conclusions: Tranexamic acid (TXA) may decrease the risk of HE in patients with acute spontaneous ICH. Importantly, the decreased risk was observed in patients who were treatable within 4.5 h and with a high risk of HE, but not in those who were treatable over 4.5 h and in standard-risk population. However, PFO or mortality at 3 months did not significantly differ between patients who received TXA and those who received placebo. TXA is safe for acute spontaneous ICH without increasing MTE.

Prediction of Hematoma Expansion in Patients With Intracerebral Hemorrhage Using Thromboelastography With Platelet Mapping: A Prospective Observational Study

Background and Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of thromboelastography with platelet mapping (TEG-PM) for predicting hematoma expansion (HE) and poor functional outcome in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods: Patients with primary ICH who underwent baseline computed tomography (CT) and TEG-PM within 6 h after symptom onset were enrolled in the observational cohort study. We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to assess the association of admission platelet function with HE and functional outcome. In addition, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis investigated the accuracy of platelet function in predicting HE. A mediation analysis was undertaken to determine causal associations among platelet function, HE, and outcome.

Results: Of 142 patients, 37 (26.1%) suffered HE. Multivariate logistic regression identified arachidonic acid (AA) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP) inhibition as significant independent predictors of HE. The area under the ROC curves was 0.727 for AA inhibition and 0.721 for ADP inhibition. Optimal threshold for AA inhibition was 41.75% (75.7% sensitivity; 67.6% specificity) and ADP inhibition was 65.8% (73.0% sensitivity; 66.7% specificity). AA and ADP inhibition were also associated with worse 3-month outcomes after adjusting for age, admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, intraventricular hemorrhage, baseline hematoma volume, and hemoglobin. The mediation analysis showed that the effect of higher platelet inhibition with poor outcomes was mediated through HE.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that the reduced platelet response to ADP and AA independently predict HE and poor outcome in patients with ICH. Platelet function may represent a modifiable target of ICH treatment.

Relevance of comorbidities and antithrombotic medication as risk factors for reoperation in patients with chronic subdural hematoma

In an aging Western society, the incidence of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH) is continuously increasing. In this study, we reviewed our clinical management of cSDH patients and identified predictive factors for the need of reoperation due to residual or recurrent hematomas with a focus on the use of antithrombotic drugs. In total, 623 patients who were treated for cSDH with surgical evacuation between 2006 and 2016 at our department were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical and radiological characteristics and laboratory parameters were investigated as possible predictors of reoperation with univariate and multivariate analyses. Additionally, clinical outcome measures were compared between patients on anticoagulants, on antiplatelets, and without antithrombotic medication. In univariate analyses, patients on anticoagulants and antiplatelets presented significantly more often with comorbidities, were significantly older, and their risk for perioperative complications was significantly increased. Nevertheless, their clinical outcome was comparable to that of patients without antithrombotics. In multivariate analysis, only the presence of comorbidities, but not antithrombotics, was an independent predictor for the need for reoperations. Patients on antithrombotics do not seem to necessarily have a significantly increased risk for residual hematomas or rebleeding requiring reoperation after cSDH evacuation. More precisely, the presence of predisposing comorbidities might be a key independent risk factor for reoperation. Importantly, the clinical outcomes after surgical evacuation of cSDH are comparable between patients on anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and without antithrombotics.

The Effect of Preoperative Antiplatelet Therapy on Early Postoperative Rehemorrhage and Outcomes in Patients With Spontaneous Intracranial Hematoma

Background and Purpose

The effect of antiplatelet therapy (APT) on early postoperative rehemorrhage and outcomes of patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is still unclear. This study is to evaluate the effect of preoperative APT on early postoperative rehemorrhage and outcomes in ICH patients.

Methods

This was a multicenter cohort study. ICH patients undergoing surgery were divided into APT group and no antiplatelet therapy (nAPT) group according to whether patients received APT or not. Chi-square test, t-test, and Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare the differences in variables, postoperative rehematoma, and outcomes between groups. Multivariate logistics regression analysis was used to correct for confounding variables, which were different in group comparison.

Results

One hundred fifty ICH patients undergoing surgical treatment were consecutively included in this study. Thirty five (23.33%) people were included in the APT group, while 115 (76.67%) people were included in the nAPT group. The incidence of early postoperative rehemorrhage in the APT group was significantly higher than that in the nAPT group (25.7% VS 10.4%, p = 0.047 < 0.05). After adjustment for age, ischemic stroke history, and ventricular hematoma, preoperative APT had no significant effect on early postoperative rehemorrhage (p = 0.067). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in early poorer outcomes (p = 0.222) at 14 days after surgery. After adjustment for age, ischemic stroke history, and ventricular hematoma, preoperative APT also had no significant effect on early poorer modified Rankin Scale (mRS) (p = 0.072).

Conclusion

In conclusion, preoperative APT appears to be safe and have no significant effect on early postoperative rehematoma and outcomes in ICH patients.

When the Blood Hits Your Brain: The Neurotoxicity of Extravasated Blood

Hemorrhage in the central nervous system (CNS), including intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), remains highly morbid. Trials of medical management for these conditions over recent decades have been largely unsuccessful in improving outcome and reducing mortality. Beyond its role in creating mass effect, the presence of extravasated blood in patients with CNS hemorrhage is generally overlooked. Since trials of surgical intervention to remove CNS hemorrhage have been generally unsuccessful, the potent neurotoxicity of blood is generally viewed as a basic scientific curiosity rather than a clinically meaningful factor. In this review, we evaluate the direct role of blood as a neurotoxin and its subsequent clinical relevance. We first describe the molecular mechanisms of blood neurotoxicity. We then evaluate the clinical literature that directly relates to the evacuation of CNS hemorrhage. We posit that the efficacy of clot removal is a critical factor in outcome following surgical intervention. Future interventions for CNS hemorrhage should be guided by the principle that blood is exquisitely toxic to the brain.

Transforming growth factor‑β1 functions as a competitive endogenous RNA that ameliorates intracranial hemorrhage injury by sponging microRNA‑93‑5p

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has the highest mortality rate of all stroke subtypes but an effective treatment has yet to be clinically implemented. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has been reported to modulate microglia-mediated neuroinflammation after ICH and promote functional recovery; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) have surfaced as critical regulators in human disease. A known miR-93 target, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), has been shown to be neuroprotective after ICH. It was hypothesized that TGF-β1 functions as a ceRNA that sponges miR-93-5p and thereby ameliorates ICH injury in the brain. Short interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to knock down TGF-β1 and miR-93 expression was also pharmacologically manipulated to elucidate the mechanistic association between miR-93-5p, Nrf2, and TGF-β1 in an in vitro model of ICH (thrombin-treated human microglial HMO6 cells). Bioinformatics predictive analyses showed that miR-93-5p could bind to both TGF-β1 and Nrf2. It was found that neuronal miR-93-5p was dramatically decreased in these HMO6 cells, and similar changes were observed in fresh brain tissue from patients with ICH. Most importantly, luciferase reporter assays were used to demonstrate that miR-93-5p directly targeted Nrf2 to inhibit its expression and the addition of the TGF-β1 untranslated region restored the levels of Nrf2. Moreover, an miR-93-5p inhibitor increased the expression of TGF-β1 and Nrf2 and decreased apoptosis. Collectively, these results identified a novel function of TGF-β1 as a ceRNA that sponges miR-93-5p to increase the expression of neuroprotective Nrf2 and decrease cell death after ICH. The present findings provided evidence to support miR-93-5p as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ICH.

Acute intracerebral haemorrhage: diagnosis and management

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) accounts for half of the disability-adjusted life years lost due to stroke worldwide. Care pathways for acute stroke result in the rapid identification of ICH, but its acute management can prove challenging because no individual treatment has been shown definitively to improve its outcome. Nonetheless, acute stroke unit care improves outcome after ICH, patients benefit from interventions to prevent complications, acute blood pressure lowering appears safe and might have a modest benefit, and implementing a bundle of high-quality acute care is associated with a greater chance of survival. In this article, we address the important questions that neurologists face in the diagnosis and acute management of ICH, and focus on the supporting evidence and practical delivery for the main acute interventions.

Canadian stroke best practice recommendations: Management of Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage, 7th Edition Update 2020

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a particularly devastating type of stroke with greater morbidity and mortality compared with ischemic stroke and can account for half or more of all deaths from stroke. The seventh update of the Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations includes a new stand-alone module on intracerebral hemorrhage, with a focus on elements of care that are unique or affect persons disproportionately relative to ischemic stroke. Prior to this edition, intracerebral hemorrhage was included in the Acute Stroke Management module and was limited to its management during the first 12 h. With the growing evidence on intracerebral hemorrhage, a separate module focused on this topic across the care continuum was added. In addition to topics related to initial clinical management, neuroimaging, blood pressure management, and surgical management, new sections have been introduced addressing topics surrounding inpatient complications such as venous thromboembolism, seizure management, and increased intracranial pressure, rehabilitation as well as issues related to secondary management including lifestyle management, maintaining a normal blood pressure and antithrombotic therapy, are addressed. The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations (CSBPR) are intended to provide up-to-date evidence-based guidelines for the prevention and management of stroke and to promote optimal recovery and reintegration for people who have experienced stroke, including patients, families, and informal caregivers.

Desmopressin for reversal of Antiplatelet drugs in Stroke due to Haemorrhage (DASH): protocol for a phase II double-blind randomised controlled feasibility trial

INTRODUCTION

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) can be devastating and is a common cause of death and disability worldwide. Pre-ICH antiplatelet drug use is associated with a 27% relative increase in 1 month case fatality compared with patients not using antithrombotic drugs. We aim to assess the feasibility of conducting a randomised controlled testing the safety and efficacy of desmopressin for patients with antiplatelet-associated ICH.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We aim to include 50 patients within 24 hours of spontaneous ICH onset, associated with oral antiplatelet drug(s) use in at least the preceding 7 days. Patients will be randomised (1:1) to receive intravenous desmopressin 20 µg in 50 mL sodium chloride 0.9% infused over 20 min or matching placebo. We will mask participants, relatives and outcome assessors to treatment allocation. Feasibility outcomes include proportion of patients approached being randomised, number of patients receiving allocated treatment, rate of recruitment and adherence to treatment and follow-up. Secondary outcomes include change in ICH volume at 24 hours; hyponatraemia at 24 hours, length of hospital stay, discharge destination, early death less than 28 days, death or dependency at day 90, death up to day 90, serious adverse events (including thromboembolic events) up to day 90; disability (Barthel index, day 90), quality of life (EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D), day 90), cognition (telephone mini-mental state examination day 90) and health economic assessment (EQ-5D).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Desmopressin for reversal of Antiplatelet drugs in Stroke due to Haemorrhage (DASH) trial received ethical approval from the East Midlands-Nottingham 2 research ethics committee (18/EM/0184). The DASH trial is funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research RfPB grant: PB-PG-0816-20011. Trial results will be published in a peer reviewed academic journal and disseminated through academic conferences and through patient stroke support groups. Reporting will be in compliance with Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials recommendations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS

NCT03696121; ISRCTN67038373; EudraCT 2018-001904-12.

Tranexamic acid to improve functional status in adults with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage: the TICH-2 RCT

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid reduces death due to bleeding after trauma and postpartum haemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess if tranexamic acid is safe, reduces haematoma expansion and improves outcomes in adults with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH).

DESIGN

The TICH-2 (Tranexamic acid for hyperacute primary IntraCerebral Haemorrhage) study was a pragmatic, Phase III, prospective, double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING

Acute stroke services at 124 hospitals in 12 countries (Denmark, Georgia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK).

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with ICH within 8 hours of onset.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Exclusion criteria were ICH secondary to anticoagulation, thrombolysis, trauma or a known underlying structural abnormality; patients for whom tranexamic acid was thought to be contraindicated; prestroke dependence (i.e. patients with a modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score > 4); life expectancy < 3 months; and a Glasgow Coma Scale score of < 5.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants, allocated by randomisation, received 1 g of an intravenous tranexamic acid bolus followed by an 8-hour 1-g infusion or matching placebo (i.e. 0.9% saline).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The primary outcome was functional status (death or dependency) at day 90, which was measured by the shift in the mRS score, using ordinal logistic regression, with adjustment for stratification and minimisation criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 2325 participants (tranexamic acid, n = 1161; placebo, n = 1164) were recruited from 124 hospitals in 12 countries between 2013 and 2017. Treatment groups were well balanced at baseline. The primary outcome was determined for 2307 participants (tranexamic acid, n = 1152; placebo, n = 1155). There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups for the primary outcome of functional status at day 90 [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.76 to 1.03; p = 0.11]. Although there were fewer deaths by day 7 in the tranexamic acid group (aOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.99; p = 0.041), there was no difference in case fatality at 90 days (adjusted hazard ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.10; p = 0.37). Fewer patients experienced serious adverse events (SAEs) after treatment with tranexamic acid than with placebo by days 2 (p = 0.027), 7 (p = 0.020) and 90 (p = 0.039). There was no increase in thromboembolic events or seizures.

LIMITATIONS

Despite attempts to enrol patients rapidly, the majority of participants were enrolled and treated > 4.5 hours after stroke onset. Pragmatic inclusion criteria led to a heterogeneous population of participants, some of whom had very large strokes. Although 12 countries enrolled participants, the majority (82.1%) were from the UK.

CONCLUSIONS

Tranexamic acid did not affect a patient's functional status at 90 days after ICH, despite there being significant modest reductions in early death (by 7 days), haematoma expansion and SAEs, which is consistent with an antifibrinolytic effect. Tranexamic acid was safe, with no increase in thromboembolic events.

FUTURE WORK

Future work should focus on enrolling and treating patients early after stroke and identify which participants are most likely to benefit from haemostatic therapy. Large randomised trials are needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN93732214.

FUNDING

This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 35. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. The project was also funded by the Pragmatic Trials, UK, funding call and the Swiss Heart Foundation in Switzerland.

Antihyperthermic treatment decreases perihematomal hypodensity

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect on perihematomal hypodensity and outcome of a decrease in body temperature in the first 24 hours in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

In this retrospective study on a prospectively registered database, among the 1,100 patients, 795 met all the inclusion criteria. Temperature variations in the first 24 hours and perihematomal hypodensity (PHHD) were recorded. Patients ≥37.5°C were treated with antihyperthermic drugs for at least 48 hours. The main objective was to determine the association among temperature variation, PHHD, and outcome at 3 months.

RESULTS

The decrease in temperature in the first 24 hours increased the possibility of good outcome 11-fold. Temperature decrease, lower PHHD volume, and a good outcome were observed in 31.8% of the patients who received antihyperthermic treatment.

CONCLUSION

The administration of early antihyperthermic treatment in patients with spontaneous ICH with a basal axillary temperature ≥37.5°C resulted in good outcome in a third of the treated patients.

Blood, blood components, plasma, and plasma products

This review of 2018 publications identifies side effects of blood, blood components, and plasma products. In addition, albumin, blood transfusion (erythrocytes, granulocytes, and platelets), blood substitutes (hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers), plasma products (alpha1-antitrypsin, C1 esterase inhibitor concentrate, cryoprecipitate, and fresh frozen plasma), plasma substitutes (etherified starches, and gelatin), globulins (intravenous immunoglobulin, subcutaneous immunoglobulin, and anti-D immunoglobulin), coagulation proteins (factor I, factor II, factor VIIa, factor VIII, factor IX, prothrombin complex concentrate, antithrombin III, and von Willebrand factor/factor VIII concentrates), erythropoietin and derivatives, thrombopoietin and receptor agonists, transmission of infectious agents through blood donation, and stem cells are reviewed. This chapter informs the reader about newly recognized and published data in the blood product domain.

Inflammatory Profiles of the Interleukin Family and Network in Cerebral Hemorrhage

Cerebral hemorrhage is a series of devastating cerebrovascular diseases with high mortality, morbidity and recurrence rate. Localized and systemic immuno-reactions are involved. Aggregation of immunocytes, which were both recruited from the peripheral circulation and resident in the central nervous system, is induced and activated by hematoma-related blood components. Subsequently, various cytokines, chemokines, free radicals and toxic chemicals are secreted to participant host defense responses. Among these, neuro-inflammation plays critical roles in both the pathologic processes of secondary injuries and recovery of neural damages. Numerous treatment strategies have been proposed, aiming at controlling the balance between anti- and proinflammation. Here, we summarized our current understanding and potential clinical applications for cytokines of the interleukin family in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic stroke. In addition, we conducted protein-protein network, gene ontology and KEGG analysis on the interleukins using online bioinformatic tools to further elaborate the comprehensive mechanisms of interleukins in cerebral hemorrhage.

Absolute risk and predictors of the growth of acute spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data

Background

Intracerebral haemorrhage growth is associated with poor clinical outcome and is a therapeutic target for improving outcome. We aimed to determine the absolute risk and predictors of intracerebral haemorrhage growth, develop and validate prediction models, and evaluate the added value of CT angiography.

Methods

In a systematic review of OVID MEDLINE—with additional hand-searching of relevant studies' bibliographies— from Jan 1, 1970, to Dec 31, 2015, we identified observational cohorts and randomised trials with repeat scanning protocols that included at least ten patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage. We sought individual patient-level data from corresponding authors for patients aged 18 years or older with data available from brain imaging initially done 0·5–24 h and repeated fewer than 6 days after symptom onset, who had baseline intracerebral haemorrhage volume of less than 150 mL, and did not undergo acute treatment that might reduce intracerebral haemorrhage volume. We estimated the absolute risk and predictors of the primary outcome of intracerebral haemorrhage growth (defined as >6 mL increase in intracerebral haemorrhage volume on repeat imaging) using multivariable logistic regression models in development and validation cohorts in four subgroups of patients, using a hierarchical approach: patients not taking anticoagulant therapy at intracerebral haemorrhage onset (who constituted the largest subgroup), patients taking anticoagulant therapy at intracerebral haemorrhage onset, patients from cohorts that included at least some patients taking anticoagulant therapy at intracerebral haemorrhage onset, and patients for whom both information about anticoagulant therapy at intracerebral haemorrhage onset and spot sign on acute CT angiography were known.

Findings

Of 4191 studies identified, 77 were eligible for inclusion. Overall, 36 (47%) cohorts provided data on 5435 eligible patients. 5076 of these patients were not taking anticoagulant therapy at symptom onset (median age 67 years, IQR 56–76), of whom 1009 (20%) had intracerebral haemorrhage growth. Multivariable models of patients with data on antiplatelet therapy use, data on anticoagulant therapy use, and assessment of CT angiography spot sign at symptom onset showed that time from symptom onset to baseline imaging (odds ratio 0·50, 95% CI 0·36–0·70; p<0·0001), intracerebral haemorrhage volume on baseline imaging (7·18, 4·46–11·60; p<0·0001), antiplatelet use (1·68, 1·06–2·66; p=0·026), and anticoagulant use (3·48, 1·96–6·16; p<0·0001) were independent predictors of intracerebral haemorrhage growth (C-index 0·78, 95% CI 0·75–0·82). Addition of CT angiography spot sign (odds ratio 4·46, 95% CI 2·95–6·75; p<0·0001) to the model increased the C-index by 0·05 (95% CI 0·03–0·07).

Interpretation

In this large patient-level meta-analysis, models using four or five predictors had acceptable to good discrimination. These models could inform the location and frequency of observations on patients in clinical practice, explain treatment effects in prior randomised trials, and guide the design of future trials.

Funding

UK Medical Research Council and British Heart Foundation.

Tranexamic acid for hyperacute primary IntraCerebral Haemorrhage (TICH-2): an international randomised, placebo-controlled, phase 3 superiority trial

BACKGROUND

Tranexamic acid can prevent death due to bleeding after trauma and post-partum haemorrhage. We aimed to assess whether tranexamic acid reduces haematoma expansion and improves outcome in adults with stroke due to intracerebral haemorrhage.

METHODS

We did an international, randomised placebo-controlled trial in adults with intracerebral haemorrhage from acute stroke units at 124 hospital sites in 12 countries. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 1 g intravenous tranexamic acid bolus followed by an 8 h infusion of 1 g tranexamic acid or a matching placebo, within 8 h of symptom onset. Randomisation was done centrally in real time via a secure website, with stratification by country and minimisation on key prognostic factors. Treatment allocation was concealed from patients, outcome assessors, and all other health-care workers involved in the trial. The primary outcome was functional status at day 90, measured by shift in the modified Rankin Scale, using ordinal logistic regression with adjustment for stratification and minimisation criteria. All analyses were done on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with the ISRCTN registry, number ISRCTN93732214.

FINDINGS

We recruited 2325 participants between March 1, 2013, and Sept 30, 2017. 1161 patients received tranexamic acid and 1164 received placebo; the treatment groups were well balanced at baseline. The primary outcome was assessed for 2307 (99%) participants. The primary outcome, functional status at day 90, did not differ significantly between the groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0·88, 95% CI 0·76-1·03, p=0·11). Although there were fewer deaths by day 7 in the tranexamic acid group (101 [9%] deaths in the tranexamic acid group vs 123 [11%] deaths in the placebo group; aOR 0·73, 0·53-0·99, p=0·0406), there was no difference in case fatality at 90 days (250 [22%] vs 249 [21%]; adjusted hazard ratio 0·92, 95% CI 0·77-1·10, p=0·37). Fewer patients had serious adverse events after tranexamic acid than after placebo by days 2 (379 [33%] patients vs 417 [36%] patients), 7 (456 [39%] vs 497 [43%]), and 90 (521 [45%] vs 556 [48%]).

INTERPRETATION

Functional status 90 days after intracerebral haemorrhage did not differ significantly between patients who received tranexamic acid and those who received placebo, despite a reduction in early deaths and serious adverse events. Larger randomised trials are needed to confirm or refute a clinically significant treatment effect.

FUNDING

National Institute of Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme and Swiss Heart Foundation.

A pragmatic strategy for the review of clinical evidence

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews (SR) of clinical evidence are rightfully considered the basis for developing recommendations to support decisions in current practice. To avoid bias, SRs are expected to be systematic in their research strategy and are exhaustive. The drawback of the latter criteria relies in the substantial work needed to conduct and keep SRs updated. The objective of this paper is to compare a research strategy based on the review of a selected number of core journals, which we consider a 'pragmatic review' (PR), with that derived by an SR in estimating the efficacy of treatments.

METHODS

Five clinical areas were considered for the comparison between the two strategies: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, dermatology, heart failure, renal diseases and stroke. We extracted a systematic sample from all the Cochrane SRs pertaining to each area and were published before April 2010. Two groups of journals were considered in the PR: six general journals that commonly published research for the five clinical areas, and five specialist journals with the highest impact factor in each area. To assess the agreement in the findings of SRs and PRs, we considered both the direction of the estimates and P-values.

RESULTS

A sample of 27 SRs included 171 overall analyses and 259 subgroup analyses related to primary outcomes. The PR captured one or more clinical trials in 24 of the 27 SRs (89%), and 118 of the 171 overall analyses (69%) were replicated. The PR supported the recommendations to use (or not) the study treatment in 11 of the 13 SRs (85%), which ended with a clinical recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

We verified in a sample of SRs that the conclusion of a research strategy based on a pre-defined set of general and specialist medical journals is able to replicate almost all the clinical recommendations of a formal SR.