Ultra-early versus delayed coil treatment for ruptured poor-grade aneurysm

The effect of green channel for stroke patients on treatment of severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

PURPOSE

To explore the effect of green channel for stroke patients on the treatment of severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

METHODS

This is a retrospective case-control study. The clinical data of patients with severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage admitted to the emergency department of our hospital from January 2015 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients diagnosed with subarachnoid hemorrhage, confirmed intracranial aneurysm by preoperative CT angiography or digital subtraction, graded Hunt-Hess grade III, IV, and V, < 72 h from the onset to the time of consultation received surgical treatment in our hospital were included in this study. Patients with serious underlying diseases, such as heart, liver, kidney diseases, or malignant tumors, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, previous history of cerebral hemorrhage, and incomplete data were excluded. The control group included patients with severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage admitted from January 2015 to December 2018 before the establishment of the green channel for stroke patients, and the observation group included patients with severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage admitted from January 2019 to June 2022 after the establishment of the green channel. The control group received routine treatment in the emergency department; the observation group received improved treatment of green channel for stroke patients. Gender, age, Hunt-Hess grade on admission, modified Rankin scale (mRS) on admission, aneurysm location, aneurysm size and whether accompanied by intracerebral hemorrhage, the time from onset to emergency department, the time from emergency department to vascular diagnostic examination, the time from onset to surgery, the time from emergency department to surgery, the time from hospital admission to surgery, length of hospital stay, complications, treatment effect were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. SPSS 23.0 software was utilized to conduct comparisons between the 2 groups. The t-test, Chi-square test, or Mann-Whitney U test was chosen based on the data type. Statistical significance was established when p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients were included in this study, of whom 37 were in the control group and 34 were in the observation group. There were no statistical differences in age, gender, Hunt-Hess grade, mRS scores, aneurysm location, aneurysm size, intracerebral hemorrhage, the time from onset to emergency department, length of hospital stay, complications between the observation group and the control group (all p > 0.05). The time (min) from visit to vascular diagnostic test (60.50 vs. 120.00, p = 0.027), the time (min) from onset to surgery (1792.00 vs. 2868.00, p = 0.023), the time (min) from emergency department to surgery (1568.50 vs. 2778.00, p = 0.016), the time (min) from hospital admission to surgery (1188.50 vs. 2708.00, p = 0.043), all of them were shorter in the observation group than those in the control group. The relative values of admission and 7-day postoperative mRS scores and the relative values of admission and discharge mRS scores ≥ 2 were used as the criteria for determining better efficacy, and the treatment effect was better than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (admission to 7 days postoperative mRS score ≥ 2, 17 (50.0 %) vs. 8 (21.6 %), p = 0.012; admission to discharge mRS score ≥ 2, 19 (55.9 %) vs. 11 (29.7 %), p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

The green channel for stroke patients with severe aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage can effectively shorten the time from arrival at the emergency department to vascular diagnostic examination and the time from the emergency department to surgery, and achieve a better therapeutic effect, which is worth popularizing and applying.

Association of Onset-to-Treatment Time With Discharge Destination, Mortality, and Complications Among Patients With Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

IMPORTANCE

Rapid access to specialized care is recommended to improve outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), but understanding of the optimal onset-to-treatment time for aneurysmal SAH is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the optimal onset-to-treatment time for aneurysmal SAH that maximized patient outcomes after surgery.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study assessed 575 retrospectively identified cases of first-ever aneurysmal SAH occurring within the referral networks of 2 major tertiary Australian hospitals from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2016. Individual factors, prehospital factors, and hospital factors were extracted from the digital medical records of eligible cases. Data analysis was performed from March 1, 2020, to August 31, 2021.

EXPOSURES

Main exposure was onset-to-treatment time (time between symptom onset and aneurysm surgical treatment in hours) derived from medical records.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Clinical characteristics, complications, and discharge destination were extracted from medical records and 12-month survival obtained from data linkage. The associations of onset-to-treatment time (in hours) with (1) discharge destination of survivors (home vs rehabilitation), (2) 12-month survival, and (3) neurologic complications (rebleed, delayed cerebral ischemia, meningitis, seizure, hydrocephalus, and delayed cerebral injury) were investigated using natural cubic splines in multivariable Cox proportional hazards and logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Of the 575 patients with aneurysmal SAH, 482 patients (mean [SD] age, 55.0 [14.5] years; 337 [69.9%] female) who received endovascular coiling or neurosurgical clipping were studied. A nonlinear association of treatment delay was found with the odds of being discharged home vs rehabilitation (effective df = 3.83 in the generalized additive model, χ2 test P = .002 for the 4-df cubic spline), with a similar nonlinear association remaining significant after adjustment for sex, treatment modality, severity, Charlson Comorbidity Index, history of hypertension, and hospital transfer (likelihood ratio test: df = 3, deviance = 9.57, χ2 test P = .02). Both unadjusted and adjusted cox regression models showed a nonlinear association between time to treatment and 12-month mortality with the lowest hazard of death with receipt of treatment at 12.5 hours after symptom onset, although the nonlinear term became nonsignificant upon adjustment. The odds of being discharged home were higher with treatment before 20 hours after onset, with the probability of being discharged home compared with rehabilitation or other hospital increased by approximately 10% when treatment was received within the first 12.5 hours after symptom onset and increased by an additional 5% from 12.5 to 20 hours. Time to treatment was not associated with any complications.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This cohort study found evidence that more favorable outcomes (discharge home and survival at 12 months) were achieved when surgical treatment occurred at approximately 12.5 hours. These findings provide more clarity around optimal timelines of treatment with people with aneurysmal SAH; however, additional studies are needed to confirm the findings.

Corticothalamic Connectivity in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Relationship with Disordered Consciousness and Clinical Outcomes

BACKGROUND

We present an exploratory analysis of the occurrence of early corticothalamic connectivity disruption after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and its correlation with clinical outcomes.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of patients with acute SAH who underwent continuous electroencephalography (EEG) for impairment of consciousness. Only patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm treatment were included. Continuous EEG tracings were reviewed to obtain artifact-free segments. Power spectral analyses were performed, and segments were classified as A (only delta power), B (predominant delta and theta), C (predominant theta and beta), or D (predominant alpha and beta). Each incremental category from A to D implies greater preservation of corticothalamic connectivity. We dichotomized categories as AB for poor connectivity and CD for good connectivity. The modified Rankin Scale score at follow-up and in-hospital mortality were used as outcome measures.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine patients were included, of whom 58 had good quality EEG segments for classification: 28 were AB and 30 were CD. Hunt and Hess and World Federation of Neurological Surgeons grades were higher and the initial Glasgow Coma Scale score was lower in the AB group compared with the CD group. AB classification was associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 5.71 (95% confidence interval 1.61-20.30; p < 0.01) for poor outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 4-6) at a median follow-up of 4 months (interquartile range 2-6) and an odds ratio of 5.6 (95% confidence interval 0.98-31.95; p = 0.03) for in-hospital mortality, compared with CD.

CONCLUSIONS

EEG spectral-power-based classification demonstrates early corticothalamic connectivity disruption following aneurysmal SAH and may be a mechanism involved in early brain injury. Furthermore, the extent of this disruption appears to be associated with functional outcome and in-hospital mortality in patients with aneurysmal SAH and appears to be a potentially useful predictive tool that must be validated prospectively.

Best Motor Response Predicts Favorable Outcome for "True" WFNS Grade V Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

The universal application of ultra-early surgery for World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) grade V aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) patients may lead to the increased implementation of unnecessary treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to refine the patient selection process for timely definitive treatment.

METHODS

From January 2011 to March 2020, a total of 517 aSAH patients were treated at our institution. Among these, 177 aSAH patients with WFNS grade V on admission were identified from our database. Patients with improved grades in response to the initial supportive treatment, with clinical or radiological signs of herniation, and with irreversible signs of brain damage such as bilaterally dilated pupils and global ischemia on follow-up CT scan were excluded. The outcome of definitive treatment for 54 patients without herniation who remained with WFNS grade V after the initial supportive treatment were analyzed to seek any factor for a favorable outcome (modified Rankin scale 0-2).

RESULTS

Among 54 patients, 19 (35.2%) had a favorable outcome after a definitive treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the best motor response (BMR) 4 on Glasgow Coma Scale was significantly associated with favorable outcomes (odds ratio, 3.76; 95% confidence interval, 1.09-13.0, p = 0.03). The positive predictive value of BMR 4 was 48.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Albeit being simple, BMR 4 may facilitate the prompt aggressive treatment for patients with WFNS grade V including those with "true" grade V who do not have any clinical and radiological signs of herniation.

Time and predictors of time to treatment for aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH): a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) is a serious form of stroke, for which rapid access to specialist neurocritical care is associated with better outcomes. Delays in the treatment of aSAH appear to be common and may contribute to poor outcomes. We have a limited understanding of the extent and causes of these delays, which hinders the development of interventions to reduce delays and improve outcomes. The aim of this systematic review was to quantify and identify factors associated with time to treatment in aSAH.

METHODS

This systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (Reg. No. CRD42019132748). We searched four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Google Scholar) for manuscripts published from January 1998 using pre-designated search terms and search strategy. Main outcomes were duration of delays of time intervals from onset of aSAH to definitive treatment and/or factors related to time to treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 64 studies with 16 different time intervals in the pathway of aSAH patients were identified. Measures of time to treatment varied between studies (e.g. cut-off timepoints or absolute mean/median duration). Factors associated with time to treatment fell into two categories-individual (n = 9 factors, e.g. age, sex and clinical characteristics) and health system (n = 8 factors, e.g. pre-hospital delay or presentation out-of-hours). Demographic factors were not associated with time to treatment. More severe aSAH reduced treatment delay in most studies. Pre-hospital delays (patients delay, late referral, late arrival of ambulance, being transferred between hospitals or arriving at the hospital outside of office hours) were associated with treatment delay. In-hospital factors (patients with complications, procedure before definitive treatment, slow work-up and type of treatment) were less associated with treatment delay.

CONCLUSIONS

The pathway from onset to definitive treatment of patients with aSAH consists of multiple stages with multiple influencing factors. This review provides the first comprehensive understanding of extent and factors associated with time to treatment of aSAH. There is an opportunity to target modifiable factors to reduce time to treatment, but further research considering more factors are needed.

Long-term Functional Outcomes for World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grade V Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage after Active Treatment

This study investigated the long-term outcomes of patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade V aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) who underwent early aneurysm repair. We evaluated consecutive patients with WFNS grade V aneurysmal SAH from April 2010 to March 2015 who underwent aneurysm repair within 72 h after onset. We assessed the functional outcomes at discharge and 3 years after onset using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). The primary outcome was defined as a favorable functional outcome (mRS ≤2). We identified 145 patients with grade V SAH during the study period. Of these, 44 patients (19 males and 25 females; median age, 64 years; range, 24–79 years) met the inclusion criteria. For aneurysm repair, surgical clipping and coiling were performed in 40 (90.9%) and 4 (9.1%) patients, respectively. Although no patient had a favorable functional outcome at discharge, 11 (25.0%) patients had a favorable functional outcome at the end of follow-up. The number of patients with a favorable outcome significantly increased during the first year (P = 0.012) and during the follow-up period (P <0.001). Patients who underwent active rehabilitation had significant improvement. Our study showed that one-fourth of the patients who underwent early aneurysm repair with WFNS grade V SAH achieved a mRS score of ≤2 over a 3-year period. It might be important to consider age and rehabilitation for better clinical outcomes. Larger studies are required to adequately assess the long-term functional outcomes and other multi-faceted prognoses.

Expanding Indications for Flow Diverters: Ruptured Aneurysms, Blister Aneurysms, and Dissecting Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of flow diversion (FD) in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms have been reported by many studies. FD has enabled the treatment of complex aneurysms and aneurysms that were previously untreatable by conventional means. It has achieved high rates of obliteration with essentially no recanalization, and its indications have continued to expand, now including ruptured aneurysms, blister aneurysms, and dissecting aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a review on the outcomes of studies covering the use of FD in the settings of ruptured, blister, and dissecting aneurysms. In addition, to discuss dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) used in preparation for FD deployment in these scenarios, including associated complications with DAPT use in the acute rupture setting.

METHODS

References for this topical review were identified by PubMed searches between January 2000 and January 2019. The search terms “aneurysm”, “flow diverter”, “stent”, “pipeline”, “ruptured”, “blister”, and “dissecting aneurysms” were used.

RESULTS

FD carries a higher complication rate in the acute rupture setting than for unruptured aneurysms. Patient selection is of paramount importance for achieving good functional and angiographic outcomes. DAPT still remains challenging, especially in ruptured aneurysms. Advancements in surface modification of flow diverters can reduce the risk of thromboembolism and perhaps lead to a safer antiplatelet regimen.

CONCLUSION

In summary, FD shows promise to be an effective treatment for ruptured, blister, and dissecting aneurysms.

Why Do Patients with Poor-Grade Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Die?

BACKGROUND

Poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has been associated with a high case fatality, either in the acute phase or in the later stages. The exact causes of death in these patients are unknown.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of all consecutive patients with SAH with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade IV or V on admission from 2009 to 2013 at 2 tertiary referral centers in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who had died during their hospital stay.

RESULTS

Of 357 patients, 152 (43%) had died. Of these 152 patients, 87 (24%) had not undergone aneurysm treatment. The median interval to death was 3 days (interquartile range, 1-12 days) after initial hemorrhage. The major cause of death in both centers was withdrawal of life support (107 patients [71%]; 74 of 94 [79%] in Amsterdam and 33 of 58 [58%] in Toronto; P < 0.01), followed by brain death in 23 (15%; 16 of 58 [28%] in Amsterdam vs. 7 of 94 [7%] in Toronto; P < 0.01). The remaining causes of death represented <15%.

CONCLUSIONS

The decision to withdraw life support was the major reason for death of patients with poor-grade SAH for an overwhelming majority of the patients. The exact reasons for withdrawal of life support, other than cultural and referral differences, were undetermined. Insight into the reasons of death should be prospectively studied to improve the care and clinical outcomes of patients with poor-grade SAH.

Early Treatment Decisions in Poor-Grade Patients with Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade V subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) mostly have a poor outcome. Correct identification of patients who might benefit from treatment remains challenging. We investigated which disease-related characteristics, present at admission, could identify patients with chance of good outcome.

METHODS

In total, 146 consecutive patients with WFNS grade V SAH (2002-2013) were included. Demographic and disease-related characteristics were compared between patients with a good outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 4 and 5) and a poor outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale 1-3). Subgroups were made of patients with aneurysm treatment according to outcome; 1) good outcome; 2) poor outcome, with optimal general treatment; and 3) poor outcome, general treatment discontinued.

RESULTS

In total, 34 of the 146 patients had a good outcome (36% of all treated patients); 16 (47%) of these presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 3, versus 65 (58%) of patients with a poor outcome (P = 0.33). Eleven (33%) patients in the good outcome group presented with pupillary abnormalities; 4 (12%) even had bilaterally fixed and dilated pupils, versus 49 (46%) in patients with a poor outcome (P < 0.01). In 51 patients, the aneurysm was not treated; all died.

CONCLUSIONS

More than one third of all treated patients with WFNS grade V SAH had a good outcome. All patients in whom the aneurysm was not treated died. Reliable identification of patients who will reach good outcome, on the basis of symptoms on admission, seems impossible, as these symptoms are not discriminating enough.

Total Hospital Costs and Length of Stay of Endovascular Coiling Versus Neurosurgical Clipping for Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Comparison of feasibility and safety between endovascular coiling versus neurosurgical clipping for the management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) has been incrementally reported. However, economic comparison has been rarely reported. This meta-analysis aims at qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing the difference of hospital costs and length of stay between endovascular versus neurosurgical treatment in UIA.

METHODS

MEDLINE, the Cochrane database, EMBASE, and Web of Science database were searched for cohort studies describing economic hospital cost or length of stay in patients with UIA. Two authors independently assessed study eligibility and rated quality using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Ravmen 5.2 was used to perform forest plot analysis.

RESULTS

Nine studies describing 24,856 UIAs treated with neurosurgical clipping and 31,309 UIAs treated with endovascular coiling were included. Meta-analysis revealed that the total hospital costs (THCs) were similar between coiling and clipping in UIA patients (standard mean difference [SMD]: -0.33, 95% confidence interval: -0.68 to 0.02, I² = 99%, P = 0.07). Subgroup analysis showed that THCs of coiling were significantly lower than clipping in the United States but opposite in South Korea. One-year medical costs of coiling were similar in both groups (SMD: -0.04, 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.00, I² = 0%, P = 0.07). In addition, the length of stay of coiling were significantly shorter than that of clipping (SMD: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56-0.81, I² = 95%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Generally, no significant difference in THCs and 1-year medical costs between coiling versus clipping in UIAs was observed. However, the length of stay of endovascular coiling was much shorter than neurosurgical clipping and decreased over time.

Ultra-Early Treatment for Poor-Grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

It remains unknown if ultra-early (within 24 hours after onset) treatment can improve the prognosis in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We aimed to evaluate the effect of ultra-early treatment on functional outcomes and mortality in patients with poor-grade aSAH via a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We performed a literature search in the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases. Primary outcomes were death and functional outcome assessed at any time period. Secondary outcomes were the rebleeding rate before an aneurysm occlusion procedure and the incidence of intraoperative technique difficulty (ITD). The results are reported as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

A total of 14 articles containing 1111 patients met our inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. The pooled incidence was 47% (95% CI, 40%-54%) for favorable outcome across 13 studies, 26% (95% CI, 19%-32%) for mortality in 11 studies, 10% (95% CI, 3%-16%) for rebleeding in 5 studies, and 20% (95% CI, 10%-31%) for ITD in 5 studies after ultra-early treatment of poor-grade aSAH. Compared with delayed treatment (>24 hours), the ultra-early treatment failed to improve outcomes (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.75-2.01; P = 0.40) or reduce mortality (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.58-1.22; P = 0.45), but tended to prevent preoperative rebleeding (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.32 to 1.07; P = 0.08) in 6, 4, and 4 case-control studies, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show no significant change both in functional outcome and mortality between ultra-early and delayed treatment although ultra-early treatment may be associated with lower rebleeding rate.

Korean Clinical Practice Guidelines for Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Despite advancements in treating ruptured cerebral aneurysms, an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is still a grave cerebrovascular disease associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Based on the literature published to date, worldwide academic and governmental committees have developed clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to propose standards for disease management in order to achieve the best treatment outcomes for aSAHs. In 2013, the Korean Society of Cerebrovascular Surgeons issued a Korean version of the CPGs for aSAHs. The group researched all articles and major foreign CPGs published in English until December 2015 using several search engines. Based on these articles, levels of evidence and grades of recommendations were determined by our society as well as by other related Quality Control Committees from neurointervention, neurology and rehabilitation medicine. The Korean version of the CPGs for aSAHs includes risk factors, diagnosis, initial management, medical and surgical management to prevent rebleeding, management of delayed cerebral ischemia and vasospasm, treatment of hydrocephalus, treatment of medical complications and early rehabilitation. The CPGs are not the absolute standard but are the present reference as the evidence is still incomplete, each environment of clinical practice is different, and there is a high probability of variation in the current recommendations. The CPGs will be useful in the fields of clinical practice and research.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Economic Comparison Between Endovascular Coiling Versus Neurosurgical Clipping for Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Healthcare expenditures and cost reduction have been under critical surveillance in all countries and are critical for policymakers. This review aims at qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing the difference of hospital costs and length of stay between endovascular coiling versus neurosurgical clipping in ruptured intracranial aneurysms (RAs).

METHODS

MEDLINE, the Cochrane database, Embase, and the Web of Science database were searched and evaluated independently by 2 authors according to the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies describing economic hospital cost or length of stay in patients with RAs.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies were included, describing 24,219 RAs treated with neurosurgical clipping and 24,962 RAs with endovascular coiling. Meta-analysis revealed that the total hospital costs (THCs) were similar between coiling versus clipping in RAs (standard mean difference [SMD], -0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.12 to 0.22; I² = 99%; P = 0.50). Subgroup analysis showed that THCs of clipping and coiling were similar in ruptured aneurysms in the United States. However, in South Korea, the THCs of coiling were significantly higher than clipping. In the long run, 1-year medical costs of endovascular treatment were significantly lower than that of clipping in RAs (SMD, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.05-0.25; I² = 66%; P = 0.005). In addition, the length of stay of coiled patients was significantly shorter than clipped patients (SMD, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.13-0.45; I² = 96%; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Medical costs were region-specified. In the United States, total hospital costs and 1-year medical costs were similar in RA patients treated with endovascular coiling and neurosurgical clipping. However, in countries like South Korea and China, coiling was more expensive. The length of stay was much shorter in coiled patients in all countries.

Predictors of In-Hospital Death After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Analysis of a Nationwide Database (Swiss SOS [Swiss Study on Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage])

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To identify predictors of in-hospital mortality in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and to estimate their impact.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of prospective data from a nationwide multicenter registry on all aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage cases admitted to a tertiary neurosurgical department in Switzerland (Swiss SOS [Swiss Study on Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage]; 2009-2015). Both clinical and radiological independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were identified, and their effect size was determined by calculating adjusted odds ratios (aORs) using multivariate logistic regression. Survival was displayed using Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

Data of n=1866 aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients in the Swiss SOS database were available. In-hospital mortality was 20% (n=373). In n=197 patients (10.6%), active treatment was discontinued after hospital admission (no aneurysm occlusion attempted), and this cohort was excluded from analysis of the main statistical model. In the remaining n=1669 patients, the rate of in-hospital mortality was 13.9% (n=232). Strong independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were rebleeding (aOR, 7.69; 95% confidence interval, 3.00-19.71; P<0.001), cerebral infarction attributable to delayed cerebral ischemia (aOR, 3.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.94-6.89; P<0.001), intraventricular hemorrhage (aOR, 2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.38-5.09; P=0.003), and new infarction post-treatment (aOR, 2.57; 95% confidence interval, 1.43-4.62; P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Several-and among them modifiable-factors seem to be associated with in-hospital mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Our data suggest that strategies aiming to reduce the risk of rebleeding are most promising in patients where active treatment is initially pursued.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT03245866.

Comparison of the timing of intervention and treatment modality of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVES

The timing and modality of intervention in the treatment of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) has not been defined. The purpose of the study is to analyse whether early treatment and type of intervention influence the clinical outcomes of poor-grade aSAH patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients with poor-grade aSAH were retrieved. Demographics, Fisher grade, radiological characteristics and clinical outcomes were recorded. Outcomes were compared using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), for groups treated early within 24 hours of aSAH or later and by clipping or endovascular therapy. Multivariate multiple regression model and logistic regression were used to assess factors affecting outcomes at discharge in mRS and length of stay.

RESULTS

The study was conducted on 79 patients. 47 (59%) were treated by clipping, 38 (48%) received intervention within 24 hours of aSAH. Patients treated <24h had significantly lower mortality (n = 5; 13% vs. n = 14; 37%; p < .023), higher rate of 0-3 mRS (n = 22;58% vs. n = 9; 22%; p < .039) and were younger (49.5 ± 6.1 vs. 65.8 ± 7.4 years; p < .038). There were no significant differences in mRS between clipping and endovascular therapy. Predictors of length of stay were ICH, MLS, endovascular therapy, location in posterior circulation, Fisher grade and time to intervention <24h. Early intervention, <24h significantly influenced the favourable results in mRS (0-3); (OR 4,14; Cl95% 3.82-4.35). Posterior circulation aneurysms, midline shift and intracerebral hematoma were correlated with poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Early treatment, within 24 h, of poor-grade aSAH confirmed better clinical outcome compared to later aneurysm securement. There was no significant difference between clipping and endovascular treatment.

Meta-analysis of timing of endovascular aneurysm treatment in subarachnoid haemorrhage: inconsistent results of early treatment within 1 day

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

To systematically review and meta-analyse the data on impact of timing of endovascular treatment in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) to determine if earlier treatment is associated with improved clinical outcomes and reduced case fatality.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane database, EMBASE and Web of Science to identify studies for inclusion. The measures of effect utilised were unadjusted/adjusted ORs. Effect estimates were combined using random effects models for each outcome (poor outcome, case fatality); heterogeneity was assessed using the I² index. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to account for heterogeneity and risk of bias.

RESULTS

16 studies met the inclusion criteria. Treatment <1 day was associated with a reduced odds of poor outcome compared with treatment >1 day (OR=0.40 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.56; I²=0%)) but not when compared with treatment at 1-3 days (OR=1.16 (95% CI 0.47 to 2.90; I²=81%)). Treatment at <2 days and at <3 days were associated with similar odds of poor outcome compared with later treatment (OR=1.20 (95% CI 0.70 to 2.05; I²=73%; OR=0.71 (95% CI 0.36 to 1.37; I²=71%)). Early treatment was associated with similar odds of case fatality compared with later treatment, regardless of how early/late treatment were defined (OR=1.80 (95% CI 0.88 to 3.67; I²=34%) for treatment <1 day vs days 1-3; OR=1.71 (95% CI 0.72 to 4.03; I²=54%) for treatment <2 days vs later; OR=0.90 (95% CI 0.31 to 2.68; I²=48%) for treatment <3 days vs later).

CONCLUSIONS

In only 1 of the analyses was there a statistically significant result, which favoured treatment <1 day. The inconsistent results and heterogeneity within most analyses highlight the lack of evidence for best timing of endovascular treatment in SAH patients.

Preoperative and postoperative predictors of long-term outcome after endovascular treatment of poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE An increasing number of patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) have received endovascular treatment. Endovascular treatment of poor-grade aSAH, however, is based on single-center retrospective studies, and predictors of long-term outcome have not been well defined. Using results from a multicenter prospective registry, the authors aimed to develop preoperative and postoperative prognostic models to predict poor outcome after endovascular treatment of poor-grade aSAH. METHODS A Multicenter Poor-grade Aneurysm Study (AMPAS) was a prospective and observational registry of consecutive patients with poor-grade aSAH. From October 2010 to March 2012, 366 patients were enrolled in the registry, and 136 patients receiving endovascular treatment were included in this study. Outcome was assessed by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 12 months, and poor outcome was defined as an mRS score of 4, 5, or 6. Prognostic models were developed in multivariate logistic regression models. The area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) was used to assess the model's discriminatory ability, and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tests were used to assess the calibration. RESULTS At 12 months, 64 patients (47.0%) had a poor outcome: 9 (6.6%) had an mRS score of 4, 6 (4.4%) had an mRS score of 5, and 49 (36.0%) had died. Univariate analyses showed that older age (p = 0.001), female sex (p = 0.044), lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (p < 0.001), a World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade of V (p < 0.001), higher Fisher grade (p < 0.001), modified Fisher grade (p < 0.001), and wider neck aneurysm (p = 0.026) were associated with a poor outcome. There was a trend toward a worse outcome in patients with anterior communicating artery aneurysms (p = 0.080) and in those with incompletely occluded aneurysms (p = 0.063). After endovascular treatment, the presence of cerebral infarction (p = 0.039), symptomatic vasospasm (p = 0.039), and pneumonia (p = 0.006) were associated with a poor outcome. Multivariate analyses showed that the preoperative prognostic model including age, a WFNS grade of V, modified Fisher grade, and aneurysm neck size had excellent discrimination with an AUC of 0.86 (95% CI 0.80-0.92, p < 0.001), and a postoperative model that included these predictors as well as postoperative pneumonia had excellent discrimination (AUC = 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.93, p < 0.001). Both models had good calibration (p = 0.941 and p = 0.653, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Older age, WFNS Grade V, higher modified Fisher grade, wider neck aneurysm, and postoperative pneumonia were independent predictors of poor outcome after endovascular treatment of poor-grade aSAH. The preoperative model had almost the same discrimination as the postoperative model. Endovascular treatment should be carefully considered in patients with poor-grade aSAH with ruptured wide-neck aneurysms. ▪ CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE Type of question: prognostic; study design: retrospective cohort trial; evidence: Class I.

Treatment of ruptured complex and large/giant ruptured cerebral aneurysms by acute coiling followed by staged flow diversion

OBJECT

Flow-diversion treatment has been shown to be associated with high rates of angiographic obliteration; however, the treatment is relatively contraindicated in the acute phase following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) as these patients require periprocedural dual antiplatelet therapy. Acute coiling followed by flow diversion has emerged as an intriguing and feasible treatment option for ruptured complex and giant aneurysms. In this study the authors report outcomes and complications of patients with ruptured aneurysms undergoing coiling in the acute phase followed by planned delayed flow diversion.

METHODS

This case series includes patients from 2 institutions. All patients underwent standard endovascular coiling in the acute phase after SAH with the intention and plan to proceed with flow diversion at a later date. Outcomes studied included angiographic occlusion, procedure-related complications, and long-term clinical outcome as measured using the modified Rankin Scale.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients underwent coiling in the acute phase with the intention to undergo flow diversion at a later date. The mean aneurysm size was 15.8 ± 7.9 mm. Of the 31 patients undergoing coiling, 4 patients could not undergo further flow-diverter therapy: 3 patients (9.7%) died of complications of subarachnoid hemorrhage and 1 patient had permanent morbidity as a result of perioperative ischemic stroke (3.1%). Twenty-seven patients underwent staged placement of flow diverters after adequate recovery. The median time to treatment was 16 weeks. There was one case of aneurysm rebleeding following coil treatment. There were no cases of permanent morbidity or mortality resulting from flow-diverter treatment. Twenty-four patients underwent imaging follow-up; 18 of these patients had aneurysms that were completely or nearly completely occluded (58.1% on an intent-to-treat basis). At last follow-up (mean 18.3 months), 25 patients had mRS scores ≤ 2 (80.6% on an intent-to-treat basis).

CONCLUSIONS

Staged treatment of ruptured complex and giant intracranial aneurysms with coiling in the acute phase and flow-diverter treatment following recovery from SAH is both safe and effective. In this series, no cases of rebleeding occurred during the interval between coiling and flow diversion. This strategy should be considered as a valid option in patients presenting with these challenging ruptured aneurysms.

Improvement in patient outcomes following endovascular treatment of WFNS grade V subarachnoid haemorrhage from 2000 to 2014

Patient outcomes following grade V subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) have been dismal, although they may have improved following recent technological advances in endovascular treatment (EVT). A single-centre, retrospective study was conducted to evaluate whether outcomes have improved from 2000 to 2014 for patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade V SAH. Coiling has been the preferred first-line treatment for grade V SAH patients in our institution since 2000. Patients who underwent EVT (n=115) were grouped on the basis of their hospital admission year: 2000-2004 (n=44), 2005-2009 (n=37) and 2010-2014 (n=34). Patient demographics, outcomes and in-hospital mortality rates were compared between the groups. Patient outcomes at discharge were evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS), with GOS scores of 4-5 defined as favourable outcomes. There were no significant intergroup differences in patient demographics. In addition, there were no significant differences in the frequencies of favourable outcomes (14% in 2000-2004, 16% in 2005-2009 and 26% in 2010-2014). Mortality rates were 52% in 2000-2004, 43% in 2005-2009 and 24% in 2010-2014, with a significantly lower mortality rate in 2010-2014 than in 2000-2004 (p=0.01). Both perioperative rebleeding and delayed cerebral ischaemia decreased over time; however, multivariate regression analysis showed that the former contributed more to the decrease in mortality. Age was the only variable associated with favourable outcomes. The results of this study indicate that EVT is an appropriate therapeutic option for grade V SAH patients. However, multi-centre, prospective trials are required to provide evidence-based verification of the efficacy of EVT.