The impact of endovascular management on the outcome of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in the elderly in eastern Finland

Microsurgical clipping and endovascular intervention for middle cerebral artery aneurysm: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to compare the prognosis and effective rate of interventional embolization and surgical clipping in the treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms, to provide evidence-based basis for the selection of clinical treatment.

METHODS

By searching PubMed, Cochrane library, Medline, Embase and other databases, we collected the related studies interventional embolization and surgical clipping in the treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms, whether it was a randomized controlled trial or not. According to the relevant inclusion and exclusion criteria, 2 researchers independently screened and extracted the relevant data. Quality of life, residual neck and recurrence rate, incidence of ischemic cerebral infarction, intracranial infection rate, incidence of vasospasm and rebleeding rate were measured. Revman5.4 software was used for Meta-analysis.

RESULTS

There were 3658 patients included in 30 literatures, including 1478 patients treated with interventional embolization and 2180 patients treated with surgical clipping. The rate of low quality of life (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-2.07, P < .00001) and intracranial infection rate (OR = 8.79,95% CI: 4.47-17.27, P < .00001) in the interventional embolization group were lower than those in the surgical clipping group. The postoperative rebleeding rate (OR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.29-0.73, P = .0009), residual neck and recurrence rate (OR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.24-0.43, P < .00001) in the interventional embolization group were higher than those in the surgical clipping group. The heterogeneity of residual neck and recurrence rate were high, so subgroup analysis was performed. We divide them into short-term group (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.40-1.13, P = .13) and long-term group (OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.16-0.33, P < .00001). The results showed that the residual neck and recurrence rate in the interventional embolization group were higher than those in the surgical clipping group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of cerebral vasospasm (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.64-1.86, P = .74) and ischemic stroke (OR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.63-1.19, P = .37) between the 2 treatments.

CONCLUSION

According to the current clinical research evidence, compared with interventional embolization in the treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysms, the quality of life of patients after clipping is lower, the incidence of intracranial infection is higher, but the residual neck, and recurrence rate are reduced. The risk of rebleeding is also reduced. There was no significant difference in the incidence of vasospasm and ischemic stroke between the 2 groups.

Risk Factor for Poor Outcome in Elderly Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Based on Post Hoc Analysis of the Modified WFNS Scale Study

OBJECTIVE

There is currently no precise guide for the treatment and management of elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Thus, the aim of this study was to clarify the factors of poor outcome and mortality in elderly patients with aSAH.

METHODS

In the modified World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (mWFNS) scale study, 1124 patients were divided into 2 groups, elderly (age ≥65 years) and non-elderly (age <65 years), with aSAH investigated between October 2010 and March 2013 in Japan. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each risk factor was calculated through multivariate logistic regression analysis for poor outcomes, as indicated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score ≥3 and mortality at 3 months after onset in each group.

RESULTS

Both groups demonstrated that the mWFNS scale was significant as a grade order risk factor for poor outcomes and mortality associated with disease. In the elderly group, risk factors for poor outcomes at 3 months after onset were older age (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.14), male sex (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.10-3.73), and severe cerebral vasospasm category (OR 10.13, 95% CI 4.30-23.87). Risk factors for mortality at 3 months after onset were older age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11) and severe vasospasm category (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.00-4.72).

CONCLUSIONS

The mWFNS scale is a useful prognostic predictor for both non-elderly and elderly patients with aSAH. Elderly male patients with aSAH presenting with severe vasospasm should be managed more carefully.

Functional outcome 1 year after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage due to ruptured intracranial aneurysm in elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Population aging raises questions about extending treatment indications in elderly patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We therefore assessed functional status 1 year after treatment.

METHODS

This study involved 310 patients, aged over 70 years, with ruptured brain aneurysm, enrolled between 2008 and 2014 in a prospective multicentre trial (FASHE study: NCT00692744) but considered unsuitable for randomisation and therefore analysed in the observational arms of the study: endovascular occlusion (EV), microsurgical exclusion (MS) and conservative treatment. The aims were to assess independence, cognition, autonomy and quality of life (QOL) at 1 year post-treatment, using questionnaires (MMSE, ADLI, IADL, EORTC-QLQ-C30) filled in by independent nurses after discharge.

RESULTS

The 310 patients received the following treatments: 208 underwent EV (67.1%), 54 MS (17.4%) and 48 were conservatively managed (15.5%). At 1 year, independence rates for patients admitted with good clinical status (WFNS I-III) were, according to the aneurysm exclusion procedure (EV, MS or conservative), 58.9%, 50% and 12.1% respectively. MMSE score was pathological in 26 of the 112 EV patients (23.2%), 10 of the 25 MS patients (40%) and 4 of the 9 patients treated conservatively (44%), without any statistically significant difference [Pearson's Chi² test, F ratio=4.29; P=0.11]. Regarding QoL, overall score was similar between the EV and MS cohorts, but significantly lower with conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Elderly patients in good clinical condition with aSAH should be treated regardless of associated comorbidities. Curative treatment (EV or MS) reduced mortality without increasing dependence, in comparison with conservative treatment.

Effect Analysis of Microsurgical Clipping and Endovascular Embolization for the Treatment of Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of microsurgical clipping and endovascular embolization for the treatment of middle cerebral artery aneurysm (MCAA).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The clinical data of 482 patients with MCAA treated with microsurgical clipping or endovascular embolization were analyzed retrospectively. According to whether the aneurysms were ruptured, patients were divided into a ruptured group and an unruptured group. Demographics, clinical manifestation, and postoperative complications were recorded.

RESULTS

In the microsurgical clipping group (257 patients), there were 114 male and 143 female patients. The mean age was (55 ± 10) years and the mean course of disease was 3 (1, 36) days. The total numbers of MCAA were 274, including 179 ruptured aneurysms and 95 unruptured aneurysms. In the endovascular embolization group (225 patients), there were 98 male and 127 female patients. The mean age was (54 ± 11) years and the mean course of disease was 10 (1, 55) days. The total numbers of MCAA were 234, including 126 ruptured aneurysms and 108 unruptured aneurysms. There was no difference between the incidence of complications in the ruptured and unruptured groups. The outcome of the endovascular embolization group was better than the microsurgical clipping group in ruptured aneurysms (P = 0.000). The recurrence rate of the endovascular embolization group was greater than the microsurgical clipping group in ruptured aneurysms (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Both microsurgical clipping and endovascular embolization were safe and effective methods for the treatment of MCAA, but patients with ruptured MCAAs treated with endovascular embolization were more likely to experience recurrence.

A randomized controlled study assessing outcome, cognition, autonomy and quality of life in over 70-year-old patients after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Current aging of the population with good physiological status and the increasing incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in elderly patients has enhanced the benefit of treatment in terms of independence and long-term quality of life (QoL).

METHODS

From November 1, 2008 to October 30, 2012, 351 patients aged 70 years or older with aneurysmal SAH underwent adapted treatment: endovascular coiling (EV) for 228 (65%) patients, microsurgical clipping (MS) for 75 (29.3%) or conservative treatment for 48 (13.7%). Forty-one of these were randomized to EV (n=20) or to MS (n=21). The objectives were to determine the proportion of patients with modified Rankin Scale score≤2 (independence) at 1 year, and, secondarily, to compare cognitive function on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), autonomy on the Activities of Daily Living Index (ADLI) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale (IADL), and QoL, in the prospective and randomized arms, at 1 year.

RESULTS

At 1 year, with 1 loss to follow-up in the EV arm, 11 patients (55%) were independent after EV occlusion and 8 (38.1%) after MS exclusion, without significant difference (P=0.29). Mortality was higher after MS during the first 2 postoperative months, and thereafter the difference between MS and EV ceased to be significant. Cognitive function and autonomy scores were similar in both arms.

CONCLUSION

In elderly patients treated for aneurysmal SAH, approximately 50% were independent at 1 year, with conserved cognition and autonomy. EV and MS are valid procedures in this population, with similar results at 1 year in terms of independence, cognition, autonomy, and QoL.

Effect of actual age on outcome at discharge in patients by surgical clipping and endovascular coiling for ruptured cerebral aneurysm in Japan

The Japanese population features the highest rate of elderly individuals worldwide. However, the difference of actual age indication for surgical clipping (SC) and endovascular coiling (EC) has never reported. We clarified the effect of actual age on poor outcome at discharge in patients by each treatment for ruptured cerebral aneurysm according to the Japanese Stroke Data Bank. A total of 3593 patients with ruptured saccular cerebral aneurysm were treated by SC and/or EC between 2000 and 2013. The effect of actual age on poor outcome (modified Rankin scale [mRS] score > 2) at discharge was evaluated by the cutoff age using receiver operating characteristic analysis for each treatment. There were 2666 cases in the SC group and 881 cases in the EC group. The cutoff age for poor outcome was 3 to 9 years older for EC than for SC. The gap of cutoff age between two treatments was 3 years shorter in mild subarachnoid hemorrhage than severe cases. The gap of cutoff age between two treatments was 7 years in elderly patients over 65 years old. The cutoff age was 78 years old for both SC and EC in elderly female patients. In conclusion, the cutoff age for poor mRS score > 2 was 3 to 9 years older for EC than for SC. Actual age was one of the indications for elderly patients to achieve the optimum outcome; however, the treatment indication should be carefully considered based on the condition in each country.

Development and Validation of the Procedure-Related Neurologic Complications Risk Score for Elderly Patients with Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm Undergoing Endovascular Treatment

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to develop and validate a procedure-related neurologic complications (PNC) risk score for individual elderly patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms undergoing endovascular treatment (EVT).

METHODS

Preoperatively collected data, including clinical, lesion, and procedure characteristics of consecutive elderly patients (≥60 years), were used to develop a PNC risk predictive score based on the coefficients (β) of a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The PNC included intraprocedural rupture, thromboembolic events, and rebleeding within 30 days after EVT.

RESULTS

Overall, 520 elderly patients who underwent EVT were enrolled. At 30 days, the PNC rate was 13.08%. Six risk factors were independently associated with PNC and comprised the PNC score (PNC score, 0-16 points): hypertension (2 points), Hunt-Hess grade ≥4 (3 points), Fisher grade ≥3 (2 points), wide-necked aneurysm (2 points), with a bleb on the aneurysm sac (3 points), and aneurysm size (3-10 mm, 1 point; <3 mm, 4 points). The PNC score model predicted the risk of PNC at a sensitivity of 63.22% and specificity of 84.79%. Moreover, the PNC score demonstrated significant discrimination (area under curve, 0.799; P < 0.001) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test, P = 0.319). Excellent prediction, discrimination, and calibration properties were reproduced by the internal validation group with bootstrapping techniques.

CONCLUSIONS

The PNC score can be an easily applicable tool for predicting the risk of PNC for individual elderly patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms undergoing EVT. Our study provides large case-based evidence supporting the integration of individual clinical, lesion, and procedure characteristics to predict PNC risk.

Treatment of Intracranial Aneurysms: Clipping Versus Coiling

Intracranial aneurysms (IAs) have an estimated incidence of up to 10 % and can lead to serious morbidity and mortality. Because of this, the natural history of IAs has been studied extensively, with rupture rates ranging from 0.5 to 7 %, depending on aneurysm characteristics. The spectrum of presentation of IAs ranges from incidental detection to devastating subarachnoid hemorrhage. Although the gold standard imaging technique is intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography, other modalities such as computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) are being increasingly used for screening and treatment planning. Management of these patients depends upon a number of factors including aneurysmal, patient, institutional, and operator factors. The ultimate goal of treating patients with IAs is complete and permanent occlusion of the aneurysm sac in order to eliminate future hemorrhagic risk, while preserving or restoring the patient's neurological function. The most common treatment approaches include microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling, and multiple studies have compared these two techniques. To date, three large prospective, randomized studies have been done: a study from Finland, International Subarachnoid Aneurysm Trial (ISAT), and the Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial (BRAT). Despite differences in methodology, the results were similar: in patients undergoing coiling, although rates of rebleeding and retreatment are higher, the overall rate of poor outcomes at 12 months was significantly lower. As minimally invasive procedures and devices continue to be refined, endovascular strategies are likely to increase in popularity. However, as long-term outcome studies become available, it is increasingly apparent that they are complementary treatment strategies, with patient selection of critical importance.

Natural course of subarachnoid hemorrhage is worse in elderly patients

Aging is a major risk factor for poor outcome in patients with ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IA) submitted to treatment. It impairs several physiologic patterns related to cerebrovascular hemodynamics and homeostasis.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate clinical, radiological patterns and prognostic factors of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients according to age.

METHOD

Three hundred and eighty nine patients with aneurismal SAH from a Brazilian tertiary institution (Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo) were consecutively evaluated from 2002 to 2012 according to Fisher and Hunt Hess classifications and Glasgow Outcome Scale.

RESULTS

There was statistically significant association of age with impaired clinical, radiological presentation and outcomes in cases of SAH.

CONCLUSION

Natural course of SAH is worse in elderly patients and thus, proper recognition of the profile of such patients and their outcome is necessary to propose standard treatment.

Critical age affecting 1-year functional outcome in elderly patients aged ≥ 70 years with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

While advanced age is already recognized as an independent risk factor for a poor functional outcome following an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), it is also important to investigate the critical age for defining a higher risk population among elderly patients and the clinical grade at admission in order to provide a prognostic description and help guide the management of patients aged ≥ 70 years.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 165 patients aged 70-90 years who underwent surgical or endovascular treatment for a ruptured aneurysm. In addition to medical and radiological data, telephone interviews were used to obtain the 1-year functional outcome.

RESULTS

A multivariate analysis revealed age (p = 0.001) and the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) grade (p = 0.001), regardless of the treatment modalities (surgical versus endovascular), as significant risk factors for a poor outcome, while a receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed 75 years as an appropriate cutoff value for the patient age to predict a poor 1-year functional outcome (area under the curve: 0.683). For the patients aged 70-75 years with good (1-3) and poor (4-5) WFNS grades, 81.9 % and 42.9 % achieved a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0-3), respectively, whereas for the patients over the critical age (> 75 years) with good and poor WFNS grades, 54.8 % and 5.9 % achieved a favorable outcome, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-term outcome for elderly patients with an aneurysmal SAH is affected primarily by the clinical condition at admission and the patient's age in relation to the critical age (> 75 years), regardless of the treatment modalities, including surgical clipping and endovascular coiling.

Outcome from spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage--results from 2007-2011 and comparison with our previous series

OBJECTIVES

The management of patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) has changed, in part due to interventions now being extended to patients who are older and in a worse clinical condition. This study evaluates the effects of these changes on a complete 5-year patient material.

METHODS

Demographic data and results from 615 patients with SAH admitted from 2007 to 2011 were put together. Aneurysms were found in 448 patients (72.8%). They were compared with the aneurysm group (n = 676) from a previously published series from our centre (2001-2006). Linear regression was used to determine variables predicting functional outcome in the whole aneurysm group (2001-2011).

RESULTS

Patients in the more recent aneurysm group were older, and they were in a worse clinical condition on admission. Regarding younger patients admitted in World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies SAH grading (WFNS) 3, there were fewer with a good outcome. In the whole aneurysm group 2001-2011, outcome was best predicted by age, clinical condition at admission, and the size of the bleeding, and not by treatment mode or localization of aneurysm.

CONCLUSION

It seems important for the outcome that aneurysms are treated early. The clinical course after that depends largely on the condition of the patient on admission rather than on aneurysm treatment method. This, together with the fact that older patients and those in worse condition are now being admitted, increases demands on neurointensive care. Further improvement in patient outcome depends on better understanding of acute brain injury mechanisms and improved neurointensive care as well as rehabilitation measures.

A combination of genetic, molecular and haemodynamic risk factors contributes to the formation, enlargement and rupture of brain aneurysms

Many people carry cerebral aneurysms but are generally unaware of their presence until they rupture, resulting in high morbidity or mortality. The pathogenesis and aetiology of aneurysms are largely unknown; however, a greater understanding, by analysing the genetic, molecular and haemodynamic risk factors involved in the initiation, enlargement, and rupture of aneurysms, could lead to effective prevention, early diagnosis and more effective treatment. The risk of aneurysm is increased by a family history of aneurysms, and amongst certain populations, namely in Japan and Finland. Several other risk factors are documented, including hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, and female sex. Studies indicate a higher occurrence of cerebral aneurysms in females compared to males. Oestrogen protects several components within the artery wall, and inhibits some of the inflammatory molecules that could cause aneurysms. At menopause, the oestrogen level decreases and the incidence of aneurysm increases. Haemodynamic stresses have been shown to be involved in the formation, growth and rupture of aneurysms. This is often associated with hypertension, which also increases the risk of aneurysm rupture. When an unruptured aneurysm is detected the decision to treat can be complicated, since only 1-2% of aneurysms eventually rupture. Haemodynamic simulation software offers an effective tool for the consideration of treatment options for patients who carry unruptured aneurysms. The assessment must consider the risks of interventional treatments versus non-interventional management options, such as controlling blood pressure.

Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Use of endovascular coiling for treatment of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms (IAs) in the elderly is increasing. We performed a meta-analysis of the literature examining clinical and angiographic outcomes for treatment of IAs in the elderly.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive review of the literature from 1995 to 2012, reporting series of patients ≥65 years of age with ruptured or unruptured IAs treated with endovascular approach. Event rates were pooled across studies using random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 21 studies reporting on 1511 patients were included. Long-term aneurysm occlusion rates were 79% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70%-85%). Perioperative stroke occurred in 4% (95% CI, 3%-6%), with similar rates between patients with ruptured (5%; 95% CI, 3%-7%) and unruptured aneurysms (4%; 95% CI, 1%-14%; P=0.68). Intraprocedural rupture occurred in 1% (95% CI, 0%-3%) and 4% (95% CI, 2-6%; P=0.04) of patients with unruptured and ruptured aneurysms, respectively. Perioperative mortality rate for patients with ruptured aneurysms was 23% (95% CI, 17%-30%) and 1% (95% CI, 0%-6%) for patients with unruptured aneurysms (P<0.01). Rates of good clinical outcome at 1 year were 93% (95% CI, 88%-96%) and 66% (95% CI, 59%-72%) in patients with unruptured and ruptured aneurysms, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that endovascular treatment of IAs in the elderly is associated with high long-term occlusion rates. Given the morbidity and mortality associated with endovascular treatment of IAs in the elderly, careful patient selection, especially in the case of patients with unruptured aneurysm, is recommended.

Age limit for surgical treatment of poor-grade patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: A project of the Chugoku-Shikoku division of the Japan neurosurgical society

Objective:

Management of elderly patients with poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate whether there is an age-dependent difference in the outcome of poor-grade SAH after surgical obliteration of the aneurysm.

Methods:

Data were reviewed retrospectively for 156 patients with poor-grade aneurysmal SAH at multiple centers in Chugoku and Shikoku, Japan. Patients were divided into age groups of 65-74 and ≥75 years old. Factors influencing a favorable outcome at discharge (Glasgow Outcome Scale, good recovery or moderately disabled) were determined using multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results:

A favorable outcome at discharge was achieved in 37 of the 156 patients (23.7%). Advanced age (≥75 years old, P < 0.01), improvement of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Grade after admission (P = 0.02), Fisher grade (P < 0.001), and a low density area (LDA) associated with vasospasm on computed tomography (CT) (P < 0.01) were significantly associated with outcome. Multivariate analysis identified advanced age (≥75 years old, P = 0.01), Fisher group 4 (P = 0.002), and a new LDA associated with vasospasm on CT (P = 0.007) as predictors of a poor outcome in elderly patients with poor-grade SAH after surgical obliteration of the aneurysm. WFNS Grade V at admission (P = 0.052) was weakly associated with a poor outcome.

Conclusions:

Advanced age (≥75 years old), Fisher group 4, and LDA associated with vasospasm on CT were independent predictors of clinical outcome in elderly patients with poor-grade SAH. A favorable outcome in these patients occurred more frequently after Guglielmi detachable coil embolization than after surgical clipping, but without a significant difference.

Age-related trends in the treatment and outcomes of ruptured cerebral aneurysms: a study of the nationwide inpatient sample 2001-2009

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patient age substantially influences treatment decisions for ruptured cerebral aneurysms. It would be useful to understand national age-related trends of treatment techniques and outcomes in patients treated for ruptured cerebral aneurysm in the United States.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we evaluated trends in treatment technique (clipping versus coiling) and discharge status of patients undergoing clipping or coiling of ruptured cerebral aneurysms between 2001 and 2009. Outcomes were evaluated in relation to 4 age strata: 1) younger than 50 years of age, 2) 50-64 years of age, 3) 65-79 years of age, and 4) patients 80 years or older. We compared outcomes between treatment groups for patients treated between 2001-2004 with those treated between 2005-2009.

RESULTS

A significant increase in the proportion of patients undergoing endovascular coiling between 2001 and 2009 was noted for all age groups (P < .0001). For both clipped and coiled patients, mortality and the proportion of patients discharged to long-term facilities increased with age. Overall mortality for patients clipped and coiled decreased modestly for all age groups, and overall proportions of patients discharged home increased modestly (P < .01) for all age groups except those older than 80 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Between 2001 and 2009, there has been a significant increase in the proportion of patients with ruptured aneurysms undergoing endovascular coiling rather than aneurysm clipping. This increase was more pronounced in older patients. Mortality from aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage decreased during the past decade, regardless of aneurysm treatment technique.

Guidelines for the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/american Stroke Association

PURPOSE

The aim of this guideline is to present current and comprehensive recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH).

METHODS

A formal literature search of MEDLINE (November 1, 2006, through May 1, 2010) was performed. Data were synthesized with the use of evidence tables. Writing group members met by teleconference to discuss data-derived recommendations. The American Heart Association Stroke Council's Levels of Evidence grading algorithm was used to grade each recommendation. The guideline draft was reviewed by 7 expert peer reviewers and by the members of the Stroke Council Leadership and Manuscript Oversight Committees. It is intended that this guideline be fully updated every 3 years.

RESULTS

Evidence-based guidelines are presented for the care of patients presenting with aSAH. The focus of the guideline was subdivided into incidence, risk factors, prevention, natural history and outcome, diagnosis, prevention of rebleeding, surgical and endovascular repair of ruptured aneurysms, systems of care, anesthetic management during repair, management of vasospasm and delayed cerebral ischemia, management of hydrocephalus, management of seizures, and management of medical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

aSAH is a serious medical condition in which outcome can be dramatically impacted by early, aggressive, expert care. The guidelines offer a framework for goal-directed treatment of the patient with aSAH.

Incidence of subarachnoid haemorrhage: an Australian national hospital morbidity database analysis

Incidences of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) in Australia have been reported in regional studies with variable rates. We investigated the national SAH rate and evaluated the trend over the 10 years from 1998 to 2008. The crude SAH incidence, not related to trauma or arteriovenous malformation, was estimated at 10.3 cases per 100,000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.2-10.4). Females have a higher incidence of SAH (12.5 cases per 100,000; 95% CI: 12.3-12.8) compared to males (8.0 cases per 100,000; 95% CI: 7.8-8.3), with age-adjusted incidence increases with increasing age for both sexes. Less than 10% of SAH occurred in the first three decades of life. The peak age group for patients to experience SAH was between 45 years and 64 years, accounting for almost 45% of the overall annual SAH admissions. Aneurysms located in the anterior circulation were a more common source of rupture compared to those located in the posterior circulation (rate ratio 3.9; 95% CI: 3.6-4.2). Contrary to contemporary observations in the literature, we did not observe a decline in the incidence of SAH during this specified study period.