Anticoagulation therapy a risk factor for the development of chronic subdural hematoma

Racial and ethnic differences in restarting antiplatelet therapy in patients with primary intracranial hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There has long been clinical disagreement over the resumption of antiplatelet therapy in patients with primary intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). This meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of restarting antiplatelet therapy after ICH among different races and ethnicities.

METHODS

All relevant medical studies involving adults with antiplatelet-associated ICH published in PubMed, The Cochrane Library and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to March 2024 were sourced. Outcome measures were thromboembolic events (stroke and myocardial infarction) and recurrence of ICH. After assessing study heterogeneity and publication bias, we performed a meta-analysis using random-effects model to assess the strength of association between resumption of antiplatelet therapy and our outcomes.The review was not registered and the review protocol was not prepared.

RESULTS

Thirty-five studies were included, with 9758 ICH patients. Subgroup analysis revealed that restarting antiplatelet therapy was associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence or aggravation of cerebral hemorrhage in Asians[OR = 1.48, 95% CI (1.13-1.94), P = 0.004]; in Caucasians, on the contrary, reinitiation of antiplatelet therapy was not associated with a significantly higher risk of recurrence or aggravation of cerebral hemorrhage [OR = 0.85, 95% CI (0.67-1.06), P = 0.149]. Reinitiation of antiplatelet therapy was associated with a significantly lower risk of cerebral infarction [OR = 0.61, 95% CI (0.39-0.96), P = 0.033]. Restarting antiplatelet therapy after cerebral hemorrhage was not associated with a higher incidence rate of mortality [OR = 0.79, 95% CI (0.57, 1.08), P = 0.138], myocardial infarction [OR = 2.40, 95%CI (0.53,10.79), P = 0.253], hemiparesis [OR = 0.38, 95%CI (0.03,4.81), P = 0.451], neurological deficit [OR = 0.86,95%CI(0.32,2.33),P = 0.766].

CONCLUSION

Reinstitution of antiplatelet therapy after ICH was associated with a lower risk of thromboembolic complications.Resumption of antiplatelet therapy was not associated with a higher incidence of cerebral hemorrhage in Caucasians, but may be associated with a higher risk of cerebral hemorrhage recurrence in Asian populations.

Frailty as a predictor of poor outcomes in patients with chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH): A systematic review of literature

Objective

In recent years, frailty has been reported to be an important predictive factor associated with worse outcomes in neurosurgical patients. The purpose of the present systematic review was to analyze the impact of frailty on outcomes of chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) patients.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of literature using the PubMed, Cochrane library, Wiley online library, and Web of Science databases following PRISMA guidelines of studies evaluating the effect of frailty on outcomes of cSDH published until January 31, 2023.

Results

A comprehensive literature search of databases yielded a total of 471 studies. Six studies with 4085 patients were included in our final qualitative systematic review. We found that frailty was associated with inferior outcomes (including mortality, complications, recurrence, and discharge disposition) in cSDH patients. Despite varying frailty scales/indices used across studies, negative outcomes occurred more frequently in patients that were frail than those who were not.

Conclusions

While the small number of available studies, and heterogenous methodology and reporting parameters precluded us from conducting a pooled analysis, the results of the present systematic review identify frailty as a robust predictor of worse outcomes in cSDH patients. Future studies with a larger sample size and consistent frailty scales/indices are warranted to strengthen the available evidence. The results of this work suggest a strong case for using frailty as a pre-operative risk stratification measure in cSDH patients.

Comparative analysis of surgical techniques in the management of chronic subdural hematomas and risk factors for poor outcomes

Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) are increasingly prevalent, especially among the elderly. Surgical intervention is essential in most cases. However, the choice of surgical technique, either craniotomy or burr-hole opening, remains a subject of debate. Additionally, the risk factors for poor long-term outcomes following surgical treatment remain poorly described. This article presents a 10-year retrospective cohort study conducted at a single center that aimed to compare the outcomes of two common surgical techniques for CSDH evacuation: burr hole opening and minicraniotomy. The study also identified risk factors associated with poor long-term outcome, which was defined as an mRS score ≥ 3 at 6 months. This study included 582 adult patients who were surgically treated for unilateral CSDH. Burr-hole opening was performed in 43% of the patients, while minicraniotomy was performed in 57%. Recurrence was observed in 10% of the cases and postoperative complications in 13%. The rates of recurrence, postoperative complications, death and poor long-term outcome did not differ significantly between the two surgical approaches. Multivariate analysis identified postoperative general complications, recurrence, and preoperative mRS score ≥ 3 as independent risk factors for poor outcomes at 6 months. Recurrence contribute to a poorer prognosis in CSDH. Nevertheless, use burr hole or minicraniotomy for the management of CSDH showed a similar recurrence rate and no significant differences in post-operative outcomes. This underlines the need for a thorough assessment of patients with CSHD and the importance of avoiding their occurrence, by promoting early mobilization of patients. Future research is necessary to mitigate the risk of recurrence, regardless of the surgical technique employed.

Incidence of surgically treated chronic subdural hematoma after head injury with normal initial computed tomography

PURPOSE

The objective was to determine the incidence of surgically treated chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) within six months after head trauma in a consecutive series of head injury patients with a normal initial computed tomography (CT).

METHODS

A total of 1941 adult patients with head injuries who underwent head CT within 48 h after injury and were treated at the Tampere University Hospital's emergency department were retrospectively evaluated from medical records (median age = 59 years, IQR = 39-79 years, males = 58%, patients using antithrombotic medication = 26%). Patients with no signs of acute traumatic intracranial pathology or any type of subdural collection on initial head CT were regarded as CT negative (n = 1573, 81%).

RESULTS

Two (n = 2) of the 1573 CT negative patients received surgical treatment for cSDH. Consequently, the incidence of surgically treated cSDH after a normal initial head CT during a six-month follow-up was 0.13%. Both patients sustained mild traumatic brain injuries initially. One of the two patients was on antithrombotic medication (warfarin) at the time of trauma, hence incidence of surgically treated cSDH among patients with antithrombotic medication in CT negative patients (n = 376, 23.9%) was 0.27%. Additionally, within CT negative patients, one subdural hygroma was operated shortly after trauma.

CONCLUSION

The extremely low incidence of surgically treated cSDH after a normal initial head CT, even in patients on antithrombotic medication, supports the notion that routine follow-up imaging after an initial normal head CT is not indicated to exclude the development of cSDH. Additionally, our findings support the concept of cSDH not being a purely head trauma-related disease.

Automated Preoperative and Postoperative Volume Estimates Risk of Retreatment in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Retrospective, Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Several neurosurgical pathologies, ranging from glioblastoma to hemorrhagic stroke, use volume thresholds to guide treatment decisions. For chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH), with a risk of retreatment of 10%-30%, the relationship between preoperative and postoperative cSDH volume and retreatment is not well understood. We investigated the potential link between preoperative and postoperative cSDH volumes and retreatment.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients operated for unilateral cSDH from 4 level 1 trauma centers, February 2009-August 2021. We used a 3-dimensional deep learning, automated segmentation pipeline to calculate preoperative and postoperative cSDH volumes. To identify volume thresholds, we constructed a receiver operating curve with preoperative and postoperative volumes to predict cSDH retreatment rates and selected the threshold with the highest Youden index. Then, we developed a light gradient boosting machine to predict the risk of cSDH recurrence.

RESULTS

We identified 538 patients with unilateral cSDH, of whom 62 (12%) underwent surgical retreatment within 6 months of the index surgery. cSDH retreatment was associated with higher preoperative (122 vs 103 mL; P < .001) and postoperative (62 vs 35 mL; P < .001) volumes. Patients with >140 mL preoperative volume had nearly triple the risk of cSDH recurrence compared with those below 140 mL, while a postoperative volume >46 mL led to an increased risk for retreatment (22% vs 6%; P < .001). On multivariate modeling, our model had an area under the receiver operating curve of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.60-0.93) for predicting retreatment. The most important features were preoperative and postoperative volume, platelet count, and age.

CONCLUSION

Larger preoperative and postoperative cSDH volumes increase the risk of retreatment. Volume thresholds may allow identification of patients at high risk of cSDH retreatment who would benefit from adjunct treatments. Machine learning algorithm can quickly provide accurate estimates of preoperative and postoperative volumes.

Clinical Characteristics and Prognoses of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Patients with and without Head Trauma: A Retrospective Comparative Study

OBJECTIVE

Head trauma is considered as the main cause of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, many patients develop CSDH with no identified cause. Herein, we conduct a comparative study to investigate the differences in clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of CSDH patients with and without a history of head trauma.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed CSDH patients who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2021. Patients were categorized into a with head trauma (WHT) group and a without head trauma (WOHT) group for comparative analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 219 patients were included, 119 (54.3%) cases in the WHT group and 100 (45.7%) cases in the WOHT group. More cancer patients were found in the WOHT group than in the WHT group (P = 0.045). Both at discharge and 6-month follow-up, patients in the WOHT group achieved better clinical outcomes than the WHT group cases (P = 0.025 and 0.034, respectively). Furthermore, ordered multiclass logistic regression analyses indicated that a history of head trauma (odds ratio 2.151, 95% confidence interval 1.052-4.386; P = 0.036) was a risk factor significantly related to the unfavorable outcomes at 6-month follow-ups of CSDH. However, we did not find significant differences between the 2 groups in clinical manifestations, radiological characteristics, postoperative complications, mortality, and recurrence rates.

CONCLUSIONS

CSDH patients with a history of head trauma may be more susceptible to unfavorable outcomes; thus, they should be carefully evaluated and given more attention during hospitalization and after discharge.

Safety of middle meningeal artery embolization for treatment of subdural hematoma: A nationwide propensity score matched analysis

OBJECTIVE

Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAe) has burgeoned as a treatment for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH). This study evaluates the safety and short-term outcomes of MMAe patients relative to traditional treatment approaches.

METHODS

In this retrospective large database study, adult patients in the National Inpatient Sample from 2012-2019 with a diagnosis of cSDH were identified. Cost of admission, length of stay (LOS), discharge disposition, and complications were analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was utilized.

RESULTS

A total of 123,350 patients with cSDH were identified: 63,450 without intervention, 59,435 surgery only, 295 MMAe only, and 170 surgery plus MMAe. On PSM analysis, MMAe did not increase the risk of inpatient complications or prolong the length of stay compared to conservative management (p>0.05); MMAe had higher cost ($31,170 vs. $10,768, p<0.001) than conservative management, and a lower rate of nonroutine discharge (53.8% vs. 64.3%, p=0.024). Compared to surgery, MMAe had shorter LOS (5 vs. 7 days, p<0.001), and lower rates of neurological complications (2.7% vs. 7.1%, p=0.029) and nonroutine discharge (53.8% vs. 71.7%, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in cost (p>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

MMAe had similar LOS and decreased odds of adverse discharge with a modest cost increase compared to conservative management. There was no difference in inpatient complications. Compared to surgery, MMAe treatment was associated with decreased LOS and rates of neurological complications and nonroutine discharge. This nationwide analysis supports the safety of MMAe to treat cSDH.

Outcome of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Intervention in Patients on Long-Term Antiplatelet Therapy-A Propensity Score Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients presenting with chronic subdural hematomas (cSDHs) and on antiplatelet medications for various medical conditions often complicate surgical decision making.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate risks of preprocedural and postprocedural antiplatelet use in patients with cSDHs.

METHODS

Patients with cSDH who were treated between January 2006 and February 2022 at a single institution with surgical intervention were identified. A propensity score matching analysis was then performed analyzing length of hospitalization, periprocedural complications, reintervention rate, rebleeding risk, and reintervention rates.

RESULTS

Preintervention, 178 patients were on long-term antiplatelet medication and 298 were not on any form of antiplatelet. Sixty matched pairs were included in the propensity score analysis. Postintervention, 88 patients were resumed on antiplatelet medication, whereas 388 patients did not have resumption of antiplatelets. Fifty-five pairs of matched patients were included in the postintervention propensity score analysis. No significant differences were found in length of hospitalization (7.8 ± 4.2 vs 6.8 ± 5.4, P = .25), procedural complications (3.3% vs 6.7%, P = .68), or reintervention during the same admission (3.3% vs 5%, P = 1). No significant differences were seen in recurrence rate (9.1% vs 10.9%, P = 1) or reintervention rate after discharge (7.3% vs 9.1%, P = 1) in the postintervention group.

CONCLUSION

Preintervention antiplatelet medications before cSDH treatment do not affect length of hospitalization, periprocedural complications, or reintervention. Resumption of antiplatelet medication after cSDH procedures does not increase the rebleeding risk or reintervention rate.

Non-surgical patient characteristics best predict outcome after 6 months in patients surgically treated for chronic subdural haematoma

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common conditions encountered in neurosurgical practice. After surgery, the patients often improve dramatically; but their long-term outcome is more uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of outcome 6 months after surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective data were collected on patients in Orebro County, Sweden, who had undergone surgery for CSDH at the Orebro University Hospital between 2013 and 2019. The outcomes were defined as favourable or unfavourable in terms of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A favourable outcome was defined as either mRS 0-2 or an unchanged mRS score in patients scoring 3-5 before surgery. From the variables in the data collected, a multiple logistic regression model was constructed.

RESULTS

The study comprised 180 patients, of whom 134 (74.4%) were male. Median age was 79.2 years (IQR 71.7-85.5), and 129 (71.7%) patients had a favourable outcome at 6 months. In the group with an unfavourable outcome, 18 (10%) had died and 33 (18.3%) had either lost their independence in daily living or become somewhat less independent. The final multiple logistic regression model consisted of pre-surgery variables only: age (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.97), CRP (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99), GCS > 13 (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.09-12.3), Hb (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), and ASA score < 3 (OR 2.58, 95% CI 0.98-6.79). The whole model had an AUC of 0.88.

CONCLUSION

CSDH requiring surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality at 6 months after surgery. Age, CRP, GCS, Hb and ASA score on admission for surgery are the variables that best predicts outcome. This knowledge can help to identify the patients at greatest risk for an unfavourable outcome, who may need additional support from the health care system.

UNSTRUCTURED ABSTRACT

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common conditions encountered in neurosurgical practice. After surgery, the patients often improve dramatically; but their long-term outcome is more uncertain. The purpose of this study was to investigate predictors of outcome, in terms of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), 6 months after surgery. The study comprised 180 patients, of whom 134 (74.4%) were male. Median age was 79.2 years (IQR 71.7-85.5), and 129 (71.7%) patients had a favourable outcome at 6 months. In the group with an unfavourable outcome, 18 (10%) had died and 33 (18.3%) had either lost their independence in daily living or become somewhat less independent. The final multiple logistic regression model consisted of pre-surgery variables only: age (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.87-0.97), CRP (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99), GCS > 13 (OR 3.66, 95% CI 1.09-12.3), Hb (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00-1.05), and ASA score < 3 (OR 2.58, 95% CI 0.98-6.79). The whole model had an AUC of 0.88. In conclusion, CSDH requiring surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality at 6 months after surgery. Age, CRP, GCS, Hb and ASA score on admission for surgery are the variables that best predicts outcome. This knowledge can help to identify the patients at greatest risk for an unfavourable outcome, who may need additional support from the health care system.

Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Super-Elderly Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma

OBJECTIVE

Surgical intervention for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in the extremely aged population remains a difficult challenge. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes after twist drill craniotomy (TDC) of CSDH in super-elderly (≥80 years) patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of super-elderly patients with CSDH who underwent TDC treatment in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2021 was performed. Their clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared with those of relatively younger patients (60-79 years). Factors that may affect functional outcomes were also investigated.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine super-elderly patients and 133 patients aged 60-79 years were included. The preoperative hematoma volume of the super-elderly patients was significantly larger than that of the 60-79 years group, whereas fewer super-elderly patients had headaches compared with the relatively younger counterparts. After surgical treatment using the TDC procedure, the incidence of complication and the hematoma recurrence rate were similar between the 2 groups. Moreover, according to the Markwalder score of the follow-up at 6 months after operation, the prognosis of the super-elderly group was not poorer than that of the patients of 60-79 years (P = 0.662). Preoperative dysfunction of coagulation (odds ratio, 28.421; 95% confidence interval, 1.185-681.677; P = 0.039) was an independent risk factor significantly related to unfavorable outcomes of super-elderly patients with CSDH.

CONCLUSIONS

Advanced age per se does not seem to be a contraindication for the operative intervention of CSDH. Surgical treatment using the TDC procedure can still provide considerable benefits for super-elderly patients with CSDH.

Middle Meningeal Artery Embolization in the Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: a Comprehensive Review of Current Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common intracranial hemorrhagic disorder with a high incidence rate among the elderly. While small, asymptomatic cSDH may resolve spontaneously, surgical intervention has been the treatment of choice for larger, symptomatic cases. Surgical evacuation of cSDH may be associated with high rates of recurrence, and even asymptomatic cSDH cases tend to progress. Over the last few years, middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization has proven to be a safe non-invasive treatment of choice with favorable outcomes and a low recurrence rate. The ensuing paper discusses current treatment modalities for cSDH and reviews existing literature on the anatomy of MMA and its embolization as a treatment option for cSDH.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies show that traumatic head injury leading to subdural hemorrhage can induce neovascularization that may initiate a cycle of recurrent subdural hematoma. Distal branches of MMA supply blood to the dural layers. Several studies have revealed that embolization of the MMA can stop the neovascularization process and blood flow. In addition, patients who underwent MMA embolization had a significantly quicker brain re-expansion and lower recurrence rate. Although the management of cSDH is still very much a dilemma, recent research findings bring MMA embolization to light as a promising treatment alternative and adjunctive therapy.

Correlation between Blood Type 0 and Risk of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Recurrence: A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common disease in the neurological and neurosurgical world. The recommended treatment for cSDH patients with moderate or severe neurological symptoms is surgical evacuation, but cSDH frequently recurs. The patient’s ABO blood type may influence the outcome. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between cSDH recurrence and blood type O. We performed a retrospective analysis of the data of patients with cSDH who were surgically treated. Recurrence was defined as the need for re-operation within the first 12 weeks after the initial surgery. We analyzed standard demographic data, duration and type of surgery, ABO blood types, and the re-operation rate. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. A total of 229 patients were included. The recurrence of hematoma was identified in 20.5% of patients. Blood type O was found to be significantly associated with cSDH recurrence leading to re-operation within 12 weeks (p = 0.02, OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1–3.5). Thrombocyte aggregation inhibition and oral anticoagulants were not predictors of cSDH recurrence. Patients with blood type O in our cohort were identified to be at higher risk of cSDH recurrence and may, therefore, be a more vulnerable patient group. This finding needs further evaluation in larger cohorts.

Incidence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma after Mild Head Trauma in Elderly Patients with or without Pre-traumatic Conditioning of Anti-thrombotic Drugs

Anti-thrombotic drugs may increase the risk for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, whether to continue or discontinue/counteract these drugs has not been investigated in patients with mild head trauma. CSDH incidence after mild head trauma, as well as the risk for CSDH in patients with anti-thrombotic drugs, were investigated in this study. The study included 765 consecutive elderly (>65 y.o.) patients with mild head trauma and an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 14 or 15. All patients received initial CT within 24 hours after trauma and were re-examined 30 days after trauma to detect CSDH formation, repeating for every 30 days to examine symptomatic CSDH progression. Patients were divided into two groups, with anti-thrombotic drugs (n = 195) or without them (n = 263), to investigate the influence of pre-traumatic conditioning with anti-thrombotic drugs on CSDH. The whole sample was 458 out of 765 cases. The incidence of CSDH formation was 91 out of 458 cases (19.9%) after mild head trauma, with no significant difference between with and without anti-thrombotic drugs. CSDH progressed as symptomatic in 21 out of 458 cases (4.6%), with no significant difference between with and without anti-thrombotic drugs. Pre-traumatic conditioning with anti-thrombotic drugs and its continuation after trauma did not affect the incidence of formation or symptomatic progression of CSDH. This finding suggests that discontinuing and/or counteracting anti-thrombotic drugs may be unnecessary in patients with mild head trauma.

Change in Hematoma Size after Dexamethasone Therapy in Chronic Subdural Hematoma Subtypes: A Prospective Study in Symptomatic Patients

The main treatment strategy for chronic subdural hematoma is surgical intervention. When a conservative pharmacological approach is considered in symptomatic patients, mainly dexamethasone therapy is applied. Recent trials revealed dexamethasone therapy to be an ineffective treatment in symptomatic patients with chronic subdural hematoma. Whether the efficacy of dexamethasone therapy differs in radiological hematoma subtypes is unknown. The aim of this substudy was to identify which hematoma subtype might be favorable for dexamethasone therapy. As part of a randomized controlled trial, symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma patients received 19-days dexamethasone therapy. The primary outcome measure was the change in hematoma size as measured on follow-up computed tomography (CT) after 2 weeks of dexamethasone in six hematoma (architectural and density) subtypes: homogeneous total, laminar, separated and trabecular architecture types, and hematoma without hyperdense components (homogeneous hypodense, isodense) and with hyperdense components (homogeneous hyperdense, mixed density). We analyzed hematoma thickness, midline shift, and volume using multi-variable linear regression adjusting for age, sex and baseline value of the specific radiological parameter. From September 2016 until February 2021, 85 patients were included with a total of 114 chronic subdural hematoma. The mean age was 76 years and 25% were women. Larger decrease in hematoma thickness and midline shift was revealed in hematoma without hyperdense components compared with hematoma with hyperdense components (adjusted [adj.] b -2.2 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.1 to -0.3 and adj. b -1.3 mm, 95% CI -2.7 to 0.0 respectively). Additional surgery was performed in 57% of patients with the highest observed rate (81%) in separated hematoma. Largest hematoma reduction and better clinical improvement was observed in chronic subdural hematoma without hyperdense components after dexamethasone therapy. Evaluation of these parameters can be part of an individualized treatment strategy.

Predicting neurosurgical referral outcomes in patients with chronic subdural hematomas using machine learning algorithms - A multi-center feasibility study

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) incidence and referral rates to neurosurgery are increasing. Accurate and automated evidence-based referral decision-support tools that can triage referrals are required. Our objective was to explore the feasibility of machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting the outcome of a CSDH referral made to neurosurgery and to examine their reliability on external validation.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective case series conducted from 2015 to 2020, analyzing all CSDH patient referrals at two neurosurgical centers in the United Kingdom. 10 independent predictor variables were analyzed to predict the binary outcome of either accepting (for surgical treatment) or rejecting the CSDH referral with the aim of conservative management. 5 ML algorithms were developed and externally tested to determine the most reliable model for deployment.

Results

1500 referrals in the internal cohort were analyzed, with 70% being rejected referrals. On a holdout set of 450 patients, the artificial neural network demonstrated an accuracy of 96.222% (94.444-97.778), an area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 0.951 (0.927-0.973) and a brier score loss of 0.037 (0.022-0.056). On a 1713 external validation patient cohort, the model demonstrated an AUC of 0.896 (0.878-0.912) and an accuracy of 92.294% (90.952-93.520). This model is publicly deployed: https://medmlanalytics.com/neural-analysis-model/.

Conclusion

ML models can accurately predict referral outcomes and can potentially be used in clinical practice as CSDH referral decision making support tools. The growing demand in healthcare, combined with increasing digitization of health records raises the opportunity for ML algorithms to be used for decision making in complex clinical scenarios.

Peripheral blood eosinophil and classification of residual hematoma help predict the recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma after initial surgery

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common type of intracranial hemorrhage in neurosurgical practice, whose incidence has increased markedly in recent years. However, CSDH still troubles clinicians with a high postoperative recurrence rate. The presence of eosinophils has been confirmed in some CSDH surgical specimens. Furthermore, postoperative residual hematoma has not been classified, and its association with the recurrence of CSDH remains unknown. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that the peripheral blood eosinophils and the classification of postoperative residual hematoma are significant for the prediction of CSDH recurrence after burr-hole surgery. A retrospective review of 258 CSDH patients who received burr-hole surgery was performed. A complete blood picture with differential count was taken before surgery. Clinical, laboratory, and radiographic factors predicting CSDH recurrence were identified in univariable and multivariable analyses. Univariable analysis showed that the percentage of eosinophils, peripheral blood eosinophil count <0.15 × 10⁹/L, gradation and separated types, postoperative volume of the residual cavity ≥70 ml, residual air volume ≥28 ml, residual hematoma volume ≥55 ml, residual hematoma width ≥1.4 cm, postoperative midline shift ≥5.6 mm, postoperative brain re-expansion rate <41%, postoperative low-density type, and postoperative high-density type correlated with the recurrence of CSDH. Multivariable analysis, however, showed that peripheral blood eosinophil count <0.15 × 10⁹/L, gradation and separated types, preoperative midline shift ≥9.5 mm, postoperative brain re-expansion rate <41%, postoperative low-density type, and postoperative high-density type are independent predictors for the recurrence of CSDH. We expect that peripheral blood eosinophils and the classification of postoperative residual hematoma may facilitate our understanding of the recurrence of CSDH after initial surgery.

Predictors of recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma in a cohort study of patients presenting in a sub-Saharan African teaching hospital

Background

Chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) is a common neurological condition affecting the elderly with decreased quality of life. Recurrence leads to increase in number of hospital admissions and surgical interventions. Several factors contribute to recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma, and determination of these factors will help institute measures to reduce recurrence of CSDH, cost of care and improved quality of life. The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma in a cohort of patients presenting in a Sub-Saharan African Teaching Hospital.

Methods

A prospective hospital-based cohort study of 62 participants who presented with CSDH and underwent burr-hole and drainage at the Neuroscience unit of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital. The primary outcome of this study was the recurrence of CSDH within 3 months after the surgery. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel 2016 and exported to International Business Machine (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 for analysis. Predictors of recurrence of CSDH were determined using logistic regression with odds ratio calculated at the 95% confidence level and a p-value less than 0.05 accepted as statistically significant.

Results

There was a male preponderance of 45 (72.6%), over females of 17 (27.4%). The mean age was 63.1 ± 13.6 years. The recurrence rate of CSDH was 21.0% whilst the mortality rate was 4.8%. Facial palsy and dysphasia were associated with the recurrence of CSDH (p = 0.045, 0.029). Hypertension and bilaterality were associated with recurrence of CSDH from a univariate analysis (p = 0.039, OR = 4.865, CI = 0.975–24.285; p = 0.005, OR = 5.979, CI = 1.585–22.557). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, bilaterality was the only independent predictor of recurrence of CSDH (p = 0.030, AOR = 5.47, CI = 1.18–25.34).

Conclusions

Both hypertension and bilaterality showed statistically significant association with recurrence of CSDH. However, only bilaterality proved to be an independent predictor of recurrence of CSDH in patient who underwent burr-hole and drainage.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12883-022-02857-1.

Schulz J, Wiesmann M, Altiok E, Höllig A. Chronic Subdural Hematoma

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is typically a disease that affects the elderly. Neurosurgical evacuation is generally indicated for hematomas that are wider than the thickness of the skull. The available guidelines do not address the common clinical issue of the proper management of antithrombotic drugs that the patient has been taking up to the time of diagnosis of the cSDH. Whether antithrombotic treatment should be stopped or continued depends on whether the concern about spontaneous or postoperative intracranial bleeding, and a presumably higher rate of progression or recurrence, with continued medication outweighs the concern about a possibly higher rate of thrombotic complications if it is stopped.

METHODS

In this article, we review publications from January 2015 to October 2020 addressing the issue of the management of antithrombotics in patients with cSDH that were retrieved by a selective search in the Pubmed and EMBASE databases, and we present the findings of a cohort study of 395 patients who underwent surgery for cSDH consecutively between October 2014 and December 2019.

RESULTS

The findings published in the literature are difficult to summarize concisely because of the heterogeneity of study designs. Among the seven studies in which a group of patients on antithrombotics was compared with a control group, four revealed significant differences with respect to the risk of thromboembolic complications depending on previous antithrombotic use and the duration of discontinuation, while three others did not. In our own cohort, discontinuation of antithrombotics (including both plasmatic and antiplatelet drugs) was associated with thrombotic complications in 9.1% of patients.

CONCLUSION

These findings imply that the management of antithrombotics should be dealt with critically on an individual basis. In patients with cSDH who are at elevated risk, an early restart of antithrombotic treatment or even an operation under continued antithrombotic therapy should be considered.

The effect of antithrombotic therapy on the recurrence and outcome of chronic subdural hematoma after burr-hole craniostomy in a population-based cohort

PURPOSE

To study the effect of antithrombotic therapy (ATT) on the outcome of operatively treated chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH).

METHODS

A retrospective population-based cohort study from Eastern Finland including all adult patients who underwent a burr-hole craniostomy (BHC) for CSDH during 2016 and 2017. The follow-up time for recurrence was 6 months and for mortality 3 years.

RESULTS

A total of 301 CSDH patients were included in the study. ATT (antithrombotic therapy; antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication) was used by 164 patients (54.5%) at the time of diagnosis. The hematoma was bilateral in 102 patients (33.9%). Forty-seven patients (15.8%) encountered hematoma recurrence. Bilateral CSDHs required reoperations more often than unilateral hematomas (12.6% vs. 22.0%; p = 0.036) regardless of the primary operation (uni- or bilateral). A bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that bilateral hematoma (OR 1.918; 95% CI 1.013-3.630; p = 0.045) and male gender (OR 2.363; 95% CI 1.089-5.128; p = 0.030) independently predicted hematoma recurrence. The overall three-year mortality was 27.9%. The use of ATT was not associated with CSDH recurrence, and the length of the temporary postoperative ATT discontinuation did not correlate with the rate of thromboembolic events.

CONCLUSIONS

ATT did not affect CSDH recurrence in our study population, and the duration of the temporary postoperative ATT discontinuation was not associated with the rate of thromboembolic complications. Male gender and bilateral hematomas were more frequently associated with recurrences.

Nationwide trends in middle meningeal artery embolization for treatment of chronic subdural hematoma: A population-based analysis of utilization and short-term outcomes

Middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization represents a promising novel treatment modality for chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH), yet utilization and efficacy data are limited. This study evaluates the utilization and short-term outcomes of MMA embolization for cSDH treatment in a large national inpatient registry. cSDH patients treated with MMA embolization and/or surgical evacuation (craniotomy/burr hole drainage) were identified using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) during 2012-2018 period. Temporal trends, complications, and discharge disposition were evaluated, and propensity score matching was implemented for adjusted comparisons and to mitigate confounding by indication. Among 60,045 cSDH patients identified, 390 (0.6%) underwent MMA embolization. Embolized patients presented more with high acute illness severity subclasses in comparison with surgically evacuated patients (53% vs. 34%, p = 0.004) yet did not experience any procedure-related hemorrhagic or ischemic complications. Although discharge disposition did not differ from those surgically managed, embolized patients had longer mean hospital stays (13 vs. 8 days, p = 0.023) and accrued greater hospital charges (p < 0.001). Following propensity adjustment, length of stay and charges remained greater in the embolization cohort, yet rates of routine discharge increased appreciably (40% vs. 30%, p = 0.141) relative to surgically treated cSDH patients. The utilization of embolization increased exponentially after 2015, reaching an apex in 2018 (3.7% of treated cSDH). This population-based national assessment demonstrates exponential increases in utilization of MMA embolization for cSDH treatment in recent years. Embolized patients had uncomplicated clinical courses and similar discharge dispositions as surgical evacuation patients. Large-scale prospective trials are warranted to further assess the efficacy of this modality.

Retrospective analysis of 195 surgically treated cases of chronic subdural hematoma

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is increasing. This study evaluates the etiologic causes and findings of CSDH and compared unilateral CSDH with bilateral CSDH. This study aims to draw attention to this increasingly prevalent condition.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed 195 surgically treated cases of CSDH in our clinic between 2008 and 2018.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 65.7 ± 19.6 years. The most common symptom was headache (53.3%). The case background was the use of anticoagulant (37.9%), head trauma (34.3%). The hematomas were 28.7% right side, 44.6% left side, and 26.7% bilateral. The mean Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) was 13.4 ± 2.9, early postop 13.8 ± 2.5, and late postop was 14.6 ± 1.1. Postoperative complications included acute subdural hematoma (5.1%), cerebral infarction (1.5%), wound infection (0.5%) and others (13.3%). Re-expansion of the brain were statistically significantly less frequent and impaired consciousness, anticoagulant use, early and late postop thickness were statistically significantly more frequent in patients with bilateral CSDH.

CONCLUSIONS

CSDH is seen more patients of advanced age, those who use anticoagulants, patients with hypertension and diabetes and in patients with a history of head trauma. Prognosis is worse in bilateral CSDH. We estimate that the incidence of CSDH will go up in the future.

Use of the Subdural Hematoma in the Elderly (SHE) Score to Predict 30-Day Mortality After Chronic Subdural Hematoma Evacuation

BACKGROUND

The Subdural Hematoma in the Elderly (SHE) score has been recently developed to assess the 30-day mortality in acute and chronic subdural hematomas in patients >65 years and has shown good reliability. We aimed to validate the SHE score's accuracy to predict 30-day mortality on a homogeneous cohort of patients undergoing surgical chronic subdural hematoma evacuation at our Institution. We also investigated whether the SHE score could reliably predict the occurrence of 30-day chronic subdural hematoma recurrence needing surgery.

METHODS

We included patients from our prospectively collected database from January 2018 to January 2021. Patients with the availability of the following information were enrolled: age, Glasgow Coma Scale score on admission, hematoma volume, medical history, and outcome at 30 days. The SHE score was calculated for each patient, and the association between greater scores and 30-day mortality was investigated and its ability to predict 30-day and disease recurrence. Statistical significance was assessed for P < 0.05.

RESULTS

Three hundred twenty-one patients were included. Of them, 40 (12.5%) displayed mortality within 30-day: specifically, 0% of the group of patients with SHE score = 0, 4.3% of SHE score = 1, 14.5% of SHE score = 2, 39.3% of SHE score = 3, and 37.5% of SHE score = 4, with a statistically significant linear trend between greater SHE scores and 30-day mortality rates (P < 0.001, area under the curve 0.75 [0.67-0.82]). No significant association of the SHE score with the risk of recurrence needing surgery was detected (P = 0.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The SHE score proved helpful in predicting 30-day mortality in patients with chronic subdural hematomas, but no utility was observed to predict disease recurrence.

Hematoma subdural crónico: Una patología común de manejo complejo

Antecedentes:

El hematoma subdural crónico (HSDC) es una patología ampliamente estudiada, muy frecuente, sobre todo en adultos mayores; su cuadro clínico tiene una apariencia benigna y suele ir acompañado de múltiples comorbilidades asociadas a la edad, lo que resulta en un aumento de las complicaciones e incluso la muerte. Con el incremento de la expectativa de vida a nivel mundial, el uso de medicamentos antitrombóticos es cada vez más frecuente. El papel de estos fármacos en la evolución de la enfermedad como en la recurrencia, sigue siendo motivo de discusión.

Métodos:

Los autores revisaron la fisiopatología y características clínicas del HSDC. El presente artículo discute acerca de las terapéuticas actuales y las nuevas opciones de tratamiento que podrían mejorar los resultados. Este manuscrito es susceptible de cambios en el tiempo, con el desarrollo científico y tecnológico.

Resultados:

El HSDC puede ser abordado por vía quirúrgica y farmacológica; no obstante, un manejo individualizado requiere la consideracion cuidadosa de diversos factores. A pesar de los avances en el campo de la neurocirugía, la clásica trepanación craneal sigue siendo el Gold estándar en el HSDC y sobre todo en pacientes con síntomas graves. Se debe resaltar que aún hay aspectos de este procedimiento (como la localización del dren, número de drenajes, el efecto de la irrigación, la temperatura de la solución con que se irriga, etc.) que siguen siendo materia de estudio.

Conclusiones:

Entender el mecanismo de la enfermedad ha permitido explicar su historia natural y a su vez proponer nuevas alternativas de tratamiento. El manejo médico (atorvastatina, corticoides) ha generado gran interés por sus alentadores resultados preliminares. Recientemente, se ha reportado la terapia endovascular como una alternativa segura y existe gran expectativa por confirmar su efecto en estudios más grandes.

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.

Comparisons of Radiological and Clinical Characteristics between Traumatic and Non-traumatic Subdural Hematoma Patients

Objective

Subdural hematoma (SDH) primarily occurs in elderly patients. While most patients have good prognosis, some do not. Hematoma recurrence is one of the factors influencing prognosis. Moreover, some characteristic radiological factors may increase the recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of trauma influenced radiological characteristics and hematoma recurrence in SDH patients treated with burr hole trephination.

Methods

From January 2012 to December 2014, we selected 83 patients diagnosed with unilateral SDH using computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. We divided the patients into 2 groups based on the presence of trauma. We compared the 2 groups with multiple parameters, such as patient factors, radiological characteristics, and recurrence rate.

Results

Patients who had a prolonged international normalized ratio (INR) were significantly more common in the non-traumatic SDH group (22.2%:55.2%, p=0.002). There was no statistical difference in radiological parameters between the 2 groups. The recurrence rate was marginally higher in the non-traumatic SDH group (14.8%:17.2%, p=0.502), but this difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

There were no statistically significant differences in the radiological findings, including brain atrophy, hematoma density, thickness of hematoma, and degree of midline shifting between the 2 groups. The associated trauma history may not influence recurrence. Anticoagulants medication influence INR prolongation, and commonly shown in non-traumatic group, but not statistically. INR prolongation was statistically more common in non-traumatic SDH patients than in traumatic SDH patients. INR prolongation is only a different characteristic between 2 groups.

Chronic Subdural Hematoma (cSDH): A review of the current state of the art

Introduction

Incidence of Chronic Subdural Hematoma (cSDH) is rising worldwide, partly due to an aging population, but also due to increased use of antithrombotic medication. Many recent studies have emerged to address current cSDH management strategies.

Research question

What is the state of the art of cSDH management.

Material and methods

Review.

Results

Head trauma, antithrombotic use and craniocerebral disproportion increase the risk of cSDH development. Most patients present with disorientation, GCS 13–15, and symptoms arising from cortical irritation and increased intracranial pressure. cSDH occurs bilaterally in 9–22%. CT allows assessment of cerebral compression (herniation, hematoma thickness, ventricle collapse, midline shift), hematoma age and presence of membranes, factors that ultimately determine treatment urgency and surgical approach. Recurrence remains the principle complication (9–33%), occurring more commonly with older age and bilateral cSDHs.

Discussion and conclusion

While incompletely understood, it is generally believed that injury in the dural cell layer results in bleeding from bridging veins, resulting in a hematoma formation, with or without a preceding hygroma, in a potential space approximating the junction between the dura and arachnoid. Neovascularization and leaking from the outer membrane are thought to propagate this process. Evidence that MMA embolization may reduce recurrence rates is a potentially exciting new treatment option, but also supports the theory that the MMA is implicated in the cSDH pathophysiology. The use of steroids remains a controversial topic without clear treatment guidelines. cSDH represents a common neurosurgical problem with burr-hole treatment remaining the gold standard, often in conjunction with subgaleal drains. MMA embolization to stop recurrence may represent an important evolution in understanding the pathophysiology of cSDH and improving treatment.

•

Incidence of cSDH is rising, partly due to the aging population and increased antithrombotic use.

•

cSDH occurs bilaterally in 9–22% of cases.

•

Recurrence remains the principle complication and has been estimated at 9–33%.

•

Risk factors for recurrence include old age and bilateral cSDHs.

•

MMA embolization may reduce recurrence, but its efficacy and target population remain unclear.

Risk-assessment in chronic subdural hematoma evaluated in 148 patients - A score for predicting recurrence

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a frequent disease in neurosurgical practice. However, a considerable recurrence rate keeps this condition challenging to treat. We aimed to provide a simple tool for risk assessment in these patients.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of surgically treated patients with chronic subdural hematomas. In addition to patients' demographics, radiological assessment included volume, thickness, midline shift and density of hematomas. Statistically significant variables in univariate analysis were further analyzed in a multivariate logistic regression model to create a risk score for recurrence of CSDH.

RESULTS

A total of 148 patients were identified and included for analysis. 50.7 % (n = 75) were older than 76 years of age. The overall hematoma recurrence rate requiring surgery was 23.6 % (n = 35). Preoperative thrombocytopenia, postoperative midline shift >6 mm, hematoma volume >80 mL and overall hematoma density >45 Hounsfield Units (HU), were significantly more frequent in the recurrence group. Furthermore, after multivariate assessment, postoperative hematoma density and volume were independent risk factors and included in the risk assessment tool. Patients were divided into 3 risk groups corresponding to the total scores.

CONCLUSION

We provide a risk-score assessment for predicting recurrence of subdural hematoma. The risk-score comprises postoperative hematoma volume and density. This tool could ease decision making in follow-up evaluation and indication for recurrence surgery. Yet, further prospective evaluation is required to assess the clinical value of this tool.

Updates in Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Epidemiology, Etiology, Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Outcome

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a complex disease with an overall incidence of 1.7-20.6 per 100,000 persons per year and is more commonly encountered in the elderly population. The pathophysiologic cycle of CSDH formation and expansion involves traumatic and inflammatory components that promote the formation of membranes with permeable neovessels. Many drugs targeting different elements of this cycle are being actively investigated as potential therapeutic agents in CSDH. Burr hole craniostomy appears to be the most commonly used procedure for surgical evacuation, and outcomes are generally favorable. Recurrence can occur in 10%-20% of patients and is associated with several clinical and radiographic predictors. Middle meningeal artery embolization represents one of the latest additions to the therapeutic arsenal of cerebrovascular specialists in treating CSDH and is being critically evaluated in numerous ongoing clinical trials.

Influence of Antithrombotic Medication on the Risk of Chronic Subdural Hematoma Recurrence after Burr-Hole Surgery

OBJECTIVE

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is one of the most common intracranial hemorrhages. It can be managed with a simple surgical treatment such as burr-hole trephination and drainage. However, it has a relatively high recurrence rate. The mechanisms and risk factors for the recurrence have not yet been clearly identified and studies have reported varying results.

METHODS

We analyzed 230 patients with CSDH who were treated with burr-hole trephination and drainage at our institution from March 2011 to March 2016. The patients were divided into recurrence and non-recurrence groups and the medical records of each group were used to analyze the risk factors associated with CSDH recurrence.

RESULTS

After burr-hole trephination and drainage, CSDH recurrence was observed in 49 (21.3%) of the 230 patients. In univariate analysis, none of the factors showed statistical significance with respect to CSDH recurrence. In multivariate analysis, preoperative antithrombotic medication was the only independent risk factor for CSDH recurrence (odds ratio, 2.407; 95% confidence interval, 1.047-5.531).

CONCLUSION

The present study found that preoperative antithrombotic medication was independently associated with CSDH recurrence.

The incidence of chronic subdural hematomas from 1990 to 2015 in a defined Finnish population

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the population-based epidemiology of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) over a 26-year period.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted of all adult patients (≥ 18 years and residents of Pirkanmaa [Finland]) with a diagnosis of CSDH between 1990 and 2015. The cases were identified using ICD codes. Detailed data collection was performed using medical records and death certificates. All patients were monitored until death or the end of year 2017. The annual number of inhabitants in the Pirkanmaa region was obtained from Statistics Finland (Helsinki, Finland).

RESULTS

A total of 1168 patients with CSDH were identified from hospital records and death certificates; patients were considered as new-incidence cases if 2 years had elapsed following primary treatment and in cases involving a new contralateral CSDH. From 1990 to 2015, the overall incidence of CSDH doubled from 8.2 to 17.6/100,000/year. Among adults younger than 70 years, the incidence remained quite stable, whereas the incidence clearly increased among the ≥ 80-year-old population, from 46.9 to 129.5/100,000/year. The median age for a CSDH diagnosis increased from 73 to 79 years during the 26-year period. Head trauma was documented in 59% of cases. A ground-level fall was related to the CSDH in 31% of patients younger than 60 years and in 54% of those 80 years or older. The proportion of alcohol-related cases decreased toward the end of the study period (1990-1995: 16% and 2011-2015: 7%), because alcohol abuse was less frequent among the growing group of elderly patients. In contrast, the percentage of patients receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication almost doubled toward 2015 (1990-1995, 27%; and 2011-2015, 49%). The patients' neurological condition on admission, based on both Glasgow Coma Scale score (score < 13: 1990-1995, 18%; and 2011-2015, 7%; p < 0.001) and the modified Rankin Scale score (score 0-2: 1990-1995, 8%; and 2011-2015, 19%; p < 0.001), was better in recent years than in the early 1990s.

CONCLUSIONS

From 1990 to 2015, the incidence of CSDH has increased markedly. The incidence of CSDH among the population 80 years or older has nearly tripled since 1990. The use of anticoagulants has increased, but there has been no change regarding the ratio between a traumatic and a spontaneous CSDH etiology. As the world population becomes progressively older, the increasing incidence of CSDH will be a burden to patients and a future challenge for neurosurgical clinics.

Impact of antithrombotic therapy on surgical treatment in patients with chronic subdural hematoma

OBJECTIVE

The effects of antithrombotic therapy on chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) are controversial. Herein, we investigated the association of antithrombotic therapy with surgical complications and outcomes in patients with CSDH.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 323 consecutive patients with CSDH who underwent single burr-hole craniostomy.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight patients (33%) underwent preoperative antithrombotic therapy. Hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications were detected in 6 and 8 patients, respectively, which peaked at 3 and 4.5 days after CSDH surgery, respectively. CSDH recurrence was detected in 62 cases, and reoperation was required in 16 cases. Discontinuance of antiplatelet therapy for >2 weeks was significantly associated with thromboembolic complications (43%; p = 0.005). Postoperative use of multiple antithrombotic agents was significantly associated with CSDH recurrence (40%; p = 0.03). Further, earlier recurrence within 2 weeks was significantly associated with the following reoperation (62%; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

To reduce morbidity and minimize the risk of CSDH reoperation, the optimal timing for resumption of antithrombotic agents is approximately 3 days after CSDH surgery. Postoperative use of multiple antithrombotic agents can increase CSDH recurrence, while earlier recurrence may be a predictor for the following reoperation.

Corticosteroid treatment compared with surgery in chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is an ongoing debate on the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroids for the treatment of CSDH compared to surgery.

METHOD

A systematic search was performed in relevant databases up to January 2019 to identify RCTs or observational studies that compared at least two of three treatment modalities: the use of corticosteroids as a monotherapy (C), corticosteroids as an adjunct to surgery (CS), and surgery alone (S). Outcome measures were good neurological outcome, need for reintervention, mortality, and complications. Effect estimates were pooled and presented as relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI).

RESULTS

Of 796 initially identified studies, 7 were included in the meta-analysis. Risk of bias was generally high. There were no differences in good neurological outcome between treatment modalities. The need for reintervention varied between 4 and 58% in C, 4-12% in CS, and 7-26% in S. The need for reintervention was lower in CS compared with C (RR 3.34 [95% CI 1.53-7.29]; p < 0.01) and lower in CS compared with S (RR 0.44 [95% CI 0.27-0.72]; p < 0.01). Mortality varied between 0 and 4% in C, 0-13% in CS, and 0-44% in S. Mortality was lower in CS compared with S (RR 0.39 [95% CI 0.25-0.63]; p < 0.01). There were no differences in complications between treatment modalities.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that the addition of corticosteroids to surgery might be effective in the treatment of CSDH. However, the results must be interpreted with caution in light of the serious risk of bias of the included studies. This study stresses the need for large randomized trials to investigate the use of corticosteroids in the management of CSDH.

Clinical Course in Chronic Subdural Hematoma Patients Aged 18-49 Compared to Patients 50 Years and Above: A Multicenter Study and Meta-Analysis

Objective: Chronic Subdural Hematoma (cSDH) is primarily a disease of elderly, and is rare in patients <50 years, and this may in part be related to the increased brain atrophy from 50 years of age. This fact may also influence clinical presentation and outcome. The aim of this study was to study the clinical course with emphasis on clinical presentation of cSDH patients in the young (<50 years).

Methods: A retrospective review of a population-based cohort of 1,252 patients operated for cSDH from three Scandinavian neurosurgical centers was conducted. The primary end-point was difference in clinical presentation between the patients <50 y/o and the remaining patients (≥50 y/o group). The secondary end-points were differences in perioperative morbidity, recurrence and mortality between the two groups. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed comparing clinical patterns of cSDH in the two age groups.

Results: Fifty-two patients (4.2%) were younger than 50 years. Younger patients were more likely to present with headache (86.5% vs. 37.9%, p < 0.001) and vomiting (25% vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001) than the patients ≥50 y/o, while the ≥50 y/o group more often presented with limb weakness (17.3% vs. 44.8%, p < 0.001), speech impairment (5.8% vs. 26.2%, p = 0.001) and gait disturbance or falls (23.1% vs. 50.7%, p < 0.001). There was no difference between the two groups in recurrence, overall complication rate and mortality within 90 days. Our meta-analysis confirmed that younger patients are more likely to present with headache (p = 0.015) while the hemispheric symptoms are more likely in patients ≥50 y/o (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Younger patients with cSDH present more often with signs of increased intracranial pressure, while those ≥50 y/o more often present with hemispheric symptoms. No difference exists between the two groups in terms of recurrence, morbidity, and short-term mortality. Knowledge of variations in clinical presentation is important for correct and timely diagnosis in younger cSDH patients.

The effects of antithrombotic drugs on the recurrence and mortality in patients with chronic subdural hematoma: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common neurological disorder in elderly and the immediate outcome of surgery is satisfied. The high reoperation rate hinders the long-term effect of surgery and the risk factor is still unclear. Some researchers reported that high recurrence rate is related to the antithrombotic (AT) drugs, which is commonly used to prevent diseases in elderly patients. In this article, we conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether AT agents increase the risk of recurrence and mortality in patients with cSDH.

METHODS

The human case-control or randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies regarding the association of cSDH and AT were systematically identified through online databases (PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Elsevier Science Direct, and Springer Link). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were defined for the eligible studies. The fixed-effects model was performed when homogeneity was indicated.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included 24 studies. AT drugs significantly increased the risk of recurrence in patients with cSDH (odds ratio (OR) of 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11-1.52, P = .001). Further analysis demonstrated that both anticoagulation (OR of 1.41, 95% CI, 1.10-1.81, P = .006) and antiplatelet (OR of 1.23, 95% CI, 1.01-1.49, P = .03) had higher risk of recurrence, but no difference was found between them (OR of 0.80, 95% CI, 0.58-1.09, P = .16). However AT drugs did not increase the risk of mortality for patients with cSDH (OR of 1.08, 95% CI, 0.61-1.92, P = .78).

CONCLUSION

AT treatment is an important risk factor of recurrence in patients with cSDH in spite of similar mortality rate. When and how to resume AT drugs is still unclear, more well-designed prospective researches are needed on this issue.

CORE TIP

High recurrence is an important factor against the long-term outcome of surgery in patients with cSDH, the use of AT drugs is a potential risk factor. In this study we found that the use of AT drugs increased the risk of recurrence rather than mortality. Anticoagulation and antiplatelet showed no difference in causing cSDH recurrence.

Outcomes of chronic subdural hematoma in patients with liver cirrhosis

OBJECTIVE: Burr hole craniostomy is an effective and simple procedure for treating chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, the surgical outcomes and recurrence of CSDH in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) remain unknown. METHODS: A nationwide population-based cohort study was retrospectively conducted using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. The study included 29,163 patients who underwent first-time craniostomy for CSDH removal between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2013. In total, 1223 patients with LC and 2446 matched non-LC control patients were eligible for analysis. All-cause mortality, surgical complications, repeat craniostomy, extended craniotomy, and long-term medical costs were analyzed. RESULTS: The in-hospital mortality rate (8.7% vs 3.1% for patients with LC and non-LC patients, respectively), frequency of hospital admission, length of ICU stay, number of blood transfusions, and medical expenditures of patients with LC who underwent craniostomy for CSDH were considerably higher than those of non-LC control patients. Patients with LC tended to require an extended craniotomy to remove subdural hematomas in the hospital or during long-term follow-up. The surgical outcome worsened with an increase in the severity of LC. CONCLUSIONS: Even for simple procedures following minor head trauma, LC remains a serious comorbidity with a poor prognosis.

Effects of Pre-Existing Comorbidities on Outcomes in Patients with Chronic Subdural Hematoma

OBJECTIVE

The number of patients with chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) showing comorbidities and/or impaired activities of daily living (ADL) before the onset of CSDH has increased with the recent aging of society. The purposes of this study were to evaluate ADL worsening by comparing premorbid ADL and ADL at discharge and to investigate the effects of pre-existing comorbidity-related clinical factors on the outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 570 patients with CSDH admitted from 2006 to 2016 were studied retrospectively. Clinical factors, including pre-existing comorbidities, related to outcomes were identified by multivariate analysis. A variation of the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) using 5 united categories of mRS scores 0/1, 2, 3/4, 5, and dead was used for evaluation of ADL.

RESULTS

Of 570 patients, 390 (68.4%) had pre-existing comorbidities and 120 (21.1%) showed premorbid impaired ADL (mRS scores 2 and worse). Considering pre-existing impaired ADL, ADL deteriorated after CSDH in 92 patients (16.1%), whereas ADL impairment at discharge was found in 173 patients (30.4%). Comorbidities related to ADL deterioration on multivariate analysis were hemodialysis and chronic heart failure. Antithrombotic use for cardiovascular diseases was a predictor of acute-on-chronic subdural hematoma, which was the sole common predictor for ADL deterioration and the occurrence of surgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with CSDH, pre-existing comorbidity-linked factors related to outcomes were hemodialysis, chronic heart failure, and antithrombotic use. Patients with acute-on-chronic subdural hematoma with these factors should be regarded as a high-risk group.

Risk Factors Contributing to Higher Mortality Rates in Elderly Patients with Acute Traumatic Subdural Hematoma Sustained in a Fall: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using Registered Trauma Data

Background: We aimed to explore the risk factors that contribute to the mortality of elderly trauma patients with acute subdural hematoma (SDH) resulting from a fall. Mortality rates of the elderly were compared to those of young adults. Methods: A total of 444 patients with acute traumatic subdural hematoma resulting from a fall, admitted to a level I trauma center from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2016 were enrolled in this study. Patients were categorized into two groups: elderly patients (n = 279) and young adults (n = 165). The primary outcome of this study was patient mortality in hospital. The adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for mortality was calculated according to gender and pre-existing comorbidities. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors related to mortality in the elderly. Results: The odds ratio for mortality caused by falls in the elderly patients was four-fold higher than in the young adults, after adjusting for gender and pre-existing comorbidities. In addition, the presence of pre-existing coronary artery disease (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.09–9.69, p = 0.035), end-stage renal disease (OR 4.6, 95% CI 1.48–14.13, p = 0.008), hematoma volume (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.11–1.36, p < 0.001), injury severity score (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.23–1.46, p < 0.001), and coagulopathy (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.47–11.05, p = 0.007) were significant independent risk factors for mortality in patients with acute traumatic SDH resulting from a fall. Conclusions: In this study, we identified that pre-existing CAD, ESRD, hematoma volume, ISS, and coagulopathy were significant independent risk factors for mortality in patients with acute traumatic SDH. These results suggest that death following acute SDH is influenced both by the extent of neurological damage and the overall health of the patient at the time of injury.

Causes and Trauma Apportionment Score of Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Objective

The pathophysiology of chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) is not yet clear. Trauma alone is not sufficient to result in CSH in young individuals, while a trivial injury can result in CSH in older adults. Although the causality and apportionment of trauma are important issues in CSH, especially in terms of insurance, it is too obscure to solve all struggles.

Methods

There are three key factors for producing CSH. First, CSH necessitates a potential subdural reservoir. Other important precipitating factors are trauma and coagulopathy. However, these factors are not sufficient to cause CSH development. The trauma apportionment score (TAS) can be used to compare the relative importance of these three factors. Here, we applied the TAS to 239 consecutive cases of CSH. We retrospectively obtained the patients' history and laboratory results from their medical records.

Results

The TAS ranged from −5 to 5. The most common score was 0. If we defined the cause of CSH as being combined when the TAS was 0, then the cause was combined in 30 cases (12.6%). If we extended the criteria for a combined cause from 0 to −1 to 1, the cause was combined in 107 cases (44.8%). Regardless of the criteria used, traumatic CSHs were more common than were spontaneous CSHs. Spontaneous CSHs were more common in older than in younger patients (p<0.01, Fisher's exact test).

Conclusion

The TAS is a useful tool for differentiating the causality of CSH.

Do antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs modify outcome of patients treated for chronic subdural hematoma? Still a controversial issue

BACKGROUND

Anticoagulants(ACs) and antiplatelet aggregation agents(AAAs) seem to be correlated to a higher incidence of chronic subdural hematoma(CSDH) but whether or not they contribute to its recurrence is debated. Few data are available on clinical outcomes and indications for the management of this therapy are not so well defined. We investigated the role of ACs and AAAs in modifying patients clinical outcomes treated for CSDH, especially for re-bleedings.

METHODS

This retrospective study, enrolled patients treated for CSDH. Patients characteristics were recorded including drugs used (antiplatelet/anticoagulant) and clinical conditions (Modified Rankin Scale-mRS) upon admission. Patients underwent surgery(burrhole vs minicraniectomy) with subdural drainage positioning. Clinical/radiological follow-ups were performed at one and six months. Chi square/Fisher exact test were used to compare variables and stepwise backward logistic regression analysis was used for defining their impact on complications, risk of re-bleeding and reoperation.

RESULTS

230 patients (45 on ACs, 76 on AAAs and 9 on both)were enrolled. Higher mRS scores were significantly associated with a higher risk of general complications (OR = 3.78, CI 95% 1.66- 8.62, p=0.002), higher risk of rebleeding (OR =15.82, CI 95% 4.33-57.90, p <0.001) and re- operation (OR=11.39, CI 95% 3.35-37.56, p<0.0001). No statistically significant association was found between AAAs or ACs and complications or re- bleedings or risk of reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

AAAs and ACs alone do not seem to worsen the clinical outcome or increase re- bleedings. mRS may be a predicting factor, since patients with higher scores showed a worse outcome and an increased risk of re-bleeding, general complications and reoperation.

The Potential of Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Predicting the Outcomes of Chronic Subdural Hematomas

Objective

Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) has proven useful in the study of the natural history of ischemic stroke. However, the potential of DW-MRI for the evaluation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) has not been established. In this study, we investigated DW-MRI findings of CSDH and evaluated the impact of the image findings on postoperative outcomes of CSDH.

Methods

We studied 131 CSDH patients who had undergone single burr hole drainage surgery. The images of the subdural hematomas on preoperative DW-MRI and computed tomography (CT) were divided into three groups based on their signal intensity and density: 1) homogeneous (iso or low) density on CT and homogeneous low signal intensity on DW-MRI; 2) homogeneous (iso or low) density on CT and mixed signal intensity on DW-MRI; and 3) heterogeneous density on CT and mixed signal intensity on DW-MRI. On the basis of postoperative CT, we also divided the patients into 3 groups of surgical outcomes according to residual hematoma and mass effect.

Results

Analysis showed statistically significant differences in surgical (A to B: p<0.001, A to C: p<0.001, B to C: p=0.129) and functional (A to B: p=0.039, A to C: p<0.001, B to C: p=0.108) outcomes and treatment failure rates (A to B: p=0.037, A to C: p=0.03, B to C: p=1) between the study groups. In particular, group B and group C showed worse outcomes and higher treatment failure rates than group A.

Conclusion

CSDH with homogeneous density on CT was characterized by signal intensity on DW-MRI. In CSDH patients, performing DW-MRI as well as CT helps to predict postoperative treatment failure or complications.

Role of antithrombotic therapy in the risk of hematoma recurrence and thromboembolism after chronic subdural hematoma evacuation: a population-based consecutive cohort study

Objective

To establish the risk of recurrence in patients with chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) on antithrombotic treatment (AT, i.e., antiplatelets and anticoagulants). Secondary end points were perioperative morbidity and mortality between groups (AT vs. no-AT group) and exploration if timing of resumption of AT treatment (i.e., prophylactic early vs. late resumption) influenced the occurrence of thromboembolism and hematoma recurrence.

Materials

In a population-based consecutive cohort, we conducted a retrospective review of 763 patients undergoing primary burr hole procedures for cSDH between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2010, at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. Early AT resumption was ≤30 days and late >30 days after the procedure.

Results

A total of 308/763 (40.4%) cSDH patients were on AT treatment at the time of diagnosis. There was no difference in cSDH recurrence within 3 months (11.0% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.69) nor was there any difference in perioperative mortality (4.0% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.16) between those using AT compared to those who were not. However, perioperative morbidity was more common in the AT group compared to no-AT group (10.7% vs. 5.1%, p = 0.003). Comparing early vs. late AT resumption, there was no difference with respect to recurrence (7.0% vs. 13.9%, p = 0.08), but more thromboembolism in the late AT resumption group (2.0% vs. 7.0%, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In clinical practice, cSDH patients on AT therapy at the time of diagnosis have similar recurrence rates and mortality compared to those without AT therapy, but with higher morbidity. Early resumption was not associated with more recurrence, but with lower thromboembolic frequency. Early AT resumption seems favorable, and a prospective RCT is needed.

Headache in patients with chronic subdural hematoma: analysis in 1080 patients

Headache is a major symptom in chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) patients. However, some CSDH patients do not complain headache although the hematoma is thick with definite midline shift. This clinical study was performed to identify the mechanism of headache in CSDH patients. We compiled clinical data of 1080 surgically treated CSDH patients (711 males and 369 females), and in 54 cases, the pressure of hematoma was measured during burr hole surgery using a glass-stick manometer. Headache was recognized in 22.6% of patients, while nausea or vomit suggesting increased intracranial pressure was detected in only 3.0%. Ophthalmological examination was performed in 238 patients, and papilledema was identified in only one patient (0.4%). The mean age of patients with headache (59.8 ± 16.9 years) was significantly younger than that of those without (75.7 ± 11.2 years) (P < 0.01). In 54 cases, the mean hematoma pressure was not significantly different between patients with (17.1 ± 6.2 mmH₂O) and without (18.4 ± 7.2 mmH₂O) headache (P > 0.10). Hematoma thickness was significantly greater in patients without headache (P < 0.01), but the ratio of midline shift to hematoma thickness was significantly greater in patients with headache (P < 0.01). In our results, the status of increased intracranial pressure was rare in CSDH patients, and high hematoma pressure was not a cause of headache. Midline shift was the most influenced factor for headache in our study, and based on the results, the authors consider that the potential cause of headache in CSDH might be stretching or twisting of the pain-sensitive meninges and meningeal arteries or veins.

Association between antithrombotic drug use before chronic subdural haematoma and outcome after drainage: a systematic review and meta-analysis

In view of their age and vascular co-morbidities, people are often taking an antithrombotic drug when diagnosed with chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH). It is unclear whether antithrombotic use at CSDH diagnosis, or resumption afterwards, is associated with recurrent CSDH or vaso-occlusive events. We systematically reviewed the literature for studies reporting CSDH recurrence or vaso-occlusive events after drainage of CSDH associated with antithrombotic drug use. We searched Medline 1946-2016 and Embase 1974-2016 inclusive for cohort studies reporting the risk of CSDH recurrence or vaso-occlusive events after CSDH associated with antithrombotic (anticoagulant or antiplatelet) drug use. We meta-analysed outcome data using a random effect model and assessed inconsistency between studies using the I-squared (I ²) statistic. We found 20 studies reporting outcome after drainage of CSDH associated with antithrombotic drug use. Before CSDH drainage, 337 (11.5%) of 2941 patients in 12 studies used an anticoagulant drug and 600 (19%) of 3150 patients in 11 studies used an antiplatelet drug. The association between antithrombotic drug use and CSDH recurrence was significant for antiplatelet drug use (relative risk [RR] 1.36, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.75; I ² = 36.3%), but marginally significant for anticoagulant drug use (RR 1.38 95% CI 1.00-1.91; I ² = 37.5%). Two studies including 30 patients reported one vaso-occlusive outcome event after CSDH. Antithrombotic drug use at CSDH diagnosis may be associated with post-operative CSDH recurrence. It is unclear whether this is attributable to confounding factors, antithrombotic reversal strategies or antithrombotic drug resumption. Further observational studies and randomised controlled trials of antithrombotic drug resumption are needed.