Lower Ionized Calcium Predicts Hematoma Expansion and Poor Outcome in Patients with Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Serum Ionized Calcium as a Prognostic Biomarker in Type B Aortic Dissection After Endovascular Treatment

OBJECTIVE

Lower serum ionized calcium (iCa2+) was reported to be associated with a higher risk of adverse events in patients with cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the associations between preoperative serum iCa2+ and outcomes of type B aortic dissection (TBAD) patients receiving thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR).

METHODS

Between January 2016 and December 2019, 491 TBAD patients received TEVAR in a single center. Patients with acute or subacute TBAD were included. Serum iCa2+ (pH 7.4) was obtained from the arterial blood gas analysis before TEVAR. The study population was grouped into the hi-Ca group (1.11 mmol/L ≤ iCa2+ < 1.35 mmol/L) and lo-Ca group (iCa2+ < 1.11 mmol/L). The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were any major adverse clinical events (MACEs), which included all-cause mortality and aortic-related severe complications. To eliminate bias, 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted.

RESULTS

Overall, 396 TBAD patients were included in this study. In the total population, there were 119 (30.1%) patients in the lo-Ca group. After PSM, 77 matched pairs were obtained for further analysis. In the matched population, the 30-day mortality and 30-day MACEs between the two groups presented significant differences (p=0.023 and 0.029, respectively). At 5 years, cumulative incidences of mortality (log-rank p<0.001) and MACEs (log-rank p=0.016) were significantly higher in the lo-Ca group than that of the hi-Ca group. Multivariate cox regression analysis indicated that lower preoperative iCa2+ (hazard ratio for per 0.1 mmol/L decrease, 2.191; 95% confidence interval, 1.487-3.228, p<0.001) was an independent risk factor for 5-year mortality after PSM.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower preoperative serum iCa2+ might have an association with 5-year mortality in TBAD patients after TEVAR. Serum iCa2+ monitoring in this population may facilitate the identification of critical conditions.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Our present study found that the cutoff value of preoperative serum iCa2+ 1.11 mmol/L, which is slightly lower than the lower limit of the normal range of 1.15-1.35 mmol/L, worked relatively well for discerning the high-risk and low-risk TBAD patients at 5 years. Serum iCa2+ monitoring in TBAD patients receiving TEVAR may facilitate the identification of critical conditions.

Retrospective analysis of prognostic factors in HICH patients after neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation

The objective of this study is to investigate key prognostic factors of clinical data and prognostic factors in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH) who have undergone neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation, specifically focusing on those with a hemorrhage volume of 20-40 mL, to identify the determinants influencing their prognosis. In this study, a total of 113 patients were ultimately included in the analysis. Variables such as age, preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, and hemorrhage locations were assessed. LASSO logistic regression was employed to select pertinent variables, which were then incorporated into a multivariate logistic regression model. The model's performance was evaluated using ROC and calibration curves, along with clinical utility curves, and the recovery times of patients were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves, complemented by COX regression analysis. These three variables-Age (OR: 0.811; 95% CI 0.711-0.925), GCS score (OR: 25.923; 95% CI 4.108-163.598), and ICH location (OR: 7.345; 95% CI 1.811-29.783)-are strong predictors of intracerebral hemorrhage prognosis. Among the patients analyzed, 85.84% experienced a favorable prognosis. Younger age, higher preoperative GCS scores, and hemorrhages located in the basal ganglia and cerebral lobes were associated with better outcomes (mRS score of 0-3) . The nomogram, validated by an ROC curve analysis yielding an AUC of 0.9417 and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, demonstrated accurate predictive and calibration capabilities for postoperative prognosis in patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage. Kaplan-Meier intervals and COX regression analysis indicated that age is a significant factor affecting the recovery time of these patients. Age, GCS score, and ICH location are significant prognostic factors for patients undergoing neuroendoscopic hematoma evacuation following hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage, with age being a particularly important determinant of recovery time. Younger age, higher GCS scores, and lobar hemorrhage are associated with better prognosis.

Can baseline serum calcium levels predict outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The prognostic role of baseline calcium levels in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is conflicting. We aimed to conduct the first meta-analysis in the literature to examine if baseline calcium levels can predict outcomes after ICH.

METHODS

English-language studies listed on the databases of Embase, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were searched up to 20th November 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted for baseline hematoma volume, hematoma expansion, unfavorable functional outcome, and mortality.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that patients with hypocalcemia have significantly higher baseline hematoma volume (MD: 8.6 95 % CI: 3.30, 13.90 I2 = 88 %) but did not have a higher risk of hematoma expansion (OR: 1.82 95 % CI: 0.89, 3.73 I2 = 82 %). Meta-analysis of crude (OR: 1.86 95 % CI: 1.25, 2.78 I2 = 63 %) and adjusted data (OR: 2.05 95 % CI: 1.27, 3.28 I2 = 64 %) showed those with hypocalcemia had a significantly higher risk of unfavorable functional outcomes. Meta-analysis of both crude (OR: 2.09 95 % CI: 1.51, 2.88 I2 = 80 %) and adjusted data (OR: 1.38 95 % CI: 1.14, 1.69 I2 = 70 %) also demonstrated a significantly higher risk of mortality in patients with hypocalcemia.

CONCLUSION

Baseline serum calcium may have a prognostic role in ICH. Hypocalcemia at baseline may lead to large hematoma volume and poor functional and survival outcomes. However, there seems to be no relation between hypocalcemia and the risk of hematoma expansion. Further studies examining the role of calcium on ICH prognosis are needed.

Association of pulse pressure with hematoma expansion in patients with spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage

Objective

Recent reports have demonstrated that a wider pulse pressure upon admission is correlated with heightened in-hospital mortality following spontaneous supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhage (ssICH). However, the underlying mechanism remains ambiguous. We investigated whether a wider pulse pressure was associated with hematoma expansion (HE).

Methods

Demographic information, clinical features, and functional outcomes of patients diagnosed with ssICH were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify independent predictors of HE. Weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic spline models, and propensity score matching (PSM) were employed to estimate the association between pulse pressure and HE.

Results

We included 234 eligible adult ssICH patients aged 60 (51-71) years, and 55.56% were male. The mean pulse pressure was 80.94 ± 23.32 mmHg. Twenty-seven patients (11.54%) developed early HE events, and 116 (49.57%) experienced a poor outcome (modified Rankin scale 3-6). A wider mean pulse pressure as a continuous variable was a predictor of HE [odds ratios (OR) 1.026, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007-1.046, p = 0.008] in multivariate analysis. We transformed pulse pressure into a dichotomous variable based on its cutoff value. After adjusting for confounding of HE variables, the occurrence of HE in patients with ssICH with wider pulse pressure levels (≥98 mmHg) had 3.78 times (OR 95% CI 1.47-9.68, p = 0.006) compared to those with narrower pulse pressure levels (<98 mmHg). A linear association was observed between pulse pressure and increased HE risk (P for overall = 0.036, P for nonlinear = 0.759). After 1:1 PSM (pulse pressure ≥98 mmHg vs. pulse pressure <98 mmHg), the rates of HE events and poor outcome still had statistically significant in wider-pulse pressure group [HE, 12/51 (23.53%) vs. 4/51 [7.84%], p = 0.029; poor outcome, 34/51 (66.67%) vs. 19/51 (37.25%), p = 0.003].

Conclusion

Widened acute pulse pressure (≥98 mmHg) levels at admission are associated with increased risks of early HE and unfavorable outcomes in patients with ssICH.

Predicting the 90-day prognosis of stereotactic brain hemorrhage patients by multiple machine learning using radiomic features combined with clinical features

Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage (HICH) is one of the most common types of cerebral hemorrhage with a high mortality and disability rate. Currently, preoperative non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) scanning-guided stereotactic hematoma removal has achieved good results in treating HICH, but some patients still have poor prognoses. This study collected relevant clinical and radiomic data by retrospectively collecting and analyzing 432 patients who underwent stereotactic hematoma removal for HICH from January 2017 to December 2020 at the Liuzhou Workers Hospital. The prognosis of patients after 90 days was judged by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scale and divided into the good prognosis group (mRS ≤ 3) and the poor prognosis group (mRS > 3). The 268 patients were randomly divided into training and test sets in the ratio of 8:2, with 214 patients in the training set and 54 patients in the test set. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) was used to screen radiomics features. They were combining clinical features and radiomic features to build a joint prediction model of the nomogram. The AUCs of the clinical model for predicting different prognoses of patients undergoing stereotactic HICH were 0.957 and 0.922 in the training and test sets, respectively, while the AUCs of the radiomics model were 0.932 and 0.770, respectively, and the AUCs of the combined prediction model for building a nomogram were 0.987 and 0.932, respectively. Compared with a single clinical or radiological model, the nomogram constructed by fusing clinical variables and radiomic features could better identify the prognosis of HICH patients undergoing stereotactic hematoma removal after 90 days.

Blood-Based Biomarkers in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the most lethal subtypes of stroke, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Prevention of hematoma growth and perihematomal edema expansion are promising therapeutic targets currently under investigation. Despite recent improvements in the management of ICH, the ideal treatments are still to be determined. Early stratification and triage of ICH patients enable the adjustment of the standard of care in keeping with the personalized medicine principles. In recent years, research efforts have been concentrated on the development and validation of blood-based biomarkers. The benefit of looking for blood candidate markers is obvious because of their acceptance in terms of sample collection by the general population compared to any other body fluid. Given their ease of accessibility in clinical practice, blood-based biomarkers have been widely used as potential diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic markers. This review identifies some relevant and potentially promising blood biomarkers for ICH. These blood-based markers are summarized by their roles in clinical practice. Well-designed and large-scale studies are required to validate the use of all these biomarkers in the future.

Association Between Admission Ionized Calcium Level and Neurological Outcome of Patients with Isolated Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Pathophysiological processes following initial insult are complex and not fully understood. Ionized calcium (Ca++) is an essential cofactor in the coagulation cascade and platelet aggregation, and hypocalcemia may contribute to the progression of intracranial bleeding. On the other hand, Ca++ is an important mediator of cell damage after TBI and cellular hypocalcemia may have a neuroprotective effect after brain injury. We hypothesized that early hypocalcemia might have an adverse effect on the neurological outcome of patients suffering from isolated severe TBI. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between admission Ca++ level and the neurological outcome of these patients.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, single-center, cohort study of all patients admitted between January 2014 and December 2020 due to isolated severe TBI, which was defined as head abbreviated injury score ≥ 4 and an absence of severe (abbreviated injury score > 2) extracranial injuries. The primary outcome was a favorable neurological status at discharge, defined by a modified Rankin Scale of 0-2. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine whether admission hypocalcemia (Ca++  < 1.16 mmol L-1) is an independent predictor of neurological status at discharge.

RESULTS

The final analysis included 201 patients. Hypocalcemia was common among patients with isolated severe TBI (73.1%). Most of the patients had mild hypocalcemia (1 < Ca++  < 1.16 mmol L-1), and only 13 (6.5%) patients had Ca++  ≤ 1.00 mmol L-1. In the entire cohort, hypocalcemia was independently associated with higher rates of good neurological status at discharge (adjusted odds ratio of 3.03, 95% confidence interval 1.11-8.33, p = 0.03). In the subgroup of 81 patients with an admission Glasgow Coma Scale > 8, 52 (64.2%) had hypocalcemia. Good neurological status at discharge was recorded in 28 (53.8%) of hypocalcemic patients compared with 14 (17.2%) of those with normal Ca++ (p = 0.002). In multivariate analyses, hypocalcemia was independently associated with good neurological status at discharge (adjusted odds ratio of 6.67, 95% confidence interval 1.39-33.33, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that among patients with isolated severe TBI, mild admission hypocalcemia is associated with better neurological status at hospital discharge. The prognostic value of Ca++ may be greater among patients with admission Glasgow Coma Scale > 8. Trials are needed to investigate the role of hypocalcemia in brain injury.

Association of hypocalcemia with in-hospital mortality in critically ill patients with intracerebral hemorrhage: A retrospective cohort study

Background and purpose

There was little evidence to study the relationship between hypocalcemia and mortality among critically ill patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) aged ≥16 years. This study aimed to determine the potential association between hypocalcemia and in-hospital and ICU mortality in patients with ICH in the United States.

Methods

We analyzed 1,954 patients with ICH from the e-Intensive Care Unit Collaborative Research Database and divided them into hypocalcemia and non-hypocalcemia groups. Hypocalcemia was defined as albumin-adjusted total calcium below 8.4 mg/dl. The primary and secondary outcomes were hospital and ICU mortality, respectively. We performed multivariable regression and subgroup analyses to evaluate the association of hypocalcemia with hospital and ICU mortality. Cumulative survival rate analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank statistics.

Results

We enrolled 1,954 patients with ICH who had been hospitalized in ICU for >24 h and were older than 16 years (average age, 61.8 years; men, 56.7%). We noted that 373 (19%) hospital mortality occurred, including 235 (12%) ICU mortality. In this sample, 195 patients had hypocalcemia. Multivariable logistic regression analyses showed that hypocalcemia was associated with a 67% increased risk of in-hospital and a 72% increased risk of ICU mortality. This association was consistent across subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

Hypocalcemia was associated with a high risk of hospital and ICU mortality among critically ill patients with ICH. Future prospective, randomized, controlled studies are needed to confirm our results.

Association between serum calcium and hemorrhagic transformation in ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is a common complication of ischemic stroke. A growing number of studies have found that serum calcium levels are lower in HT groups than in control groups. However, the relationship between serum calcium and HT remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between serum calcium levels and HT.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Electronic databases were searched for studies on serum calcium and HT from inception to November 6, 2021. Ten studies included in present meta-analysis with a total of 3212 participants. Due to the high heterogeneity (I² = 81%), we chose the random effects model. The results showed that the serum calcium level in the HT group was significantly lower than that in the control group (pooled mean difference, -0.05; 95% confidence interval (CI), (-0.09, -0.02); P = 0.001). Whether thrombolytic or not the results were applied (pooled mean difference, -0.07; 95% CI, (-0.13, -0.01); P = 0.02 and pooled mean difference, -0.03; 95% CI, (-0.06, -0.01); P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum calcium was related to HT and may be one of the risk factors for HT.

Association Between Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide and Immediate Seizures in Patients With Primary Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Purpose

To explore the value of partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) levels in arterial blood for predicting immediate seizures (ISs) in patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

Demographic information and clinical data from patients with primary ICH were prospectively collected, including arterial blood gas analysis. Immediate seizures (ISs) were determined as seizures in the first 24 h after admission. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the association of PaCO₂ levels with ISs. Propensity-score matching (PSM) analyses were adopted to reduce the baseline difference between ISs and non-ISs groups.

Results

A total of 596 patients with primary ICH were initially screened in this clinical study, 368 of whom fulfilled all the inclusion criteria [mean age, (60.46 ±12.78) years; 57.9% female patients]. ISs occurred in 30 of the 368 (8.15%) patients with primary ICH of this cohort. Patients with ISs had significantly lower PaCO₂ levels [34.35(32.38–37.53) vs. 39.45(35.90–43.43), mmHg, p < 0.001] and were younger than those without ISs [(54.57±12.15 vs. 60.99 ±12.72) years, p = 0.008]. Multivariate analysis showed that lower initial PaCO₂ (≤37.2 mmHg) level was a significant independent predictor of ISs [odds ratios (OR) 0.141, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.057–0.351, p < 0.001], as well as younger age (OR 0.961, 95% CI 0.928–0.995, p = 0.023) and hematoma expansion (OR 0.340, 95% CI 0.134–0.863, p = 0.023). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis demonstrated that the optimal cutoff value of PaCO₂ level for predicting ISs was 37.20 mmHg in patients with primary ICH (the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.760 with a corresponding sensitivity of 76.67% and specificity of 67.46%, 95%CI = 0.713–0.802, p < 0.001). After PSM, the matched ISs group had significantly lower PaCO₂ levels compared with the matched non-ISs group [34.45(32.43–38.18) vs. 41.75(35.85–43.98) mmHg, p < 0.05] in the univariate analysis. The lower initial PaCO₂ level was still independent of ISs following primary ICH.

Conclusions

The lower initial PaCO₂ level was associated with an increased risk of ISs in patients with primary ICH.

Association between serum calcium level and hemorrhagic progression in patients with traumatic intraparenchymal hemorrhage: Investigating the mediation and interaction effects of coagulopathy

In this study, we investigate the association of serum calcium with coagulopathy and hemorrhagic progression contusion (HPC) in patients with traumatic intraparenchymal hemorrhage (tIPH), and further explored the interaction and mediation effect between serum calcium as well as coagulopathy on HPC. Retrospective analyses of patients with tIPH admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2016 to December 2019. The clinical data, coagulation parameters, and serum calcium levels were collected for further analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify the association of serum calcium level with coagulopathy and HPC. Causal mediation analysis (CMA) and additive interaction model were used to estimate the interaction and mediation effect between serum calcium as well as coagulopathy on HPC. Additionally, we repeated the analysis using corrected calcium. A total of 473 patients were included in this study. Of these, 54 (11.4%) patients had hypocalcemia at admission, 105 (22.2%) presented with coagulopathy, and 187 (39.5%) experienced HPC. Admission serum calcium level in patients presented with coagulopathy and HPC were 8.84 [IQR: 8.44-9.40] and 8.92 [IQR: 8.48-9.40] mg/dL respectively, which were significantly lower than that of patients without (9.10 [IQR: 8.68-9.88] and 9.12 [IQR: 8.72-9.89] mg/dL; all p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that hypocalcemia emerged as an independent risk factor for coagulopathy and HPC. However, no significant interaction was detected between hypocalcemia and coagulopathy. CMA showed that the mediator coagulopathy explained 24.4% (95% CI: 4.7-65.0%; p = 0.006) of the association between hypocalcemia and HPC. Moreover, comparable results were held using corrected calcium as well. Admission serum calcium level is associated with the HPC for patients with tIPH and this relationship is partially mediated by coagulopathy, but no significant interaction is detected. Further studies are needed to validate the findings and explore its mechanisms.

Secondary mechanisms of injury and viable pathophysiological targets in intracerebral hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can be divided into a primary and secondary phase. In the primary phase, hematoma volume is evaluated and therapies are focused on reducing hematoma expansion. In the secondary, neuroprotective phase, complex systemic inflammatory cascades, direct cellular toxicity, and blood-brain barrier disruption can result in worsening perihematomal edema that can adversely affect functional outcome. To date, all major randomized phase 3 trials for ICH have targeted primary phase hematoma volume and incorporated clot evacuation, intensive blood pressure control, and hemostasis. Reasons for this lack of clinical efficacy in the major ICH trials may be due to the lack of therapeutics involving mitigation of secondary injury and inflexible trial design that favors unilateral mechanisms in a complex pathophysiology. Potential pathophysiological targets for attenuating secondary injury are highlighted in this review and include therapies increasing calcium, antagonizing microglial activation, maintaining macrophage M1 versus M2 balance by decreasing M1 signaling, aquaporin inhibition, NKCCl inhibition, endothelin receptor inhibition, Sur1-TRPM4 inhibition, matrix metalloproteinase inhibition, and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor modulation. Future clinical trials in ICH focusing on secondary phase injury and, potentially implementing adaptive trial design approaches with multifocal targets, may improve insight into these mechanisms and provide potential therapies that may improve survival and functional outcome.

Prognostic molecular markers for motor recovery in acute hemorrhagic stroke: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Molecular biomarkers are associated with poor prognosis in ischemic stroke individuals. However, it might not be generalizable to post-acute hemorrhagic stroke since the underlying mechanisms of this brain damage differ from those found in ischemic stroke. The main purpose of this review was to synthesize the potential predictive molecular biomarkers for motor recovery following acute hemorrhagic stroke.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An electronic search was conducted by 2 independent reviewers in the following databases: PubMed (Medline), EMBASE, Web of Science, and CINAHL. We included studies that addressed the following: collected blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid samples within 72 h after hemorrhagic stroke and that reported the prognostic association with functional motor recovery for each molecular biomarker. Screening of titles, abstracts, and full texts and data extraction were undertaken independently by pairs of reviewers.

RESULTS

Twelve thousand, five hundred and sixty-four studies were identified and 218 were considered eligible. Finally, we included 70 studies, with 96 biomarkers analyzed, of which 61 were considered as independent prognostic biomarkers, and 10 presented controversial results.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review shows that motor functional recovery can be predicted by 61 independent prognostic molecular biomarkers assessed in the acute phase after a hemorrhagic stroke.

A nomogram to predict early hematoma expansion of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage

Early hematoma expansion of hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage is affected by various factors. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors and develop a nomogram to predict early hematoma expansion.A retrospective analysis was carried out in patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage admitted to our institution between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018; the patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence of early hematoma expansion. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the risk factors of hematoma expansion. The nomogram was developed based on a multivariate logistic regression model, and the discriminative ability of the model was analyzed.A total of 477 patients with hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage and with a baseline hematoma volume <30 ml were included in our retrospective analysis. The hematoma expansion rate was 34.2% (163/477). After multivariate logistic regression, 9 variables (alcohol history, Glasgow coma scale score, total serum calcium, blood glucose, international normalized ratio, hematoma shape, hematoma density, volume of hematoma on initial computed tomography scan, and presence of intraventricular hemorrhage) identified as independent predictors of hematoma expansion were used to generate the nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the nomogram was 0.883 (95% confidence interval 0.851-0.914), and the cutoff score was -0.19 with sensitivity of 75.5% and specificity of 87.3%.The nomogram can accurately predict the risk of early hematoma expansion.

Association between electrolyte levels at presentation and hematoma expansion and outcome in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: A systematic review

PURPOSE

To assess the association between specific electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus) on presentation and hematoma expansion (HE) and outcome in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

METHODS

This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement recommendations. Three databases were searched (Pubmed, Scopus, and Cochrane). Risk of bias was computed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale tool.

RESULTS

18 full-text articles were included in this systematic review including 10,385 ICH patients. Hypocalcemia was associated with worse short-term outcome in four studies, and two other studies were neutral. All studies investigating HE in hypocalcemia (n = 5) reported an association between low calcium level and HE. Hyponatremia (Na < 135 mEq/L) was shown to correlate with worse short-term outcome in two studies, and worse long-term outcome in one. There was one report showing no association between sodium level and HE. Hypomagnesemia was shown to be associated with worse short-term outcome in one study, while other reports were neutral. Studies evaluating hypophosphatemia or hypokalemia in ICH were limited, with no demonstrable significant effect on outcome.

CONCLUSION

This review suggests a significant association between hypocalcemia, hyponatremia and, of lesser degree, hypomagnesemia on admission and HE or worse outcome in ICH.

Predictive Validity of Hypodensities on Noncontrast Computed Tomography for Hematoma Growth in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: a Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a type of stroke that leads to high mortality. Hematoma growth (HG) happens in about one third of all patients with ICH and is independently related to poor outcome. Previous studies have shown that an indicator on noncontrast computed tomography, called hypodensities, can predict HG in patients with ICH. Thus, this study was done to assess the predictive validity of this marker.

METHODS

Bibliographic databases were searched, without language restriction, for original investigation on hypodensities and HG in ICH. Data were extracted, and study quality was assessed by 2 reviewers independently. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR), negative LR, diagnostic odds ratio, and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained. A summary receiver operating characteristic curve was depicted.

RESULTS

Five cohorts with 2157 patients in 4 studies were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity was 0.58 (95% CI 0.46-0.68) and the pooled specificity was 0.71 (95% CI 0.62-0.79). In addition, the pooled positive LR was 2.0 (95% CI 1.6-2.5) and the pooled negative LR was 0.60 (95% CI 0.49-0.73). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 3 (95% CI 2-5) and the area under summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.69 (95% CI 0.65-0.73).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that hypodensities on noncontrast computed tomography can be helpful in HG prediction, although its pooled predictive values are not very satisfying in the current study. The role of hypodensities in predicting HG should be confirmed by further studies.