Intracerebral hemorrhage associated with oral anticoagulant therapy: current practices and unresolved questions

Epidemiology and outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage associated with oral anticoagulation over 10 years in a population-based stroke registry

BACKGROUND

Recent years have seen a change in the use of anticoagulants in the general population due to the availability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as an alternative to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and increased detection of atrial fibrillation. It is important to have updated epidemiological data to understand how this change is impacting on the occurrence and outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our prospective population-based registry included patients with first-ever ICH occurring from January 2011 to December 2020. Oral anticoagulants (OAC)-related ICH was defined as an ICH occurring within 48 h from the intake of DOAC or VKAs, regardless of the measured international normalized ratio on hospital admission.

RESULTS

We included 748 first-ever ICH, of whom 108 (14.4%) were OAC-related. Specifically, 75 (69.4%) ICHs occurred on VKA and 33 (30.6%) on DOAC. The incidence of oral anticoagulation-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (OAC-ICH) was stable over time (p = 0.226). Among OAC-ICHs, we observed an increase in the overall incidence of DOAC-ICH (p for trend < 0.001) which overcome that of VKA-ICH in 2020 (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 4.71, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22-33.54; p = 0.022). Patients with OAC-ICH showed higher 30-day case fatality rates than those with non-OAC-ICH (48.1% vs 34.1%; p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

No changes over time were detected in the incidence of OAC-ICH, but throughout the study period, there was a change in OAC-ICH from mostly VKA-related to mostly DOAC-related. Mortality in patients with OAC-ICH was higher than in patients with non-OAC-ICH.

A comprehensive stroke risk assessment by combining atrial computational fluid dynamics simulations and functional patient data

Stroke, a major global health concern often rooted in cardiac dynamics, demands precise risk evaluation for targeted intervention. Current risk models, like theCHA 2 DS 2 -VASc score, often lack the granularity required for personalized predictions. In this study, we present a nuanced and thorough stroke risk assessment by integrating functional insights from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Our cohort, evenly split between control and stroke groups, comprises eight patients. Utilizing CINE CMR, we compute kinematic features, revealing smaller left atrial volumes for stroke patients. The incorporation of patient-specific atrial displacement into our hemodynamic simulations unveils the influence of atrial compliance on the flow fields, emphasizing the importance of LA motion in CFD simulations and challenging the conventional rigid wall assumption in hemodynamics models. Standardizing hemodynamic features with functional metrics enhances the differentiation between stroke and control cases. While standalone assessments provide limited clarity, the synergistic fusion of CMR-derived functional data and patient-informed CFD simulations offers a personalized and mechanistic understanding, distinctly segregating stroke from control cases. Specifically, our investigation reveals a crucial clinical insight: normalizing hemodynamic features based on ejection fraction fails to differentiate between stroke and control patients. Differently, when normalized with stroke volume, a clear and clinically significant distinction emerges and this holds true for both the left atrium and its appendage, providing valuable implications for precise stroke risk assessment in clinical settings. This work introduces a novel framework for seamlessly integrating hemodynamic and functional metrics, laying the groundwork for improved predictive models, and highlighting the significance of motion-informed, personalized risk assessments.

Burden of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Stroke Across the US From 1990 to 2019

Importance

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in the US. Accurate and updated measures of stroke burden are needed to guide public health policies.

Objective

To present burden estimates of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke in the US in 2019 and describe trends from 1990 to 2019 by age, sex, and geographic location.

Design, Setting, and Participants

An in-depth cross-sectional analysis of the 2019 Global Burden of Disease study was conducted. The setting included the time period of 1990 to 2019 in the US. The study encompassed estimates for various types of strokes, including all strokes, ischemic strokes, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICHs), and subarachnoid hemorrhages (SAHs). The 2019 Global Burden of Disease results were released on October 20, 2020.

Exposures

In this study, no particular exposure was specifically targeted.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary focus of this analysis centered on both overall and age-standardized estimates, stroke incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs per 100 000 individuals.

Results

In 2019, the US recorded 7.09 million prevalent strokes (4.07 million women [57.4%]; 3.02 million men [42.6%]), with 5.87 million being ischemic strokes (82.7%). Prevalence also included 0.66 million ICHs and 0.85 million SAHs. Although the absolute numbers of stroke cases, mortality, and DALYs surged from 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized rates either declined or remained steady. Notably, hemorrhagic strokes manifested a substantial increase, especially in mortality, compared with ischemic strokes (incidence of ischemic stroke increased by 13% [95% uncertainty interval (UI), 14.2%-11.9%]; incidence of ICH increased by 39.8% [95% UI, 38.9%-39.7%]; incidence of SAH increased by 50.9% [95% UI, 49.2%-52.6%]). The downturn in stroke mortality plateaued in the recent decade. There was a discernible heterogeneity in stroke burden trends, with older adults (50-74 years) experiencing a decrease in incidence in coastal areas (decreases up to 3.9% in Vermont), in contrast to an uptick observed in younger demographics (15-49 years) in the South and Midwest US (with increases up to 8.4% in Minnesota).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study, the declining age-standardized stroke rates over the past 3 decades suggest progress in managing stroke-related outcomes. However, the increasing absolute burden of stroke, coupled with a notable rise in hemorrhagic stroke, suggests an evolving and substantial public health challenge in the US. Moreover, the significant disparities in stroke burden trends across different age groups and geographic locations underscore the necessity for region- and demography-specific interventions and policies to effectively mitigate the multifaceted and escalating burden of stroke in the country.

Kinetic-pharmacodynamic model of warfarin for prothrombin time-international normalized ratio in Japanese patients

AIMS

Genotype-guided dosing algorithms can explain about half of the interindividual variability in prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) under warfarin treatment. This study aimed to refine a published kinetic-pharmacodynamic model and guide warfarin dosage for an optimal PT-INR based on renal function.

METHODS

Using a retrospective cohort of adult patients (>20 years) who were administered warfarin and underwent PT-INR measurements, we refined the kinetic-pharmacodynamic model with age and the genotypes of cytochrome P450 2C9 and vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1 using the PRIOR subroutine in the nonlinear-mixed-effect modelling programme. We searched the significant covariates for parameters, such as the dose rate for 50% inhibition of coagulation (EDR50 ), using a stepwise forward and backward method. Monte Carlo simulation determined a required daily dose of warfarin with a target range of PT-INR (2.0-3.0 or 1.6-2.6) based on the significant covariates.

RESULTS

A total of 350 patients with 2762 PT-INR measurements were enrolled (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]: 47.5 [range: 2.6-199.0] mL/min/1.73 m2 ). The final kinetic-pharmacodynamic model showed that the EDR50 changed power functionally with body surface area, serum albumin level and eGFR. Monte Carlo simulation revealed that a lower daily dose of warfarin was required to attain the target PT-INR range as eGFR decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Model-informed precision dosing of warfarin is a valuable approach for estimating its dosage in patients with renal impairment.

A comprehensive stroke risk assessment by combining atrial computational fluid dynamics simulations and functional patient data

Stroke, a major global health concern often rooted in cardiac dynamics, demands precise risk evaluation for targeted intervention. Current risk models, like the CHA2DS2-VASc score, often lack the granularity required for personalized predictions. In this study, we present a nuanced and thorough stroke risk assessment by integrating functional insights from cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) with patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Our cohort, evenly split between control and stroke groups, comprises eight patients. Utilizing CINE CMR, we compute kinematic features, revealing smaller left atrial volumes for stroke patients. The incorporation of patient-specific atrial displacement into our hemodynamic simulations unveils the influence of atrial compliance on the flow fields, emphasizing the importance of LA motion in CFD simulations and challenging the conventional rigid wall assumption in hemodynamics models. Standardizing hemodynamic features with functional metrics enhances the differentiation between stroke and control cases. While standalone assessments provide limited clarity, the synergistic fusion of CMR-derived functional data and patient-informed CFD simulations offers a personalized and mechanistic understanding, distinctly segregating stroke from control cases. Specifically, our investigation reveals a crucial clinical insight: normalizing hemodynamic features based on ejection fraction fails to differentiate between stroke and control patients. Differently, when normalized with stroke volume, a clear and clinically significant distinction emerges and this holds true for both the left atrium and its appendage, providing valuable implications for precise stroke risk assessment in clinical settings. This work introduces a novel framework for seamlessly integrating hemodynamic and functional metrics, laying the groundwork for improved predictive models, and highlighting the significance of motion-informed, personalized risk assessments.

Risk Factors for Anticoagulant-Associated Intracranial Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Anticoagulant-associated intracranial hemorrhage has a high mortality rate, and many factors can cause intracranial hemorrhage. Until now, systematic reviews and assessments of the certainty of the evidence have not been published.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review to identify risk factors for anticoagulant-associated intracranial hemorrhage. The protocol for this systematic review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022316750). All English studies that met the inclusion criteria published before January 2022 were obtained from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Two researchers independently screened articles, extracted data, and evaluated the quality and evidence of the included studies. Risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage were used as the outcome index of this review. Random or fixed-effect models were used in statistical methods. I2 statistics were used to evaluate heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Of 7322 citations, we included 20 studies in our analysis. For intracranial hemorrhage, moderate-certainty evidence showed a probable association with race, Glasgow Coma Scale, stroke, leukoaraiosis, cerebrovascular disease, tumor, atrial fibrillation, previous bleeding, international normalized ratio, serum albumin, prothrombin time, diastolic blood pressure, and anticoagulant. Low-certainty evidence may be associated with age, cerebral microbleeds, smoking, alcohol intake, platelet count, and antiplatelet drug. In addition, we found very low-certainty evidence that there may be little to no association between the risk of intracranial hemorrhage and hypertension and creatinine clearance. Leukoaraiosis, cerebral microbleeds, cerebrovascular disease, and international normalized ratio are not included in most risk assessment models.

CONCLUSIONS

This study informs risk prediction for anticoagulant-associated intracranial hemorrhage and informs guidelines for intracranial hemorrhage prevention and future research.

miR-124: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Central Nervous System Injuries and Diseases

Central nervous system injuries and diseases, such as ischemic stroke, spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative diseases, glioblastoma, multiple sclerosis, and the resulting neuroinflammation often lead to death or long-term disability. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding, single-stranded RNAs that regulate posttranscriptional gene expression in both physiological and pathological cellular processes, including central nervous system injuries and disorders. Studies on miR-124, one of the most abundant microRNAs in the central nervous system, have shown that its dysregulation is related to the occurrence and development of pathology within the central nervous system. Herein, we review the molecular regulatory functions, underlying mechanisms, and effective delivery methods of miR-124 in the central nervous system, where it is involved in pathological conditions. The review also provides novel insights into the therapeutic target potential of miR-124 in the treatment of human central nervous system injuries or diseases.

Moderate-Severe White Matter Lesion Predicts Delayed Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Most existing studies have focused on the correlation between white matter lesion (WML) and baseline intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), whereas few studies have investigated the relationship between WML severity and delayed IVH after admission. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between WML severity and delayed IVH and to verify the association between WML and baseline IVH.

METHODS

A total of 480 patients with spontaneous ICH from February 2018 to October 2020 were selected. WML was scored using the Van Swieten Scale, with scores of 0-2 representing nonslight WML and scores of 3-4 representing moderate-severe WML. We determined the presence of IVH on baseline (< 6 h) and follow-up computed tomography (< 72 h) images. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of baseline and delayed IVH.

RESULTS

Among 480 patients with ICH, 172 (35.8%) had baseline IVH, and there was a higher proportion of moderate-severe WML in patients with baseline IVH (20.3%) than in those without baseline IVH (12.7%) (P = 0.025). Among 308 patients without baseline IVH, delayed IVH was found in 40 patients (12.9%), whose proportion of moderate-severe WML (25.0%) was higher than that in patients without delayed IVH (10.8%) (P = 0.012). Multiple logistic regression results showed that moderate-severe WML was independently correlated with baseline IVH (P = 0.006, odds ratio = 2.266, 95% confidence interval = 1.270-4.042) and delayed IVH (P = 0.002, odds ratio = 7.009, 95% confidence interval = 12.086-23.552).

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate-severe WML was an independent risk factor for delayed IVH as well as baseline IVH.

Assessment and mitigation of bleeding risk in atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolism: A Position Paper from the ESC Working Group on Thrombosis, in collaboration with the European Heart Rhythm Association, the Association for Acute CardioVascular Care and the Asia-Pacific Heart Rhythm Society

Whilst there is a clear clinical benefit of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) in reducing the risks of thromboembolism, major bleeding events (especially intracranial bleeds) may still occur and be devastating. The decision to initiate and continue anticoagulation is often based on a careful assessment of both the thromboembolism and bleeding risk. The more common and validated bleeding risk factors have been used to formulate bleeding risk stratification scores, but thromboembolism and bleeding risk factors often overlap. Also, many factors that increase bleeding risk are transient and modifiable, such as variable international normalized ratio values, surgical procedures, vascular procedures, or drug-drug and food-drug interactions. Bleeding risk is also not a static 'one off' assessment based on baseline factors but is dynamic, being influenced by ageing, incident comorbidities, and drug therapies. In this Consensus Document, we comprehensively review the published evidence and propose a consensus on bleeding risk assessments in patients with AF and VTE, with the view to summarizing 'best practice' when approaching antithrombotic therapy in these patients. We address the epidemiology and size of the problem of bleeding risk in AF and VTE, review established bleeding risk factors, and summarize definitions of bleeding. Patient values and preferences, balancing the risk of bleeding against thromboembolism are reviewed, and the prognostic implications of bleeding are discussed. We propose consensus statements that may help to define evidence gaps and assist in everyday clinical practice.

Low hemoglobin is associated with worse outcomes via larger hematoma volume in intracerebral hemorrhage due to systemic disease

Whether hemoglobin is associated with outcomes of a specific subtype of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown. A total of 4643 patients with ICH from a multicenter cohort were included in the analysis (64.0% male; mean age [SD], 58.3 [15.2] year), of whom 1319 (28.4%) had anemia on admission. The unsupervised consensus cluster method was employed to classify the patients into three clusters. The patients of cluster 3 were characterized by a high frequency of anemia (85.3%) and mainly composed of patients of systemic disease ICH subtype (SD-ICH; 90.0%) according to the SMASH-U etiologies. In SD-ICH, a strong interaction effect was observed between anemia and 3-month death (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.60-11.9, p = 0.004), and the hemoglobin levels were linearly associated with 3-month death (aOR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60-0.92; p = 0.009), which was partially mediated by larger baseline hematoma volume (p = 0.008). This study demonstrated a strong linear association between low hemoglobin levels and worse outcomes in SD-ICH, suggesting that hemoglobin-elevating therapy might be extensively needed in a specific subtype of ICH.

Intracranial Hemorrhage in Patients with Anticoagulant Therapy Undergoing Stereotactic Radiosurgery for Brain Metastases: A Bi-Institutional Analysis

Background: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a well-established treatment modality for brain metastases (BM). Given the manifold implications of metastatic cancer on the body, affected patients have an increased risk of comorbidities, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep-vein thrombosis (DVT). These may require therapeutic anticoagulant therapy (ACT). Limited data are available on the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) after SRS for patients with BM who are receiving ACT. This bi-institutional analysis aimed to describe the bleeding risk for this patient subgroup. Methods: Patients with ACT at the time of single-fraction SRS for BM from two institutions were eligible for analysis. The cumulative incidence of ICH with death as a competing event was assessed during follow-up with magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Results: Forty-one patients with 97 BM were included in the analyses. The median follow-up was 8.2 months (range: 1.7–77.5 months). The median and mean BM volumes were 0.47 and 1.19 cubic centimeters, respectively. The most common reasons for ACT were PE (41%), AF (34%), and DVT (7%). The ACT was mostly performed utilizing phenprocoumon (37%), novel oral anticoagulants (32%), or low-molecular-weight heparin (20%). Nine BM from a group of five patients with ICH after SRS were identified: none of them caused neurological or any other deficits. The 6-, 12-, and 18-month cumulative bleeding incidences per metastasis were 2.1%, 12.4%, and 12.4%, respectively. The metastases with previous bleeding events and those originating from malignant melanomas were found to more frequently demonstrate ICH after SRS (p = 0.02, p = 0.01). No surgical or medical intervention was necessary for ICH management, and no observed death was associated with an ICH. Conclusion: Patients receiving an ACT and single-fraction SRS for small- to medium-sized BM did not seem to have a clinically relevant risk of ICH. Previous bleeding and metastases originating from a malignant melanoma may favor bleeding events after SRS. Further studies are needed to validate our reported findings.

Factor XI Inhibition to Uncouple Thrombosis From Hemostasis: JACC Review Topic of the Week

Hemostasis and thrombosis are believed to be so intricately linked that any strategies that reduce thrombosis will have an inevitable impact on hemostasis. Consequently, bleeding is viewed as an unavoidable side effect of anticoagulant therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that factor XI is important for thrombosis but has a minor role in hemostasis. This information raises the possibility that anticoagulants that target factor XI will be safer than currently available agents. The authors provide a visual representation of the coagulation pathways that distinguishes between the steps involved in thrombosis and hemostasis to explain why factor XI inhibitors may serve as hemostasis-sparing anticoagulants. A safer class of anticoagulants would provide opportunities for treatment of a wider range of patients, including those at high risk for bleeding. Ongoing clinical studies will determine the extent to which factor XI inhibitors attenuate thrombosis without disruption of hemostasis.

Risk factors for intracerebral hemorrhage in patients with COVID-19

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can be a devastating complication of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We aimed to assess risk factors associated with ICH in this population. We performed a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted to NYU Langone Health system between March 1 and April 27 2020 with a positive nasopharyngeal swab polymerase chain reaction test result and presence of primary nontraumatic intracranial hemorrhage or hemorrhagic conversion of ischemic stroke on neuroimaging. Patients with intracranial procedures, malignancy, or vascular malformation were excluded. We used regression models to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95% CI) of the association between ICH and covariates. We also used regression models to determine association between ICH and mortality. Among 3824 patients admitted with COVID-19, 755 patients had neuroimaging and 416 patients were identified after exclusion criteria were applied. The mean (standard deviation) age was 69.3 (16.2), 35.8% were women, and 34.9% were on therapeutic anticoagulation. ICH occurred in 33 (7.9%) patients. Older age, non-Caucasian race, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, and therapeutic anticoagulation were associated with ICH on univariate analysis (p < 0.01 for each variable). In adjusted regression models, anticoagulation use was associated with a five-fold increased risk of ICH (OR 5.26, 95% CI 2.33-12.24, p < 0.001). ICH was associated with increased mortality (adjusted OR 2.6, 95 % CI 1.2-5.9). Anticoagulation use is associated with increased risk of ICH in patients with COVID-19. Further investigation is required to elucidate underlying mechanisms and prevention strategies in this population.

Neurological Manifestations of COVID-19 Within the Intensive Care Unit During a Military Deployment for the Early Pandemic Surge in New York City

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resulted in a worldwide pandemic that at the time of this writing has caused over 400,000 deaths within the United States. During the pandemic surge in New York City, NY, a number of military Medical Corps (MC) and Nurse Corps (NC) providers were mobilized in direct support of critical care capabilities through expansion intensive care units. In the course of the deployment, high rates of neurological-related manifestations associated with COVID-19 infection were directly observed by our military provider teams which will be described and supporting literature highlighted.

This is organic information absorbed in real time during the early stages of the pandemic in New York City.

The neurological manifestations of COVID-19 varied in presentation and severity. Cerebral vascular injuries documented included strokes, iatrogenic intraparenchymal hemorrhage, hypoxia-related changes and sequelae, as well as acquired diseases secondary to delayed treatment of other primary neurologic disease states. Hypercoagulable and inflammatory markers (d-dimer, C-reactive protein, etc) were commonly elevated, and anticoagulation became a key factor in disease treatment and to help mitigate the downstream neurologic sequelae associated with this disease.

Here we present these initial findings to lay the groundwork for more robust clinical studies moving forward. 

How do you manage ANTICOagulant therapy in neurosurgery? The ANTICO survey of the Italian Society of Neurosurgery (SINCH)

BACKGROUND

Anticoagulant assumption is a concern in neurosurgical patient that implies a delicate balance between the risk of thromboembolism versus the risk of peri- and postoperative hemorrhage.

METHODS

We performed a survey among 129 different neurosurgical departments in Italy to evaluate practice patterns regarding the management of neurosurgical patients taking anticoagulant drugs. Furthermore, we reviewed the available literature, with the aim of providing a comprehensive but practical summary of current recommendations.

RESULTS

Our survey revealed that there is a lack of knowledge, mostly regarding the indication and the strategies of anticoagulant reversal in neurosurgical clinical practice. This may be due a lack of national and international guidelines for the care of anticoagulated neurosurgical patients, along with the fact that coagulation and hemostasis are not simple topics for a neurosurgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

To overcome this issue, establishment of hospital-wide policy concerning management of anticoagulated patients and developed in an interdisciplinary manner are strongly recommended.

Recommendations for Research Assessing Outcomes for Patients With Anticoagulant-Related Intracerebral Bleeds

Intracerebral bleeds related to anticoagulant use have a poor prognosis and substantial risk of disability and death. Recent publications evaluating replacement or reversal therapies for anticoagulants lack consistency in controlling for key factors that significantly influence outcomes. In an effort to guide future research by providing a framework to improve consistency and reduce the potential for confounding in this dynamic and highly time-dependent brain insult, we provide here a brief overview of variables we consider critical in studies evaluating the risk and the reversal of anticoagulant therapies in anticoagulant-related intracerebral bleeds. Hematoma expansion stands out as one of the few potentially modifiable risk factors and its early control could mitigate secondary brain injury, and it, therefore, requires careful categorization. In addition to the baseline demographic, clinical, and radiological predictors of hematoma expansion, we specifically highlight time-dependent factors such as the time from the last dose, time from symptom onset and time to treatment, the computed tomography angiography spot sign, and the limitation of early care as especially critical predictors of outcomes in anticoagulant-related intracerebral bleeds. Intracerebral hemorrhage is a condition that requires fast diagnosis and treatment, especially when associated with anticoagulants. The advent of therapies with rapid reversal of anticoagulation open the opportunity to assess the scale to which faster reversal of anticoagulation modifies hematoma expansion and clinical outcomes. Thus, comprehensive assessment and reporting of these important potential confounding factors, particularly the critical time variables, is crucial to improving research and treatment of intracerebral hemorrhages.

A Study of Proton Pump Inhibitors and Other Risk Factors in Warfarin-Associated Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background

Warfarin users are at increased risk for gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). History of GIB, stroke, cardiovascular or chronic kidney disease, age greater than 65 years, and drug interaction with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) have previously been identified as risk factors for GIB in warfarin users. We hypothesized that concomitant use of warfarin and PPI would increase the incidence of GIB relative to warfarin use alone.

Methods

We did a retrospective review of medical records of 626 patients taking warfarin for at least two weeks. Parameters including age, concomitant medication use (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), aspirin, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), PPI, and anti-platelet drug), history of GIB, chronic renal failure (CRF), and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) prior to warfarin use were analyzed.

Results

Variables that increase the likelihood of bleeding in warfarin users included aspirin, PPI, history of PUD, history of previous GIB, CRF, and elevated prothrombin time (PT)/international normalized ratio (INR) values. Concomitant antiplatelet use showed a slight increase in GIB but this was not statistically significant (p=0.082). NSAID use and SSRI use were not associated with a higher risk of GIB among warfarin users. Patients who are on PPI and warfarin simultaneously are more likely to be on acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or have a history of PUD, GIB, or CRF, all of which are associated with increased incidences of GIB.

Conclusions

Although concomitant use of warfarin and PPI appears to be associated with an increased incidence of GIB, these patients are more likely to have other risk factors that also increase the risk of a GIB outcome. Therefore, the interaction between PPI and warfarin is clinically insignificant.

The Effect of Direct Oral Anti-Coagulants on Delayed Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The use of anticoagulant medications leads to a higher risk of developing traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The management of anticoagulated patients can be difficult to determine when the initial head computed tomography is negative for tICH. There has been limited research on the risk of delayed tICH in patients taking direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) medications.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to determine the risk of delayed tICH for patients anticoagulated with DOACs after mTBI.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and searched several medical databases to examine the risk of delayed tICH in patients on DOACs.

RESULTS

There were 1252 nonduplicate studies that were identified through an initial database search, 15 of which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in our analysis after full-text review. A total of 1375 subjects were combined among the 15 studies, with 20 instances of delayed tICH after mTBI. Nineteen of the 20 patients with a delayed tICH were discharged without any neurosurgical intervention, and 1 patient on apixaban died due to a delayed tICH.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review confirms that delayed tICH after mTBI in patients on DOACs is uncommon. However, large, multicenter, prospective studies are needed to confirm the true incidence of clinically significant delayed tICH after DOAC use. Due to the limited data, we recommend using shared decision-making for patients who are candidates for discharge.

The role of biomarkers and neuroimaging in ischemic/hemorrhagic risk assessment for cardiovascular/cerebrovascular disease prevention

Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation is arguably one of the fastest developing areas in preventive medicine. The increasing use of direct oral anticoagulants and nonpharmacologic methods such as left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in these patients has increased clinicians' options for optimal care. Platelet antiaggregants are also commonly used in other ischemic cardiovascular and or cerebrovascular conditions. Long term use of oral anticoagulants for atrial fibrillation is associated with elevated risks of major bleeds including especially brain hemorrhages, which are known to have extremely poor outcomes. Neuroimaging and other biomarkers have been validated to stratify brain hemorrhage risk among older adults. A thorough understanding of these biomarkers is essential for selection of appropriate anticoagulant or left atrial appendage closure for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. This article will address advances in the stratification of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke risk among patients with atrial fibrillation and other conditions.

Time Trends in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Associated with Oral Anticoagulation and Its Risks Factors in Spain from 2008 to 2015

BACKGROUND

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is 7- to 10-fold higher in anticoagulated patients. Given the more extended use of oral anticoagulants, an increase in the prevalence of ICH associated with oral anticoagulation (ICH-OAC) could be expected. However, there is no previous study that assesses the time trends of ICH-OAC in Spain.

METHODS

We conducted a combined data analysis after creating a joint database of the 3 most important epidemiological studies on ICH-OAC of our country: the EPICES study (2008-2009), the TAC Registry (TR) study (2012-2013) and the TAC Registry 2 (TR2) study (2015). We finally included 65, 235, and 366 patients from the EPICES, TR, and TR2 studies, respectively.

RESULTS

We have observed a 3.73-fold increase in the crude annual incidence of ICH-OAC throughout the period of study, with proportion of ICH-OAC out of total ICH increasing from 8.4% in 2008 to 18.2% in 2015. Age, dyslipidemia, and prior antiplatelet treatment increased during the study, but we found no statistically significant differences in other risk factors for ICH-OAC.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of ICH-OAC is increasing in our country. It might at least be partly explained by aging of the population, with mean age at presentation being higher in the last years.

Sensitivity and specificity of blood-fluid levels for oral anticoagulant-associated intracerebral haemorrhage

Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is a life-threatening emergency, the incidence of which has increased in part due to an increase in the use of oral anticoagulants. A blood-fluid level within the haematoma, as revealed by computed tomography (CT), has been suggested as a marker for oral anticoagulant-associated ICH (OAC-ICH), but the diagnostic specificity and prognostic value of this finding remains unclear. In 855 patients with CT-confirmed acute ICH scanned within 48 h of symptom onset, we investigated the sensitivity and specificity of the presence of a CT-defined blood-fluid level (rated blinded to anticoagulant status) for identifying concomitant anticoagulant use. We also investigated the association of the presence of a blood-fluid level with six-month case fatality. Eighteen patients (2.1%) had a blood-fluid level identified on CT; of those with a blood-fluid level, 15 (83.3%) were taking anticoagulants. The specificity of blood-fluid level for OAC-ICH was 99.4%; the sensitivity was 4.2%. We could not detect an association between the presence of a blood-fluid level and an increased risk of death at six months (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.28-3.88, p = 0.769). The presence of a blood-fluid level should alert clinicians to the possibility of OAC-ICH, but absence of a blood-fluid level is not useful in excluding OAC-ICH.

Assessment of the Patient With Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Review of the Literature

Spontaneous nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given the risk of rapid neurological deterioration, early identification with rapid neuroimaging is vital. Predictors of outcome, such as spot sign and intracerebral hemorrhage score, can help guide management goals. Management should be aimed at prevention of hematoma expansion, treatment of increased intracranial pressure, and prevention of secondary brain injury and medical complications.

Treatment strategies for patients with atrial fibrillation and anticoagulant-associated intracranial hemorrhage: an overview of the pharmacotherapy

INTRODUCTION

Oral anticoagulants (OAC) reduce stroke/systemic embolism and mortality risks in atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is an inherent bleeding risk with OAC, where intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared, disabling, and lethal complication of this therapy. Therefore, the optimal management of OAC-associated ICH is not well defined despite multiple suggested strategies.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, the authors describe the severity and risk factors for OAC-associated ICH and the associated implications for using DOACs in AF patients. We also provide an overview of the management of OAC-associated ICH and treatment reversal strategies, including specific and nonspecific reversal agents as well as a comprehensive summary of the evidence about the resumption of DOAC and the optimal timing.

EXPERT OPINION

In the setting of an ICH, supportive care/measures are needed, and reversal of anticoagulation with specific agents (including administration of vitamin K, prothrombin complex concentrates, idarucizumab and andexanet alfa) should be considered. Most patients will likely benefit from restarting anticoagulation after an ICH and permanently withdrawn of OAC is associated with worse clinical outcomes. Although the timing of OAC resumption is still under debate, reintroduction after 4-8 weeks of the bleeding event may be possible, after a multidisciplinary approach to decision-making.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy in the management of subcortical spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

The benefit of decompressive hemicraniectomy in patients with malignant acute ischemic stroke is well established, however its role in supratentorial intracerebral hemorrhages is unclear and evolving. Prior studies combined cortical and subcortical hemorrhages in their analysis despite their different natural history. Subcortical hematoma is associated with worse outcomes due to mechanical compression of subcortical structures. We describe outcomes of a matched comparison of patients with spontaneous subcortical hemorrhage managed with hemicraniectomy versus medical management alone.

METHODS

Using our "Get-with-the-guideline stroke" database, patients with spontaneous subcortical hematoma managed with hemicraniectomy were identified. Using age, gender, and hematoma volume (categorized as 0-30, 30-60, >60ml), patients managed with hemicraniectomy were matched with medical management alone. Outcomes included hospital length of stay, discharge disposition, and Glasgow outcome score.

RESULTS

Eight patients with subcortical hematoma managed with hemicraniectomy were matched with 22 medically managed patients. Other than use of antithrombotics, clinical characteristics did not differ between groups. On comparing outcomes, hospital length of stay in the hemicraniectomy group (26.5 vs 12.5 days p = 0.006) was significantly longer. Discharge disposition did not differ between groups (75% vs 36.4% p = 0.101). Despite a higher frequency of Glasgow outcome score ≥ 3 at 90 days amongst hemicraniectomy cases, there was no significant difference between groups (71.3% vs 54.5% p = 0.535).

CONCLUSION

Hemicraniectomy for subcortical hematoma was associated with a prolonged hospital stay. Despite improving survival and favorable discharge disposition, there was no statistically significant difference between groups. Further studies on the benefit of hemicraniectomy in subcortical hematoma are needed.

Intracranial hemorrhage in patients taking oral anticoagulants. Current possibilities for therapy

The paper reviews an update on the possibilities of providing care for patients with spontaneous non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) developing in patients with atrial fibrillation who use oral anticoagulants. The incidence of ICH is shown to be considerably lower when nonvitamin K-dependent anticoagulants (NOACs) are used, but the hematoma evolution scenarios do not differ between the groups of patients receiving vitamin K antagonists or NOACs. The results of studies assessing hypertension therapy in patients with ICH are compared. The possibilities of using various reversal agents for various oral anticoagulants are also discussed. Since one of the main problems associated with increased mortality and severe disabilities is the progression rate of ICH, the possibility of using a specific antagonist can determine the choice of an anticoagulant for the primary prevention of ischemic stroke in a patient with atrial fibrillation.

Trends in the Incidence and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Diseases in Korea : Part I. Intracranial Aneurysm, Intracerebral Hemorrhage, and Arteriovenous Malformation

Objective

To analyze the incidence and treatment trends of hemorrhagic stroke (HS), according to HS subtypes, using nationwide data in Korea from January 2008 to December 2016.

Methods

We used data from the national health-claim database provided by the National Health Insurance Service for 2008–2016 using the International Classification of Diseases. The crude incidence and age-standardized incidence of each disease associated with HS, which included intracranial aneurysm (IA), hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and arteriovenous malformation (AVM), were calculated and additional analysis was conducted according to age and sex. Changes in trends in treatment methods and number of treatments were analyzed for each cerebrovascular disease using the Korean Classification of Diseases procedure codes.

Results

In 2016, the total number of newly diagnosed adult patients with HS was 24169, showing a decrease by 7.0% since 2008; the age-standardized incidence of HS was 46.2 per 100000 person-years. The age-standardized incidence of unruptured IA (UIA) in adults was 71.4 per 100000 person-years—increased by 2.6-fold since 2008—while that of ruptured IA (RIA) was 12.6 per 100000 person-years, which had decreased at a rate of 20.3% since 2008. The number of coil embolization (CE) for UIA increased by 3.4-fold over 9 years and exceeded that of clipping since 2008. With respect to RIA, CE increased by 2.0-fold over 9 years and exceeded that of clipping from 2014. As for spontaneous ICH in adults, the age-standardized incidence was 31.3 per 100000 person-years in 2016—decreased by 34.7% since 2008—and 14.6% of patients diagnosed with ICH were treated in 2016, which was not significantly different from the proportion of patients treated since 2008. The age-standardized incidence of unruptured AVM (UAVM) was 2.0 per 100000 person-year in 2016, while that of ruptured AVM (RAVM) was 2.4 per 100000 person-years in 2016, showing a decreasing rate of 17.2% from 2008. The total number of treated patients with AVM declined since 2014.

Conclusion

In Korea, age-related cerebral vascular diseases, such as RIA, ICH, and RAVM, demonstrated a declining trend in agestandardized incidence; meanwhile, UIA and UAVM demonstrated an increased trend in both crude incidence and age-standardized incidence for 9 years. The increase in the elderly population, management of hypertension, and development of diagnostic and endovascular techniques appear to have influenced this trend.

MRI predicts intracranial hemorrhage in patients who receive long-term oral anticoagulation

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypothesis that the risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients with cardioembolic ischemic stroke who are treated with oral anticoagulants (OAs) can be predicted by evaluating surrogate markers of hemorrhagic-prone cerebral angiopathies using a baseline MRI.

METHODS

Patients were participants in a multicenter and prospective observational study. They were older than 64 years, had a recent cardioembolic ischemic stroke, and were new users of OAs. They underwent a baseline MRI analysis to evaluate microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, and cortical superficial siderosis. We collected demographic variables, clinical characteristics, risk scores, and therapeutic data. The primary endpoint was ICH that occurred during follow-up. We performed bivariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

We recruited 937 patients (aged 77.6 ± 6.5 years; 47.9% were men). Microbleeds were detected in 207 patients (22.5%), moderate/severe white matter hyperintensities in 419 (45.1%), and superficial siderosis in 28 patients (3%). After a mean follow-up of 23.1 ± 6.8 months, 18 patients (1.9%) experienced an ICH. In multivariable analysis, microbleeds (hazard ratio 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-7, p = 0.034) and moderate/severe white matter hyperintensities (hazard ratio 5.7, 95% CI 1.6-20, p = 0.006) were associated with ICH (C index 0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.85). Rate of ICH was highest in patients with both microbleed and moderate/severe WMH (3.76 per 100 patient-years, 95% CI 1.62-7.4).

CONCLUSION

Patients taking OAs who have advanced cerebral small vessel disease, evidenced by microbleeds and moderate to severe white matter hyperintensities, had an increased risk of ICH. Our results should help to determine the risk of prescribing OA for a patient with cardioembolic stroke.

CLINICALTRIALSGOV IDENTIFIER

NCT02238470.

Elevated International Normalized Ratio Is Associated With Ruptured Aneurysms

Background and Purpose- The effects of anticoagulation therapy and elevated international normalized ratio (INR) values on the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between anticoagulation therapy, elevated INR values, and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Methods- We conducted a case-control study of 4696 patients with 6403 intracranial aneurysms, including 1198 prospective patients, diagnosed at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Brigham and Women's Hospital between 1990 and 2016 who were on no anticoagulant therapy or on warfarin for anticoagulation. Patients were divided into ruptured and nonruptured groups. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of anticoagulation therapy, INR values, and presentation with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm, taking into account the interaction between anticoagulant use and INR. Inverse probability weighting using propensity scores was used to minimize differences in baseline demographics characteristics. The marginal effects of anticoagulant use on rupture risk stratified by INR values were calculated. Results- In unweighted and weighted multivariable analyses, elevated INR values were significantly associated with rupture status among patients who were not anticoagulated (unweighted odds ratio, 22.78; 95% CI, 10.85-47.81 and weighted odds ratio, 28.16; 95% CI, 12.44-63.77). In anticoagulated patients, warfarin use interacts significantly with INR when INR ≥1.2 by decreasing the effects of INR on rupture risk. Conclusions- INR elevation is associated with intracranial aneurysm rupture, but the effects may be moderated by warfarin. INR values should, therefore, be taken into consideration when counseling patients with intracranial aneurysms.

Proposal for the Rapid Reversal of Coagulopathy in Patients with Nonoperative Head Injuries on Anticoagulants and/or Antiplatelet Agents: A Case Study and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Emergency room physicians, trauma teams, and neurosurgeons are seeing increasing numbers of head-injured patients on anticoagulants, many of whom are nonoperative. Head injury and anticoagulation can lead to devastating consequences. These patients need immediate evaluation and often reversal of anticoagulation in order to decrease their high rates of morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To review data on the prevalence, risks, treatment, and complications of head-injured anticoagulated patients and provide a proposal for their anticoagulant management, and imaging requirements.

METHODS

A PubMed database search was performed for articles on the prevalence, risks, treatment, and complications of patients who have sustained a head injury while on anticoagulant or antiplatelet agents.

RESULTS

A total of 1877 articles were found, of which 64 were selected for use based on direct relevance, information quality, and contribution of the article to the current understanding of anticoagulated head injury patients.

CONCLUSION

There are very few guidelines for the management of nonoperative head-injured patients. Rapid reversal guided by international normalized ratio values, Platelet Function Assays, computed tomography imaging of the head, and physical exam is suggested. The proposal presented in this paper enables patient management to begin quickly in a systematic approach, with the goal of achieving a significant decrease in the morbidity and mortality for the anticoagulated head-injured patient. Rapid reversal can potentially decrease mortality by as much as 38%.

Hematoma Expansion Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Mechanisms Targeting the Coagulation Cascade and Platelet Activation

Hematoma expansion (HE), defined as a greater than 33% increase in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) volume within the first 24 hours, results in significant neurological deficits, and enhancement of ICH-induced primary and secondary brain injury. An escalation in the use of oral anticoagulants has led to a surge in the incidences of oral anticoagulation-associated ICH (OAT-ICH), which has been associated with a greater risk for HE and worse functional outcomes following ICH. The oral anticoagulants in use include vitamin K antagonists, and direct thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors. Fibrinolytic agents are also frequently administered. These all act via differing mechanisms and thus have varying degrees of impact on HE and ICH outcome. Additionally, antiplatelet medications have also been increasingly prescribed, and result in increased bleeding risks and worse outcomes after ICH. Aspirin, thienopyridines, and GPIIb/IIIa receptor blockers are some of the most common agents in use clinically, and also have different effects on ICH and hemorrhage growth, based on their mechanisms of action. Recent studies have found that reduced platelet activity may be more effective in predicting ICH risk, hemorrhage expansion, and outcomes, than antiplatelet agents, and activating platelets may thus be a novel target for ICH therapy. This review explores how dysfunctions or alterations in the coagulation and platelet cascades can lead to, and/or exacerbate, hematoma expansion following intracerebral hemorrhage, and describe the mechanisms behind these effects and the drugs that induce them. We also discuss potential future therapy aimed at increasing platelet activity after ICH.

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is bleeding that develops in the oesophagus, stomach or proximal duodenum. Peptic ulcers, caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or use of NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin (LDA), are the most common cause. Although the incidence and mortality associated with NVUGIB have been decreasing owing to considerable advances in the prevention and management of NVUGIB over the past 20 years, it remains a common clinical problem with an annual incidence of ∼67 per 100,000 individuals in the United States in 2012. NVUGIB is a medical emergency, and mortality is in the range ∼1-5%. After resuscitation and initial assessment, early (within 24 hours) diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy together with intragastric pH control with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) form the basis of treatment. With a growing ageing population treated with antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant medications, the clinical management of NVUGIB is complex as the risk between gastrointestinal bleeding events and adverse cardiovascular events needs to be balanced. The best clinical approach includes identification of risk factors and prevention of bleeding; available strategies include continuous treatment with PPIs or H. pylori eradication in those at increased risk of developing NVUGIB. Treatment with PPIs and/or use of cyclooxygenase-2-selective NSAIDs should be implemented in those patients at risk of NVUGIB who need NSAIDs and/or LDA.

Epidemiology of Intracranial Hemorrhage Associated with Oral Anticoagulants in Spain: Trends in Anticoagulation Complications Registry - The TAC 2 Study

Objective

Patients receiving treatment with oral anticoagulants (OACs) are at risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). In this study, we describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients receiving OACs who experience ICH and compare those receiving vitamin K antagonists (ICH-VKAs) with those receiving direct OACs (ICH-DOACs).

Methods

We performed a national, multicenter, descriptive, observational, retrospective study of all adult patients receiving OACs who were admitted to the neurology department with ICH over a 1-year period. The study population was divided into 2 groups (ICH-VKAs and ICH-DOACs). Epidemiological, clinical, radiological, and therapy-related variables, as well as functional outcome, were compared at 3 months. A total of 366 cases were included (331 ICH-VKAs, 35 ICH- DOACs).

Results

The crude annual incidence of OAC-induced ICH was 3.8 (95% CI, 2.78-3.41) per 100,000 inhabitants/year. The mean (± SD) age was greater for ICH-DOACs (81.5 ± 8.3 vs. 77.7 ± 8.3 years; p = 0.012). The median (IQR) volume of the hemorrhage was lower for ICH-DOACs (11 [30.8] vs. 25 [50.7] mL; p = 0.03). The functional independence rate at 3 months (modified Rankin Scale, mRS < 3) was similar in both groups, although stroke-related mortality was greater in ICH-VKAs (40 vs. 72.7%; p = 0.02). The most frequently indicated poststroke antithrombotic therapy was DOACs (38.7%).

Conclusion

We found that the incidence of OAC-induced ICH was greater than in previous studies. Hemorrhage volume and mortality were lower in ICH-DOACs than in ICH-VKAs. After stroke, DOACs were the most frequently indicated antithrombotic treatment.

Atrial Fibrillation for the Neurologist: Preventing both Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to help neurologists managing atrial fibrillation (AF) patients who had an ischemic stroke and/or with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) markers, therefore at high embolic/hemorrhagic risks.

RECENT FINDINGS

Implantable loop recorders have substantially improved the accuracy of AF detection. Recent research yielded a set of powerful neuroimaging markers that can stratify ICH risk. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) are easier to use with a lower ICH risk than warfarin in a general AF population. Finally, the FDA-approved left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) with the WATCHMAN device provides an option without the need for life-long anticoagulation. In this review, we introduce the concept of preventing both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes in AF patients through accurate AF diagnosis and stratification of both embolic and ICH risks. LAAC can be considered in patients at higher hemorrhagic risks while warfarin/DOAC use should be individualized in the majority of AF patients at a low risk of bleeding.

[Antithrombotic treatment consensus protocol (anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy) during the perioperative and periprocedural period in neurosurgery]

The use of antithrombotic medication (antiplatelet and/or anticoagulant therapy) is widespread. Currently, the management of neurosurgical patients receiving this type of therapy continues to be a problem of special importance. Patients receiving antithrombotic treatment may need neurosurgical care because of bleeding secondary to such treatment, non-haemorrhagic neurosurgical lesions requiring urgent attention, or simply elective neurosurgical procedures. In addition, the consequences of reintroducing early (bleeding or rebleeding) or late (thrombotic or thromboembolic) anticoagulation can be devastating. In this paper we present the antithrombotic treatment consensus protocol during the perioperative and periprocedural period, both in emergent surgery and in elective neurosurgical procedures.

Predictors of hematoma expansion predictors after intracerebral hemorrhage

Despite years of effort, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) remains the most devastating form of stroke with more than 40% 30-day mortality worldwide. Hematoma expansion (HE), which occurs in one third of ICH patients, is strongly predictive of worse prognosis and potentially preventable if high-risk patients were identified in the early phase of ICH. In this review, we summarize data from recent studies on HE prediction and classify those potential indicators into four categories: clinical (severity of consciousness disturbance; blood pressure; blood glucose at and after admission); laboratory (hematologic parameters of coagulation, inflammation and microvascular integrity status), radiographic (interval time from ICH onset; baseline volume, shape and density of hematoma; intraventricular hemorrhage; especially the spot sign and modified spot sign) and integrated predictors (9-point or 24-point clinical prediction algorithm and PREDICT A/B). We discuss those predictors’ underlying pathophysiology in HE and present opportunities to develop future therapeutic strategies.

Hemostasis in Intracranial Hemorrhage

Spontaneous non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with high morbidity and mortality throughout the world with no proven effective treatment. Majority of hematoma expansion occur within 4 h after symptom onset and is associated with early deterioration and poor clinical outcome. There is a vital role of ultra-early hemostatic therapy in ICH to limit hematoma expansion. Patients at risk for hematoma expansion are with underlying hemostatic abnormalities. Treatment strategy should include appropriate intervention based on the history of use of antithrombotic use or an underlying coagulopathy in patients with ICH. For antiplatelet-associated ICH, recommendation is to discontinue antiplatelet agent and transfuse platelets to those who will undergo neurosurgical procedure with moderate quality of evidence. For vitamin K antagonist-associated ICH, administration of 3-factor or 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs) rather than fresh frozen plasma to patients with INR >1.4 is strongly recommended. For patients with novel oral anticoagulant-associated ICH, administering activated charcoal to those who present within 2 h of ingestion is recommended. Idarucizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody fragment against dabigatran (direct thrombin inhibitor) is approved by FDA for emergency situations. Administer activated PCC (50 U/kg) or 4-factor PCC (50 U/kg) to patients with ICH associated with direct thrombin inhibitors (DTI) if idarucizumab is not available or if the hemorrhage is associated with a DTI other than dabigatran. For factor Xa inhibitor-associated ICH, administration of 4-factor PCC or aPCC is preferred over recombinant FVIIa because of the lower risk of adverse thrombotic events.