The Efficacy of Adjuvant Corticosteroids in Surgical Management of Chronic Subdural Hematoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Efficacy and safety of steroids for chronic subdural hematoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid, blood, and blood breakdown products between the brain's arachnoid and dura mater coverings. While steroids have been explored as a potential treatment option, their efficacy and safety remain uncertain. This meta-analysis and systematic review aimed to assess the impact of steroids on CSDH management, including mortality, recurrence, complications, and functional outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive literature search in major electronic databases up to June 2023, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and Interventions. Inclusion criteria encompassed adult patients with CSDH, the use of steroids as monotherapy or adjuvant therapy, and clearly defined outcomes. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies meeting these criteria were included in the study.

Results

The initial search yielded 4315 articles, with 12 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Our findings indicate a non-significant trend toward reduced mortality with steroids in combination with standard care (Odds ratios [OR] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20-2.18). However, substantial heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 70%). Sensitivity analysis, excluding influential studies, suggested a potential increased mortality risk associated with steroids (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 0.87-2.48). Steroids showed a possible benefit in reducing the recurrence of CSDH (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.20-1.67), but with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 89%). No clear advantage of steroids was observed in terms of functional outcomes at three months (modified Rankin scale scores). Furthermore, steroids were associated with a significantly higher incidence of adverse effects and complications (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.48-3.17).

Conclusion

Steroids may have a potential role in reducing CSDH recurrence but do not appear to confer significant advantages in terms of mortality or functional outcomes. However, their use is associated with a higher risk of adverse effects and complications. Given the limitations of existing studies, further research is needed to refine the role of steroids in CSDH management, considering patient-specific factors and treatment protocols.

Subperiosteal/subgaleal drainage vs. subdural drainage for chronic subdural hematoma: A meta-analysis of postoperative outcomes

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is commonly treated via surgical removal of the hematoma, placement of a routine indwelling drainage tube, and continuous drainage to ensure that the blood does not re-aggregate following removal. However, the optimal location for placement of the drainage tube remains to be determined.

OBJECTIVES

To aid in establishing a reference for selecting the optimal method, we compared the effects of different drainage tube placements on CSDH prognosis via a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous clinical studies.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We searched for clinical studies comparing the outcomes of subperiosteal/subgaleal drainage (SPGD) and subdural drainage (SDD) for CSDH published in English prior to April 1, 2022.

PARTICIPANTS

The final analysis included 15 studies involving 4,318 patients.

RESULTS

Our analysis of the pooled results revealed no significant differences in recurrence rate between the SDD and SPGD groups. We also observed no significant differences in mortality or rates of postoperative complications (infection, pneumocephalus, or epilepsy) between the SDD and SPGD groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the choice of SDD vs. SPGD has no significant effect on CSDH prognosis, highlighting SPGD as an alternative treatment option for CSDH.