Devastating delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Intra-arterial nimodipine for the treatment of refractory delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) is one of the main contributors to poor clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Endovascular spasmolysis with intra-arterial nimodipine (IAN) may resolve angiographic vasospasm, but its effect on infarct prevention and clinical outcome is still unclear. We report the effect of IAN on infarction rates and functional outcome in a consecutive series of SAH patients.

METHODS

To assess the effectiveness of IAN, we collected functional outcome data of all SAH patients referred to a single tertiary center since its availability (2011-2020). IAN was primarily reserved as a last tier option for DCI refractory to induced hypertension (iHTN). Functional outcome was assessed after 12 months according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS, favorable outcome = GOS4-5).

RESULTS

Out of 376 consecutive SAH patients, 186 (49.5%) developed DCI. Thereof, a total of 96 (25.5%) patients remained unresponsive to iHTN and received IAN. DCI-related infarction was observed in 44 (45.8%) of IAN-treated patients with a median infarct volume of 111.6 mL (Q1: 51.6 to Q3: 245.7). Clinical outcome was available for 84 IAN-treated patients. Of those, a total of 40 (47.6%) patients reached a favorable outcome after 1 year. Interventional complications were observed in 9 (9.4%) of the IAN-treated patients.

CONCLUSION

Intra-arterial spasmolysis using nimodipine infusion was associated with low treatment specific complications. Despite presenting a subgroup of severely affected SAH patients, almost half of IAN-treated patients were able to lead an independent life after 1 year of follow-up.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00030505.

Blood Pressure Changes in Association with Nimodipine Therapy in Patients with Spontaneous Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Nimodipine is recommended to prevent delayed cerebral ischemia in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Here, we studied hemodynamic side effects of different nimodipine formulations (per os [PO] and intravenous [IV]) in patients with SAH undergoing continuous blood pressure monitoring.

METHODS

This observational cohort study includes consecutive patients with SAH (271 included in the IV group, 49 in the PO group) admitted to a tertiary care center between 2010 and 2021. All patients received prophylactic IV or PO nimodipine. Hemodynamic responses were evaluated based on median values within the first hour after continuous IV nimodipine initiation or PO nimodipine application (601 intakes within 15 days). Significant changes were defined as > 10% drop in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure from baseline (median values 30 min before nimodipine application). With the use of multivariable logistic regression, risk factors associated with SBP drops were identified.

RESULTS

Patients were admitted with a median Hunt & Hess score of 3 (2-5; IV 3 [2-5], PO 1 [1-2], p < 0.001) and were 58 (49-69) years of age. Initiation of IV nimodipine was associated with a > 10% SBP drop in 30% (81/271) of patients, with a maximum effect after 15 min. A start or increase in noradrenaline was necessary in 136/271 (50%) patients, and colloids were administered in 25/271 (9%) patients within 1 h after IV nimodipine initiation. SBP drops > 10% occurred after 53/601 (9%) PO nimodipine intakes, with a maximum effect after 30-45 min in 28/49 (57%) patients. Noradrenaline application was uncommon (3% before and 4% after nimodipine PO intake). Hypotensive episodes to an SBP < 90 mm Hg were not observed after IV or PO nimodipine application. In multivariable analysis, only a higher SBP at baseline was associated with a > 10% drop in SBP after IV (p < 0.001) or PO (p = 0.001) nimodipine application, after adjusting for the Hunt & Hess score on admission, age, sex, mechanical ventilation, days after intensive care unit admission, and delayed cerebral ischemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant drops in SBP occur in one third of patients after the start of IV nimodipine and after every tenth PO intake. Early recognition and counteracting with vasopressors or fluids seems necessary to prevent hypotensive episodes.