Impact of treatment timing on the risk of cerebral infarction in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Cerebral infarction is a major contributor to poor outcome in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Timing of treatment has been discussed as a possible contributor. We aimed to analyze the impact of treatment timing on the risk of cerebral infarction and poor outcome following aSAH.

METHODS

Consecutive aSAH cases treated at our institution between 01/2003 and 06/2016 were included. The cohort was divided into two groups, depending on the treatment during (day 4 - 14 after ictus) or beyond the vasospasm phase. Statistical assessment included a 1:1 propensity-score matching analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis within the whole cohort.

RESULTS

Out of 943 aSAH patients included, 111 individuals underwent treatment in the vasospasm phase. In the propensity-score matching analysis, patients treated during the vasospasm phase were at higher risk of vasospasm requiring intra-arterial spasmolysis (IAS) (p<0.0001), cerebral infarction distal to the treated vessel (p<0.0001), and poor outcome (mRS>2) at 6 months follow-up (p=0.025). In the multivariable analysis, aneurysm treatment in the vasospasm phase was independently associated with higher risk of cerebral vasospasm necessitating IAS (p<0.0001; aOR=3.62), cerebral infarction distal to the treated aneurysm (p=0.01; aOR=2.02) and poor outcome (p=0.03; aOR=2.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data confirm a considerable risk of cerebral infarction and poor outcome in case of aneurysm treatment between day 4 and 14 post-aSAH. A more intense surveillance and prophylactic treatment of cerebral vasospasm might be necessary in case of aneurysm treatment in the "vasospasm phase".