Predictors of outcome for non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prognosis, neurologic outcome, and predictors of survival in patients with non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

METHODS: We evaluated prospectively a cohort of 96 Saudi adult males and females with stroke during the month of July 2005 at Arar Central Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Out of 103 patients, 96 patients, who were diagnosed as having intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) presenting to the emergency department for initial evaluation, were included, except those with recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage, arteriovenous malformation, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, hemorrhagic infarctions, and patients receiving anticoagulant therapy. No patient underwent any neurosurgical procedure.

RESULTS: The results of 96 patients were analyzed. The mean age at ICH was 67.2 (+/-14.7) years (range, 30-100 years), and mean Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score on admission was 8.42 (+/-1.73) and (range, 4-13). Mean ICH volume on initial CT scan was 10.61 (+/-14.01) ml3 (range, 1-63). Mean pulse pressure on hospital arrival was 81.9 (+/-22.8) mm Hg (range, 70-120 mm Hg). In uni-variate analysis, GCS score (p=0.0005), ICH volume (p=0.001), mass effect (p=0.001), and presence of intraventricular hemorrhage (p=0.0005) were all associated with 30-days mortality, while in multivariable analysis, the most significant independent predictors of 30-day mortality were, GCS score and the intraventricular extension of hemorrhage.

CONCLUSION: This model may aid in making decisions quickly and easily regarding the appropriate level of care for such patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.