Study of patient characteristics/profile and factors determining the (immediate) outcome in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aims of the study were to delineate the risk factors, type and location of underlying pathology, outcome and the determinants of outcome in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty consecutive patients with spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage on neuroimaging scan were recruited over a period of 1 year. Risk factors profile, site and type of pathology seen on angiography were assessed in all patients. Patient outcome at the end of hospital stay was assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) and was analysed with respect to demographic factors, premorbid risk factors, initial WFNS scoring, neuroimaging findings and complications during in-hospital stay.

RESULTS

Of the total 40 patients in the study, 43% were males and 57% were females. The mean age in study group was 49.63 yrs (SD 13.12). Fifty percent patients were hypertensive, 22.5% were smokers and alcohol intake was reported by 17.5%. Saccular aneurysms were seen in 80% patients and arteriovenous malformations in 7.5%. Aneurysms were more common in the anterior circulation than in the posterior circulation. Poor outcome was associated with higher age, hyponatremia, higher World Federation of Neurosurgeons (WFNS) grade on admission, presence of vasospasm on angiography, fever any time during the course in hospital and requirement of ventilatory support.

CONCLUSION

Gender, site of aneurysmal bleeding (anterior/posterior circulation) and procedure performed (coiling/clipping) do not influence the immediate outcome of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. Further studies on Indian subset of patients are necessary to determine the patient characteristics and factors influencing the long-term outcome in spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.