Abstract T P340: Delays in Seeking Medical Attention in Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Abstract

Background: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with early neurological deterioration and death. Prior studies showed that delays in seeking medical attention may occur among minorities. In this study we investigated the factors affecting time from symptom onset to ER arrival (TOA) in a race/ethnic enriched population. Methods: Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) is a prospective study of spontaneous ICH. Baseline characteristics, presenting symptoms, first contact (911 vs. ER vs. primary physician), ICH volume, location and intraventricular extension, insurance status, GCS at presentation, and TOA were collected. Data was analyzed using generalized linear models and Spearman’s rank correlations. TOA was natural log transformed and a multivariate model was developed using backward elimination (P-value=0.05). Results: A total of 1158 subjects were enrolled; 28 were excluded due to lack of TOA. Of the 1,030 included 59% were men with 24% whites, 41% blacks, and 35% Hispanics. Mean age was 61±15 years, mean Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at presentation was 12.4±3.7 (median=15), and median TOA was 431 min (interquartile range 106-820). Location of ICH was 56% deep, 28% lobar, 8% cerebellum, and 5% brainstem. Approximately 29% of subjects had no medical insurance, 36% had medicare, 18% medicaid, 36% private insurance, and 1% VA insurance. In univariate analysis women, use of 911, EMS run, different presenting symptoms, lobar and deep location, and low GCS were associated with shorter TOA. In multivariate model only women (p=0.05), GCS (p=0.04), use of 911 (p<0.001), EMS run (p<0.001), and weakness and dysarthria as presenting symptoms remained significant. Ethnicity was not a significant predictor (p=0.79). These variables explain 23.3% of the variation in TOA. Conclusion: Ethnicity and insurance status did not affect time to presentation. Women, use of 911, EMS run, weakness and lower GCS were associated with shorter TOA in ICH. Increased education in target populations with higher incidence of ICH such as minorities on stroke signs/symptoms and use of 911 may expedite access to medical care. Further studies are needed to determine the impact of TOA on outcome.