Risk factors of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on observational cohort studies

Abstract

Shunt dependent hydrocephalus (SDHC) is a common sequel after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) and factors contributing to the development of SDHC remain obscure. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of SDHC following aSAH. We conducted a systematic review based on the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines. We searched electronic databases including Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane databases from 1980 through August 2019 for studies on the risk factors of SDHC after aSAH. Inclusion criteria were: (1) SAH and hydrocephalus confirmed by CT or magnetic resonance imaging findings; (2) the odds ratios (ORs) or the relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI; or crude data that allowed their calculation) were reported; and (3) languages were restricted to English and Chinese. Two independent authors collected the data including study design, characteristics of patients and potential risk factors. Random-effects models were used to estimate weighted mean differences (WMD), relative risks (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). For analysis with significant heterogeneity, subgroup analyses stratified by study design and geographic area were performed. In all, 37 cohort studies met inclusion criteria. Several factors were associated with SDHC. Infection, acute hydrocephalus, placement of external ventricular drainage, older age, higher Hunt and Hess grade, intraventricular hemorrhage, rebleeding, and mechanical ventilation were associated with greater 2-fold increased risk of SDHC. Vasospasm, female gender, high Fisher grade, preexisting hypertension, aneurysm in posterior location and intracerebral hemorrhage were associated with less than 2-fold increased risk. Treatment modality and diabetes mellitus were not associated with SDHC. SDHC is a multi-factorial disease that is associated with patient and treatment factors. Acknowledgement of these potential factors could help prevent SDHC.