Sex Differences in Perihematomal Edema Volume and Outcome After Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Abstract

Although larger hematoma volume is associated with worse outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the association between perihematomal edema (PHE) volume and outcome remains uncertain, as does the impact of sex on PHE and outcome. Here we aimed to determine whether larger PHE volume is associated with worse outcome and whether PHE volume trajectories differ by sex. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the Factor VIIa for Acute Hemorrhagic Stroke Treatment (FAST) trial, which randomized patients with ICH to receive recombinant activated factor VIIa or placebo. Computerized planimetry calculated PHE and ICH volumes on serial computed tomography (CT) scans (at baseline [within 3h of onset], at 24h, and at 72h). Generalized estimating equations examined interactions between sex, CT time points, and FAST treatment arm on PHE and ICH volumes. Mixed and multivariable logistic models examined associations between sex, PHE, and outcomes. A total of 781 patients with supratentorial ICH (mean age 65years) were included. Compared to women (n = 296), men (n = 485) had similar median ICH (14.9 vs. 13.6mL, p = 0.053) and PHE volumes (11.1 vs. 10.5mL, p = 0.56) at baseline but larger ICH and PHE volumes at 24h (19.0 vs. 14.0mL, p < 0.001; 22.2 vs. 15.7mL, p < 0.001) and 72h (16.0 vs. 11.8mL, p < 0.001; 28.7 vs. 19.9mL, p < 0.001). Men had higher absolute early PHE expansion (p < 0.001) and more hematoma expansion (growth ≥ 33% or 6mL at 24h, 33% vs. 22%, p < 0.001). An interaction between sex and CT time points on PHE volume (p < 0.001), but not on ICH volume, confirmed a steeper PHE trajectory in men. PHE expansion (per 5mL, odds radio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.28), but not sex, was associated with poor outcome. Early PHE expansion and trajectory in men were significantly higher. PHE expansion was associated with poor outcomes independent of sex. Mechanisms leading to sex differences in PHE trajectories merit further investigation.