Specific causes and predictors of readmissions following acute and chronic subdural hematoma evacuation

Abstract

Patients treated with craniotomy for subdural hematoma (SDH) evacuation have a higher readmission incidence when compared to other neurosurgical patients. Factors predictive of readmission following craniotomy for SDH are incompletely understood. The National Surgical Quality Improvement (NSQIP) database was queried for all patients treated by craniotomy for SDH of any etiology (e.g. acute, chronic, spontaneous, traumatic) during the study period (2012–2014). Patients requiring repeat hospitalization within 30 days of surgery were identified and classified by reason for readmission. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of readmission. 1024 patients met inclusion criteria, among whom 109 (10.6%) were readmitted within 30 days. The most common causes of readmission were recurrent SDH (n = 27; 33.3%), seizure (n = 8; 9.9%), new neurological deficit (n = 6; 7.4%), stroke (n = 6; 7.4%), and altered mental status (AMS) (n = 6; 7.4%). Multivariable modeling identified hypertension requiring medication (OR = 2.78, P = 0.013) and abnormal INR (OR = 2.66, P = 0.035) as significantly associated with readmission following chronic SDH, while postoperative UTI (OR = 3.64, P = 0.01) and stroke (OR = 4.86, P = 0.018) were significant predictors of readmission following acute SDH. Readmission was associated with recurrent hemorrhage after chronic/spontaneous SDH, while seizures, AMS, and neurological deficits drove readmissions after acute/traumatic SDH. Careful management of anticoagulation and antihypertensive medications may be helpful in reducing the risk of readmission following craniotomy for chronic SDH.