Three-month outcome of patients operated for chronic subdural hematoma at four hospitals, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021GC

Abstract

BackgroundChronic subdural hematomas are a relatively common condition defined as an abnormal collection of blood and its break down products in the subdural space, usually accompanied by a history of preceding mild head trauma. Surgical management remains the mainstay of treatment. There are very few studies in Africa and Ethiopia on the area with most being retrospective. ObjectivesTo assess the three-month outcome of patients operated for CSDH at four hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. MethodInstitution-based prospective observational study was conducted among patients operated for symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma on 4 hospitals in Addis Ababa from November 1, 2020, to June 30th, 2021 G.C. ResultOut of 144 patients 56.9% were male, the predominant symptom was headache, 75% of them had trauma history and 46.5 % were within the age group of 55–74 years. On the 3-month follow-up, we had 6 deaths (4.2%); of these, only one died out of hospital. Four patients (2.8%) had GOS-E score of 5&6 and the rest (93.1%) had good recovery with GOS-E of 7 &8. ConclusionHaving low admission markwalder grading, being an alcohol abuser, and having post-operative complications will have an impact on the outcome of patients operated on for CSDH.