Clinical Outcomes Of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Research Articles

Characteristics of Intracerebral Hemorrhage at Dr. Kariadi General Hospital: A Serial Case

Background: Stroke is an acute neurological deficit caused by sudden or rapid disruption of blood circulation to the brain. Intracerebral hemorrhage is the subtype of stroke with the highest mortality and disability rate. Several risk factors may be related to the clinical outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage. Herewith we present a case series regarding the characteristics of intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods: A case series among three intracerebral hemorrhage cases in January - February 2024 at Dr. Kariadi Hospital. Epidemiological, and clinical data were recorded and reported. Case Presentations: Three cases were studied, the main complaint of the patient was decreased consciousness. These patients had different risk factors for stroke. According to the Siriraj score, NIHSS score, and neuroimaging findings, these patients had hemorrhagic strokes with different brain lesions. Two-thirds of the patients had uncontrolled hypertension and one patient was accompanied by uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Overall, all patients were >45 years old and the risk factors of these patients were modified risk factors that is uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes mellitus over a long period resulting in ganglionic hemorrhage.

Added Value of Frequency of Imaging Markers for Prediction of Outcome After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Secondary Analysis of Existing Data.

Frequency of imaging markers (FIM) has been identified as an independent predictor of hematoma expansion in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but its impact on clinical outcome of ICH is yet to be determined. The aim of the present study was to investigate this association. This study was a secondary analysis of our prior research. The data for this study were derived from six retrospective cohorts of ICH from January 2018 to August 2022. All consecutive study participants were examined within 6 h of stroke onset on neuroimaging. FIM was defined as the ratio of the number of imaging markers on noncontrast head tomography (i.e., hypodensities, blend sign, and island sign) to onset-to-neuroimaging time. The primary poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3-6 at 3 months. A total of 1253 patients with ICH were included for final analysis. Among those with available follow-up results, 713 (56.90%) exhibited a poor neurologic outcome at 3 months. In a univariate analysis, FIM was associated with poor prognosis (odds ratio 4.36; 95% confidence interval 3.31-5.74; p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, systolic blood pressure, hematoma volume, and intraventricular hemorrhage, FIM was still an independent predictor of worse prognosis (odds ratio 3.26; 95% confidence interval 2.37-4.48; p < 0.001). Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, a cutoff value of 0.28 for FIM was associated with 0.69 sensitivity, 0.66 specificity, 0.73 positive predictive value, 0.62 negative predictive value, and 0.71 area under the curve for the diagnosis of poor outcome. The metric of FIM is associated with 3-month poor outcome after ICH. The novel indicator that helps identify patients who are likely within the 6-h time window at risk for worse outcome would be a valuable addition to the clinical management of ICH.

Abstract TP165: Functional Outcomes at Discharge After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Young Adults: Comparison by Sex and Pregnancy Status

Introduction: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. While sex differences exist in clinical outcomes of ICH in young adults, it is not known if outcomes differ between pregnancy-associated ICH (PICH) and non-pregnancy-associated ICH (NPICH). Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 134 adults, aged 18-44 years, admitted to an urban academic medical center with non-traumatic acute ICH between 01/01/2012-12/31/2021. Participants were identified using an internally maintained stroke registry as well as data collected from the ICHOP (Intracerebral Hemorrhage Outcomes Project) study. We compared ICH outcomes between three exposure groups: PICH, NPICH in females, and NPICH in males. PICH was defined as ICH occurring during pregnancy or within 3 months postpartum. The primary outcome was mRS at discharge, with good outcome defined as mRS 0-2 and bad outcome as mRS 3-6. We used logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) for the association of exposure group status with bad outcome, with non-pregnant females as the reference group. Results: Characteristics of the study population are detailed in the Table. Individuals with PICH had a lower proportion of chronic hypertension (p&lt;0.0001) and smoking (p=0.02). Adjusting for age, hematoma volume, and ICH location, functional outcomes at discharge did not differ between groups (Figure). Conclusions: Functional outcomes at discharge after ICH were similar in young adults, regardless of sex or pregnancy status, despite a lower prevalence of vascular risk factors in patients with pregnancy-associated ICH.

Relationship between prior statin therapy and radiological features and clinical outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage

ObjectivesA post-hoc analysis of the ICH Deferoxamine (i-DEF) trial was performed to examine any associations pre-ICH statin use may have with ICH volume, PHE volume, and clinical outcomes. Materials and methodsBaseline characteristics were assessed. Various ICH and PHE parameters were measured via a quantitative, semi-automated method at baseline and follow-up CT scans 72–96 h later. A multivariable logistic regression model was created, adjusting for the variables that were significantly different on univariable analyses (p < 0.05), to assess any associations between pre-ICH statin use and measures of ICH and PHE, as well as good clinical outcome (mRS ≤2), at 90 and 180 days. Results262 of 291 i-DEF participants had complete data available for analysis. 69 (26.3 %) used statins prior to ICH onset. Pre-ICH statin users had higher prevalences of hypertension, diabetes, and prior ischemic stroke; higher concomitant use of antihypertensives and antiplatelets; and higher blood glucose level at baseline. On univariable analyses, pre-ICH statin users had smaller baseline ICH volume and PHE volume on repeat scan, as well as smaller changes in relative PHE (rPHE) volume and edema extension distance (EED) between the baseline and repeat scans. In the multivariable analysis, none of the ICH and PHE measures or good clinical outcome was significantly associated with pre-ICH statin use. ConclusionPre-ICH statin use was not associated with measures of ICH or PHE, their growth, or clinical outcomes. These findings do not lend support to either overall protective or deleterious effects from statin use before or after ICH.

Potential of Satellite Sign for Prediction of Hematoma Expansion in Small Spontaneous Hematoma within 7 Days' Follow-Up.

Background Hematoma expansion (HE) is the most important modifiable predictor that can change the clinical outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. The study aimed to investigate the potential of satellite sign for prediction of HE in spontaneous ICH patients who had follow-up non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) within 7 days after the initial CT scan. Methods We retrospectively reviewed data and NCCT from 142 ICH patients who were treated at our hospital at Bangkok, Thailand. All included patients were treated conservatively, had baseline NCCT within 12 hours after symptom onset, and had follow-up NCCT within 168 hours after baseline NCCT. HE was initially estimated by two radiologists, and then by image analysis software. Association between satellite sign and HE was evaluated. Results HE occurred in 45 patients (31.7%). Patients with HE had significantly higher activated partial thromboplastin time ( p = 0.001) and baseline hematoma volume ( p = 0.001). The prevalence of satellite sign was 43.7%, and it was significantly independently associated with HE ( p = 0.021). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of satellite sign for predicting HE was 57.8, 62.9, and 61.3%, respectively. From image analysis software, the cutoff of greater than 9% relative growth in hematoma volume on follow-up NCCT had the highest association with satellite sign ( p = 0.024), with a sensitivity of 55%, specificity of 64.6%, and accuracy of 60.5%. Conclusion Satellite sign, a new NCCT predictor, was found to be significantly associated with HE in Thai population. With different context of Thai population, HE was found in smaller baseline hematoma volume. Satellite sign was found more common in lobar hematoma. Further studies to validate satellite sign for predicting HE and to identify an optimal cutoff in Thai population that is correlated with clinical outcomes are warranted.

Stress hyperglycemia is predictive of clinical outcomes in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

BackgroundStress hyperglycemia is a common condition in patients suffering from critical illness such as spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Our study aimed to use glucose-to-glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ratio to investigate the impact of stress hyperglycemia on clinical outcomes in patients with ICH.MethodsA sample of eligible 586 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage from a multicenter, hospital-based cohort between 2014 and 2016 were recruited in our study. Stress hyperglycemia was evaluated by the index of the glucose-to-HbA1c ratio that was calculated by fasting blood glucose (mmol/L) divided by HbA1c (%). Patients were divided into two groups based on the median of the glucose-to-HbA1c ratio. The main outcomes were poor functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score of 3–6) at discharge and 90 days. Multivariable logistic regression and stratified analyses were performed to explore the association of stress hyperglycemia with poor prognosis of ICH.ResultsOn multivariable analysis, higher glucose-to-HbA1c ratio (≥1.02) was independently correlated with poor functional outcomes at discharge (adjusted OR = 3.52, 95%CI: 1.98–6.23) and 90 days (adjusted OR = 2.27, 95%CI: 1.38–3.73) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. The correlation between glucose-to-HbA1c ratio and worse functional outcomes still retained in patients with or without diabetes mellitus.ConclusionsStress hyperglycemia, calculated by glucose-to-HbA1c ratio, was independently correlated with worse functional outcomes at discharge and 90 days in patients with ICH. Moreover, glucose-to-HbA1c ratio, might not only be used as a simple and readily available index to predict clinical outcomes of ICH but also provide meaningful insight into future analysis to investigate the optimal range of glucose levels among ICH patients and develop tailored glucose-lowering strategies.

Abstract P411: Prevalence, Characteristics and Outcomes of Undetermined Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: We sought to determine the prevalence, radiological characteristics, and clinical outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) of undetermined etiology. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with spontaneous ICH was conducted to assess the prevalence and clinical-radiological characteristics of undetermined ICH. Additionally, we assessed the rates for ICH secondary to hypertensive arteriopathy (HTN-A) and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Subgroup analyses were performed based on the use of a) etiology-oriented ICH classification, b) detailed neuroimaging, and c) Boston criteria among CAA-ICH. Results: 24 studies were included (n=15,828; mean age: 64.8 years, males: 60.8%). The pooled prevalence of HTN-A ICH, undetermined ICH and CAA-ICH were 50% (95%CI: 43-58%), 18% (95%CI: 13-23%), and 12% (95%CI: 7-17%; p&lt;0.001 between subgroups). The volume of ICH was largest in CAA-ICH 24.7mL (95%CI: 19.7-29.8mL), followed by HTN-A ICH 16.2mL (95%CI: 10.9-21.5mL) and undetermined ICH 15.4mL (95%CI: 6.2-24.5mL). Among patients with undetermined ICH, the rates of short-term mortality and intraventricular hemorrhage were 33% (95%CI: 25-42%) and 38% (95%CI: 28-48%), respectively. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a higher rate of undetermined ICH among studies that did not use an etiology-oriented classification (22%; 95%CI: 15-29%). No difference was observed between studies based on the completion of detailed neuroimaging to assess the rates of undetermined ICH (p=0.62). Conclusions: The etiology of spontaneous ICH remains undetermined among one in five patients in studies using etiology-oriented classification and among one in four patients in studies that avoid using etiology-oriented classification. The short-term mortality in undetermined ICH is high despite the relatively small ICH volume. Our findings suggest the use of etiology-oriented classification to approach ICH patients (Figure).

Serum netrin-1 concentrations are associated with clinical outcome in acute intracerebral hemorrhage

BackgroundNetrin-1 is an axon guidance protein, which can inhibit inflammatory reaction and stabilize the blood-brain barrier to protect against experimental brain injury. We evaluated the concentration of netrin-1 in acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients and explored whether netrin-1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for ICH. MethodsThis study recruited a total of 126 ICH patients and 126 healthy controls. Netrin-1 concentration was determined using a commercially available human enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay kit. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and hematoma volume were used to assess hemorrhagic severity. An unfavorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale >2 at 90 days. ResultsICH patients showed significantly lower serum netrin-1 concentrations than controls. Serum netrin-1 concentrations were strongly and inversely correlated with serum C-reactive protein concentrations, NIHSS score and hematoma volume. Multivariate analyses revealed that low netrin-1 concentration was associated with 90-day death, unfavorable outcome and overall survival after adjustment for other confounding variables. Under the receiver operating characteristic curve, serum netrin-1 remarkably discriminated patients at risk of 90-day death and unfavorable outcome. ConclusionsSerum netrin-1 concentrations are decreased in patients with ICH, and the concentrations of netrin-1 were intimately associated with inflammation, hemorrhagic severity and clinical outcome of ICH.

Hyperige between allergy and immune deficiency

Netrin-1 is an axon guidance protein, which can inhibit inflammatory reaction and stabilize the blood-brain barrier to protect against experimental brain injury. We evaluated the concentration of netrin-1 in acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients and explored whether netrin-1 is a potential prognostic biomarker for ICH.This study recruited a total of 126 ICH patients and 126 healthy controls. Netrin-1 concentration was determined using a commercially available human enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay kit. National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and hematoma volume were used to assess hemorrhagic severity. An unfavorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale >2 at 90 days.ICH patients showed significantly lower serum netrin-1 concentrations than controls. Serum netrin-1 concentrations were strongly and inversely correlated with serum C-reactive protein concentrations, NIHSS score and hematoma volume. Multivariate analyses revealed that low netrin-1 concentration was associated with 90-day death, unfavorable outcome and overall survival after adjustment for other confounding variables. Under the receiver operating characteristic curve, serum netrin-1 remarkably discriminated patients at risk of 90-day death and unfavorable outcome.Serum netrin-1 concentrations are decreased in patients with ICH, and the concentrations of netrin-1 were intimately associated with inflammation, hemorrhagic severity and clinical outcome of ICH.

Impact of Platelet Transfusion on Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Patients on Antiplatelet Therapy-An Analysis Based on Intracerebral Hemorrhage Score.

Platelet transfusions for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) on antiplatelet therapy (APT) remain controversial. Diverging past research and differences in platelet preparation warrant further investigation of this topic. In this study, the association between platelet transfusion and clinical outcomes of ICH is investigated in patients matched by ICH score, a validated predictor of mortality. A consecutive review of all patients from 2012 to 2015 with nontraumatic ICH was performed. Risk factors including demographics, medical comorbidities, APT use, and ICH score were reviewed. Standardized differences were used to assess baseline characteristics; logistic regression models were performed to determine whether platelet transfusions were associated with adverse outcomes, both before and after matching for ICH score. A total of 538 patients with nontraumatic ICH were investigated. Of these, 168 were on APT; 71 were excluded. Thirty-nine patients (40%) received platelet transfusions and 58 (60%) did not. An overall mortality of 9.3% was measured, with 29.9% of patients enduring complications. In the unmatched cohort, patients who received platelet transfusions were more likely to deteriorate (odds ratio [OR], 4.7), undergo surgical intervention during their hospital stay (OR, 7.2), be discharged with a worse modified Rankin Scale score (OR, 3.6), or die (OR, 6.1). After matching by ICH score, platelet transfusion was not a significant predictor for any negative outcome. This is the first analysis of platelet transfusions in patients with ICH based on ICH score. For patients on APT, platelet transfusion is not associated with clinical outcomes in an ICH score-matched sample.

Abstract WP347: Early Achievement of Blood Pressure Lowering on Hematoma Growth in Hyperacute Intracerebral Hemorrhage: the SAMURAI-ICH Study

Background: Little has been investigated about associations between timing of blood pressure lowering and clinical outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods: The Stroke Acute Management with Urgent Risk-factor Assessment and Improvement (SAMURAI)-ICH Study is a multicenter, prospective, observational study investigating the safety and feasibility of early (within 3 hours from symptom onset) systolic blood pressure (SBP) reduction to less than 160 mmHg with intravenous nicardipine for acute hypertension in patients with spontaneous ICH. We retrospectively examined the relationship between time from onset, CT imaging, and initiation of antihypertensive treatment to target SBP achievement and hematoma growth in ICH patients. Hematoma growth was defined as an absolute growth of ≥ 6 ml from baseline to second imaging at 24 (±6) hours after the initiation of antihypertensive treatment. Results: Among 211 patients (81 women (38.4%), mean age 66 years), mean baseline hematoma volume was 13 ml and hematoma growth was seen in 36 (17.1%) patients. Time from image to target SBP and time from treatment to target SBP were significantly shorter in patients without hematoma growth than those with ( P = 0.043 and P = 0.032, respectively), whereas there was not significant difference in time from onset to target SBP between the two groups ( P = 0.177). Lower quartiles of time from image to target SBP and time from treatment to target SBP had lower incidences of hematoma growth (P trend = 0.023 and 0.037, respectively, Cochran-Armitage test), whereas there was not significant trend in time from onset to target SBP ( P = 0.074). The lowest quartile of time from image to target SBP was negatively associated with hematoma growth on multivariate logistic regression (odds ratio 0.182, 95% confidential interval 0.038-0.867, P = 0.032). Conclusions: Early achievement to target SBP &lt;160 mmHg was negatively associated with hematoma growth in ICH patients.

The potential role of vascular endothelial growth factor as a new biomarker in severe intracerebral hemorrhage.

We studied the association between high serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and clinical outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients. Patients were divided into group A (<20mL), group B (20-30mL), and group C (>30mL) based on the bleeding amount. ICH patients were also categorized into the mild group, moderate group (16-30), and severe group (31-45) based on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). The serum levels of VEGF in acute ICH patients detected at 24, 48, and 72hours were obtained using ELISA kit, and then compared with control group. Main clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Rankin scale at 90days. The serum levels of VEGF were significantly higher than those in the control group. The serum levels of VEGF in group C were specifically higher compared with those in other two groups. The severe group exhibited higher levels of VEGF than the other two groups. NIHSS scores in patients with good outcomes were lower than those with poor outcomes. Besides, VEGF levels in patients with good outcomes were much higher than those in patients with poor outcomes. ROC results indicated that the optimal cut-off value of VEGF at 72hours for predicting good outcomes was 111.17pg/mL with 91.5 sensitivity, 98.7 specificity, and an AUC of 0.952 Our results showed that higher serum levels of VEGF were associated with process of ICH. VEGF could be a new marker in ICH for severity.

High Morphologic Plasticity of Microglia/Macrophages Following Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Rats.

As current efforts have limited effects on the clinical outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the mechanisms including microglia/macrophages that involved inflammation need further investigation. Here, 0.4 units of collagenase VII were injected into the left caudate putamen (CPu) to duplicate ICH rat models. In the brains of ICH rats, microglia/macrophages, the nearest cells to the hemorrhagic center, were observed as ameboid and Prussian-blue positive. Furthermore, the ameboid microglia/macrophages were differentiation (CD) 68 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) positive, and neither CD206 nor chitinase3-like 3 (Ym1) positive, suggesting their strong abilities of phagocytosis and secretion of IL-1β. According to the distance to the hemorrhagic center, we selected four areas—I, II, III, and IV—to analyze the morphology of microglia/macrophages. The processes decreased successively from region I to region IV. Microglia/macrophages in region IV had no processes. The processes in region I were radially distributed, however, they showed obvious directivity towards the hemorrhagic center in regions II and III. Region III had the largest density of compactly arrayed microglia/macrophages. All these in vivo results present the high morphologic plasticity of microglia/macrophages and their functions in the pathogenesis of ICHs.

Selective Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor 1 Modulation Attenuates Experimental Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Preclinical studies and a proof-of-concept clinical study have shown that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulator, fingolimod, improves the clinical outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the specific subtype of the S1PRs through which immune modulation provides protection in ICH remains unclear. In addition, fingolimod-induced adverse effects could limit its use in patients with stroke because of interactions with other S1PR subtypes, particularly with S1PR3. RP101075 is a selective S1PR1 agonist with superior cardiovascular safety profile. In this study, we investigated the impact of RP101075 treatment in a mouse model of ICH. ICH was induced by injection of autologous blood in 294 male C57BL/6J and Rag2(-/-) mice. ICH mice randomly received vehicle, RP101075, or RP101075 plus S1PR1 antagonist W146 by daily oral gavage for three consecutive days, starting from 30 minutes after surgery. Neurodeficits, brain edema, brain infiltration of immune cells, blood-brain barrier integrity, and cell death were assessed after ICH. RP101075 significantly attenuated neurological deficits and reduced brain edema in ICH mice. W146 blocked the effects of RP101075 on neurodeficits and brain edema. RP101075 reduced the counts of brain-infiltrating lymphocytes, neutrophils, and microglia, as well as cytokine expression after ICH. Enhanced blood-brain barrier integrity and alleviated neuronal death were also seen in ICH mice after RP101075 treatment. S1PR1 modulation via RP101075 provides protection in experimental ICH. Together with the advantageous pharmacological features of RP101075, these results warrant further investigations of its mechanisms of action and translational values in ICH patients.

Serbia

Hemorrhage volume, level of consciousness and ventricular extension and expansion of the hematoma are prognostic factors for clinical outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Volumetric measurement of ICH has an important clinical and prognostic meaning. The aim of this study was to compare the methods which are being used to measure ICH volume: the ABC/2 method and semiautomated method with computer volumetric program. Our study represents a retrospective analisys of 54 patients (61.11% male and 38.89% female patients with mean age 67.20±10.30 years) who underwent computed tomography (CT) scan of endocranium. Volumetric measurements were performed by ABC/2 method and computer semiautomated method with volumetric program on Аdvantage Windows 3D Workstation 4.1. Mean value and standard deviation obtained by ABC/2 method were 41.98±35.47, while mean value and standard deviation obtained by computer semiautomated method with volumetric program were 52.12±45.61. There is a statistically significant difference between the values obtained by these two methods (p=0.03). The absolute difference was 10.14 cm. The values acquired by computer method were by 19.46% higher than those acquired by formula. There is a statstically strong positive correlation between these two methods (r=0.852, p<0.05). Both methods are very useful in determining ICH volume. Our results show that values obtained by computer semiauthomatic method were by 19.46% higher than those obtained by the elliptic equation. Elliptic equation-ABC/2 method is better for measuring regular ICH shapes and fast orientation, while semiautomated computer method is more accurate and more selective. Acta Medica Medianae 2015;54(3):34-38.

Serum YKL-40 levels as a prognostic factor in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum YKL-40 concentrations and 3-month clinical outcomes in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage. Design and methodsIn 172 consecutive patients and 172 sex- and age-matched healthy controls, serum YKL-40 concentrations were measured with an enzyme-linked immunoassay. The prognostic value of YKL-40 concentrations for 3-month mortality and functional outcome was assessed. An unfavorable outcome was defined as a score above 2 on the modified Rankin Scale. ResultsSerum concentrations of YKL-40 were markedly higher in all patients than in healthy controls, and were correlated positively with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores and plasma C-reactive protein levels. YKL-40 was identified as an independent predictor of 3-month mortality and unfavorable outcome and its area under receiver operating characteristic curve was similar to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scores. However, it did not improve the prognostic predictive performance of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score. ConclusionsYKL-40 is associated with inflammation and severity of intracerebral hemorrhage, and may independently predict long-term clinical outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Plasma visfatin, a possible prognostic marker in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

Visfatin is linked to inflammation and associated with clinical outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage. This study was designed to investigate whether visfatin might serve as a marker of severity and prognosis in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. In this study, plasma visfatin levels of 172 consecutive patients and 172 sex and age-matched healthy subjects were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The recorded clinical outcomes included in-hospital mortality and 6-month mortality and unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1–3). Plasma visfatin level was substantially higher in patients than in healthy controls (92.1±20.5ng/mL vs. 12.4±3.2ng/mL; P<0.001), was significantly associated with the World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) score (r=0.569, P<0.001) and Fisher score (r=0.657, P<0.001), was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR), 1.378; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.036–1.866; P=0.002] and 6-month mortality (OR, 1.261; 95% CI, 1.018–1.745; P=0.004) and unfavorable outcome (OR, 1.207; 95% CI, 1.012–1.682; P=0.008) in multivariate logistic regression analysis and had high predictive value for in-hospital mortality [area under curve (AUC), 0.849; 95% CI, 0.787–0.899; P<0.001] and 6-month mortality (AUC, 0.868; 95% CI, 0.808–0.915; P<0.001) and unfavorable outcome (AUC, 0.859; 95% CI, 0.797–0.907; P<0.001) using receiver operating characteristic curves. AUCs of visfatin were similar to those of WFNS score and Fisher score (all P>0.05), but visfatin did not improve the predictive values of WFNS score and Fisher score (all P>0.05). Thus, visfatin may be associated with clinical severity of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and also have prognostic value for clinical outcomes.

Relationship Between Serum Leptin Levels and Clinical Outcomes of Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Circulating leptin is associated with cardiovascular events but the relationship between leptin and the clinical outcomes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear. This study was to investigate the relationship between circulating leptin and the short-term clinical outcomes of ICH. Fifty-seven patients with hypertensive ICH (stroke group), 50 patients with hypertension (hypertension group), and 41 healthy subjects (control group) were recruited to this study. Serum levels of leptin were measured by radioimmunoassay. The serum level of leptin in the stroke group (14.6 ± 3.3 ng/L) was significantly higher than in the hypertension (10.2 ± 2.9 ng/L, P < 0.05) and control group (4.7 ± 3.3 ng/L, P < 0.01). Nine patients (15.8%) in the stroke group died during hospitalization. The mean National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of the surviving patients at admission and before discharge was 16 ± 6 and 9 ± 5, respectively (P < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between the serum leptin level and predischarge NIHSS scores (r = 0.62, P < 0.01). After adjusting age, sex, ICH volume and location, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin levels, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) multivariate analysis showed that a high leptin level (>10 ng/L) was an independent predictor for in hospital mortality (adjusted risk ratio (RR), 3.6; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22–17.62; P = 0.02). In conclusion, serum leptin levels were increased in patients with hypertensive ICH. High leptin levels were associated with a poor functional recovery following ICH.

Effect of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate on Hematoma Enlargement and Clinical Outcome in Patients with Anticoagulant-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Background: The present study was carried out to determine the effect of prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) on hematoma enlargement (HE) and the early clinical outcome of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients on long-term warfarin treatment. Methods: Themedical records and computed tomography (CT) images of 50 consecutive ICH patients on long-term warfarin treatment (35 men, 15 women; 69 ± 12 years old) were reviewed. International normalized ratio (INR) values, frequency of HE and clinical outcome were compared between patients treated with and without PCC. Results: INR values on admission were above 2.0 in 37 patients, of whom 19 were given PCC (PCC group) and 18 were not given PCC (control group). In these 37 patients, the frequency of HE (p = 0.017), the number of patients with a poor clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≧3 at 30 days or at discharge; p = 0.045) and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.042) were significantly higher in the control than in the PCC group. On multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment, PCC administration was independently associated (odds ratio 0.03, 95% confidence interval 0.00–0.63; p = 0.023) with a reduction in poor clinical outcome in ICH patients whose INR values were >2.0 on admission. Conclusions: Immediate INR reversal with PCC may prevent HE and subsequent poor outcome.